'Best thing I've done' - Elliot Anderson honest on Newcastle United and reveals blocked transfer
Elliot Anderson reluctantly left Newcastle United to join Nottingham Forest in July 2024.
Elliot Anderson has discussed how Newcastle United stopped him from joining Bristol Rovers on loan for another year.
In January 2022, having found first-team opportunities difficult to come by at St James’ Park, the Whitley Bay native joined the Gas for the rest of the campaign. Former Toon midfielder Joey Barton - who coined the now famous “Geordie Maradona” nickname - fielded him on the left flank.
The move proved a masterstroke, with Anderson scoring seven goals in 21 games to help Rovers secure League Two promotion on the final day. This was his first regular taste of senior football and laid the groundwork for a rise to Premier League and England stardom.
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Elliot Anderson reflects on loan move
Speaking to Nottingham Forest’s matchday programme, Anderson - who bagged a late equaliser against his boyhood club at the weekend - revealed how Newcastle blocked another loan move. The midfielder went on to make 27 appearances - largely as a substitute - across all competitions the following season.
“That first half-season I had a lot of responsibility playing every week and getting used to men’s football really,” Anderson said. “I loved every minute of it and I really wanted to go back there after the loan had ended but Newcastle wouldn’t allow it. I look back on my time there with nothing but fondness.
“I played on the left wing predominantly and a few times I played more centrally. But the majority of the time I was out wide which was something new for me. That was where I made an impact.
“I was stepping out of my comfort zone, not just on the pitch but off it too. I lived by myself for the first time away from home and dealing with that side of things, and then there was the pressure of performing every week which is something I hadn’t really had before. But having that opportunity to go and showcase your abilities is something I think all young players should be trying to do.
“I gained some physicality to play more centrally and that was where I wanted to play from when I was younger. I just found myself on the wing at that stage of my career, but I’ve slowly transitioned more centrally and I see that as my spot on the pitch now.”
Reflecting on Newcastle United exit
Toon chiefs reluctantly sold Anderson for de facto £15million to avoid a potential points deduction in July 2024. Given his ensuing meteoric rise, this has proven to be a bitter pill for supporters to swallow.
Anderson - who will likely start for England at the World Cup this summer - netted the equaliser on Sunday to deal Newcastle the biggest reminder yet of their PSR blunder. Reflecting on the situation, the 22-year-old added: “It was stepping outside of my comfort zone again really because I was settled in Newcastle and I was happy but I didn’t have the game time that I wanted.
“I knew I could go into a team so I took the step to come here and of course it’s a huge club. It’s definitely been the best thing I've done in my career and I love it here. I settled very quickly.
“It always helps when you feel settled on the pitch as well, when you’re playing you’re enjoying everything that bit more, so I was really glad to get into the team quite quickly and stay in for the most part since.”
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