‘Never a dull day’ – Steve Bruce on new contracts for Newcastle stars Jonjo Shelvey and Matt Ritchie
Steve Bruce says there is ‘never a dull day’ as Jonjo Shelvey and Matt Ritchie signed new long-term contracts with Newcastle.
The pair, who both joined the club in 2016, have signed deals until 2023.
And Magpies boss Bruce was delighted with the news.
He told : "They've been very, very good for Newcastle over the last few years and I've been lucky enough to inherit the two of them, so thankfully there's been a really good conclusion.
"They've both been here about four years now and a big make-up of the team has been those two.
“We all know what Ritchie's like, the way he is - there's never a dull day - and Jonjo, we all know he's a very, very talented footballer, so I'm delighted that they've committed their future."
Shelvey, who is Newcastle's top scorer in the Premier League with five goals, said: “It feels like a home. The people here, ever since I came to the club, have made me feel so welcome.
“I've had some good times and some bad times here, but it's mainly good and it's just an enjoyable place to come in and work, and the city in general has been really good for me."
Meanwhile Ritchie added: “Since I came to the club, it's been a successful period and one that I want to continue being involved in. Hopefully I can be part of the future.
"When you sign at a club, you want to go there and make an impact and if you can be part of that club moving forward for a long time, it's something that is nice.
“I moved around in my younger years on loan but to come somewhere and get settled and be part of the progress of the football club is great."
Shelvey and Ritchie will be looking to preserve Newcastle’s top-flight status for a third successive season.
The Magpies are five points above the relegation zone with 10 games to go.
Newcastle also have an FA Cup quarter-final tie to look forward to against reigning champions Man City later this month.