Newcastle United goalkeeper agrees two-year contract as exit confirmed

Jude Smith will join League Two side Carlisle United when his contract at Newcastle United officially expires later this month.

Newcastle confirmed their academy retained list on May 30 with Smith among 13 players let go. The 21-year-old goalkeeper - who joined the Magpies from East Fife in 2022 - didn’t make a first-team appearance but did travel with Eddie Howe’s squad on a few occasions.

The former Celtic youngster has penned a two-year-contract at Carlisle, who are managed by former Newcastle assistant coach Paul Simpson. The move is subject to ratification from the FA and EFL.

“Jude is a goalkeeper we've had our eye on for a while,” said the former Steve McClaren No.2. “He was sought after when he left Scotland as a young lad but Newcastle won the race for him. 

"We've followed his progress since then so we're really pleased to get him in the building now. He's a good addition to the goalkeeping department and I'm quite sure he'll add good competition for Gabe and Harry. 

"We'll have a look at all three of them in pre-season, nobody is guaranteed to play. I'm sure people will look at squad numbers when they come out and make conclusions from those but they've all got to compete in pre-season. 

"They all need to show they deserve to be involved. If it's a case of the two younger ones who aren't playing, there's no point in them both sitting around, they need games to develop so we'll look at that and assess it as we're going along. They're all coming in to show us they want to work hard and do everything they can to be involved in the group." 

On leaving Newcastle, Smith said: “Big thanks to all the @nufc staff and my teammates over the last 2 years, been full of ups and downs and made memories to last a lifetime been a pleasure. Howay the lads ⚫️⚪️.”