‘Time has come’ - Newcastle United veteran makes retirement claim in emotional farewell after 24 years

Paul Dummett has vowed to continue playing in an emotional letter to Newcastle United supporters following his exit.

The club announced the defender’s contract will not be renewed next month - marking the end of a 24-year association with the Magpies. Dummett joined Newcastle at age eight and rose through the ranks to amass over 200 appearances for his boyhood club.

But opportunities were limited in recent years due to a string of injuries and the Saudi-backed takeover. Just 12 appearances in the last three seasons means his exit has not come as a surprise to Toon supporters.

The Kenton native was part of Rafa Benitez’s side that secured an instant Premier League return in 2017. Goals against Liverpool and Manchester United will also live long in the memory, with Dummett penning an emotional farewell following two-and-a-half decades at St James’ Park.

“The time has come for me to say goodbye to the club,” an Instagram post read. “I write this message with a heavy heart having been proud to have represented the first team for 12 years, something I never thought in a million years I’d ever achieve. 

“I grew up a Newcastle fan and a season ticket holder, joining the club as an eight-year-old. Leaving at 32, my time at Newcastle is something I could have only dreamed of. (After) 24 years of dedicating my life to playing for Newcastle United, I leave with my head held high and proud of the achievements we’ve had as a team in my time here. 

“Through all the highs and the lows, from winning promotion back to the Premier League after relegation to captaining the team multiple times and being back in the Champions League. Memories for a lifetime.”

Dummett dismissed talk of retirement, however, as he looked forward to the “next chapter” of his career. The defender also hailed Eddie Howe for transforming Newcastle despite struggling for game time following his arrival.

“I’d like to thank all the coaches in the academy who helped start my journey and to the six managers I have worked under at the club who all showed great faith in me during my career,” Dummett added. “There are so many other people I would also like to thank. All the incredible staff I have worked with over the years, all the players I’ve played with and friends I’ve made along the way. 

“A special thank you to my family for their constant support. I couldn’t have done it without you. Eddie Howe has been incredible since he joined in 2021, securing Premier League survival and bringing back Champions League football.

“Although I haven’t played as much as I would’ve liked, what an incredible journey it’s been. Eddie is an amazing leader. His work ethic, honesty and belief has been nothing short of inspiring.I am honoured to have had the opportunity to work under him. And most important of all, I’d like to thank the Newcastle fans for their support.

“I can say with pride that every time I stepped on the pitch in black and white I’ve given it my all. There is no feeling that will, or could ever compare to the roar and passion when walking out into St James’ Park. The best fans in the world. I’m looking forward to becoming a fan again and to the next chapter of my career. Newcastle United will always be my home. I’ll always be… one of your own.”