OFFICIAL: Paul Dummett signs one-year extension with Newcastle United

United just made it official: academy graduate, Newcastle upon Tyne, England, natural has signed a one-year deal with the Magpies to stay in the Black and White Army for at least 12 more months.

This doesn’t come as an out-of-left-field surprise, as Howe had already discussed the possible extension of the long-time Toon defender. It already happened with Fabian Schär a few days ago, so the trio of Dummett/Longstaff/Schar got reduced by one member and it’s now down to just one in terms of pending—but expected—extensions to be signed before the calendar turns to July.

Already 30 years old and about to turn 31 next September, Dummett started his Magpie run all the way back in 2000 when he joined the Toon as a (very) young bloke. Ten years later, Dummett was already kicking the ball around in training sessions with the seniors, and after two years spent in Gateshead and St Mirren on two separate loans, Dummett made his official top debut with Newcastle in the FA Cup. Of course, just months later he graced Premier League pitches appearing in 18 games throughout the 2013-14 campaign.

This has not been that great a year for Dummett in Tyneside, though, as Dummett has played only three games starting two of them, all under the guidance of Magpie Mastermind Eddie How between mid-January and mid-February without losing a single one of those three matches. Uh, oh. Two wins and one draw, was Dummett part of. Not bad.

The Wales international—thanks to his grandfather’s heritage—has done it with the Welsh four times at the U21 level and five times with the senior squad.

On re-signing with Newcastle, as told to NUFC.co.uk, Dummett had something to say.

“This is a hugely exciting time for the football club and the city so I’m delighted to be committing another year here and staying at my boyhood club.”

“I’m immensely proud that next season will be my tenth involved with the first team and I’m really looking forward to being part of what is a big season to come.”

Boss Howe gave the site his two cents on the news, too, praising Dummett.

“Paul is a consummate professional who has given so much to this club and I’m delighted he will be staying with us.

“He is a player and a person I like very much. He leads by example both in the dressing room and on the pitch and I’m pleased to retain someone with his positive influence and defensive capabilities.”

United is expected to sign Matt Targett to a full-time deal for a few years once his current loan deal (sent from Aston Villa) expires by the end of the season. Manquillo—the other viable left-back in the squad—is signed through the summer of 2024. If all three stay in Tyneside come next season, that’d make for a solid rotation featuring a starter and two capable backups, though the consensus feeling is that Newcastle’s new board and coach Howe will work on adding at least one more full/wing-back to cover one or both St James’ Park flanks.

For now, we can say that another Magpie Lifer is staying put. And that is, at least for me, one of the true building blocks of any future success this club aims to achieve. As long as the youth keep reaching the senior squad and there is a steady investment in the academy I, for one, would be very pleased with the Mags.

Howay the Lads!