Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has been shocked by one of his players, but not because of something they have done on the pitch.

While Eddie Howe watched his players put in a shocking performance against Crystal Palace that felt very out of character, one Newcastle United player has just done something completely outrageous.

Matt Ritchie featured off the bench in the final stages of the 2-0 defeat at Selhurst Park, and the 34-year-old ended up going viral a day later.

But it had nothing to do with his performance against Crystal Palace. Instead, it was because it emerged that the midfielder had secured his HGV licence. Ritchie can now drive heavy goods vehicles, which is incredibly random for a Premier League footballer.

Eddie Howe asked about ‘bizarre’ Matt Ritchie story

It is difficult to believe that Ritchie has been learning to drive HGVs, yet now he has his licence, while Eddie Howe has confirmed the story to be true.

He has been speaking to the media ahead of Newcastle United‘s game against Sheffield United, and was unsurprisingly asked about the story involving Ritchie.

“That’s a bizarre one,” he said.

“That shocked me, and I think I know Matty pretty well. I found out about this, that he was learning to drive heavy goods vehicles, about a week ago.

“It shows his inquisitive nature, and he’s always trying to improve himself. It’s a slightly different thing and it’s a nice story to talk about.”

One reporter then suggested that Ritchie could drive the Newcastle United team bus next season.

Howe replied: “I think he might be a bit expensive for us.”

The reaction to Ritchie acquiring his HGV licence

Howe finds the story bizarre, and that is probably the best way to describe it. I don’t even know where to begin. Is a career change on the cards for the £12million man? Or is he just planning for when he hangs up his boots?

It had previously been reported that Ritchie was studying to be a sporting director, but perhaps driving lorries is now what he wants to do in the future.

It is an astonishing story, and TalkSPORT pundit Alan Brazil is not convinced by Ritchie’s latest decision.

He said on Friday morning: “He wants to be a lorry driver? That’s a boring job, isn’t it? Stuck in traffic, the way our roads are, traffic. Oh dear.”

Immediate future unclear for Newcastle United leader

Whether he becomes a sporting director or a lorry driver, it is unclear what the immediate future holds for Matt Ritchie.

That is because his Newcastle United contract expires this summer, and it remains to be seen if he will be offered an extension. He is a highly respected member of the Toon squad, but it would be a major surprise to see him continue his playing career at St James’ Park into next season.

Ritchie has made 15 appearances this season, but the majority have been out of necessity due to Newcastle’s injury crisis.

Related Topics