In an exclusive interview with The Guardian, Newcastle United defender Lloyd Kelly fondly recalls his deep connection with manager Eddie Howe and expresses his high hopes for his future at the club.
Six years ago, when Eddie Howe was still the manager of Bournemouth, he had the foresight to bring Kelly from Bristol City to the Cherries. This experience not only allowed Kelly to take a solid step forward in professional soccer, but also built up a deep trust and tacit understanding between him and Eddie Howe. Now, the two men have joined forces again at Newcastle to face new challenges together.
"We do feel like there's some unfinished business." Kelly said of his reunion with Eddie Howe. He confessed that both of them share the same goals and vision and they will be working side by side on the same front for the future of Newcastle. On being able to work with Eddie Howe again, Kelly said it was a major factor that attracted him to join Newcastle.
Kelly is full of gratitude when talking about his partnership with Eddie Howe. He recalls, "We had a great relationship at Bournemouth; I could always go to him if I needed anything. The style of soccer he wanted to play was interesting and he was always looking to improve his players." This trust and respect for his coach allowed Kelly to play with more confidence on the pitch.
As Eddie Howe continues to evolve tactically, he has become an advocate of high-pressure pressing tactics. Kelly says that while the coach's philosophy has adapted, the key principles he stands by remain the same. He is trying to understand Eddie Howe's new expectations of him and hopes to play a bigger role in the new system.
Kelly also has a lot of love and anticipation for the city and club of Newcastle. He admits that while some players in the past have compared living here to living in a goldfish bowl, he doesn't shy away from the pressure. On the contrary, he believes his character and personality can handle it all. He is also infected by the warmth of the people here and feels the unique atmosphere and huge influence of the club.
There is determination and gratitude in Kelly's voice as he talks about his upbringing. He grew up in a foster home, an experience that shaped his resilient character and beliefs. He admits that it is these experiences that have made him appreciate the life and opportunities he now has and made him work harder to pursue his dreams.
Looking to the future, Kelly is full of ambition. He hopes to represent England's adult team at international level and aim to qualify for the next World Cup. He knows that the path will not be easy, but he believes that with hard work and perseverance, he will be able to achieve his goals. At the same time, he hopes to be a voice, a role model and an inspiration to children and foster parents who have grown up in the foster care system.
