Ryan Fraser spent last season on loan at Championship side Southampton after being relegated to train with the reserves by Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe. The Scotland international and Howe had a pre-existing conflict from their time together at Bournemouth, particularly in their final days there.
The rift was significant enough that one of Howe’s initial tasks as Newcastle manager was to address it and assure that the issues were resolved and in the past, according to The Shields Gazette.
“I was disappointed with how things ended at Bournemouth, but I was also disappointed for him. That’s in the past. The future’s the future, and I’m delighted to be working with him again.”
Fraser went on to make several appearances under Howe. Newcastle fans particularly enjoyed seeing the diminutive Scotsman walking onto the pitch alongside the towering Dan Burn each game.
Eddie Howe questioned Ryan Fraser’s commitment to Newcastle United. Reports soon emerged that Fraser had been sent to train with the reserves, effectively closing off his path to the first team. In a pre-game press conference, Howe mentioned that he only had time for players who were fully committed to the club, though he didn’t mention Fraser by name. The timing of his comments made it clear who he was referring to.
As a result, it was unsurprising when Fraser was loaned to newly relegated Southampton last summer to assist in their bid to return to the Premier League. Fraser performed well on loan, helping the Saints achieve their promotion goal via the play-offs.
Ryan Fraser is eager to leave Newcastle this summer. With Southampton back in the Premier League, they are reportedly interested in making Fraser’s move permanent. Fraser himself appears enthusiastic about the possibility.
When asked by Southampton-based outlet The Daily Echo (via The Chronicle) if he will be a Southampton player next season, Fraser laughed and responded, “I’ll try my best.”
Off you trot then, mate.
Alright, maybe that’s a bit harsh. I actually liked Fraser and hoped things would work out for him at Newcastle. Unfortunately, it seems he didn’t share the same enthusiasm, making the outcome somewhat inevitable.
It’s a shame because Fraser had moments of brilliance and potential. But like any relationship, if both sides aren’t fully committed, it’s hard to make it work. His desire to move on and Southampton’s interest in keeping him indicates it might be the best resolution for everyone involved. Sometimes, a fresh start is what’s needed to reignite a player’s career, and Southampton might just be the place where Fraser can thrive again.