Monty the Magpie: Newcastle United’s Famous Mascot
October 13, 2024Anthony Gordon, the dynamic left-winger for Newcastle United, has been making waves since his arrival at St. James’ Park in January 2023. The young Englishman, known for his blistering pace and direct style of play, has quickly become a fan favorite among the Toon Army.
Who is Anthony Gordon?
Gordon, born in Liverpool in 2001, began his professional career with Everton before making the move to Newcastle United for a reported £45 million. The 23-year-old has established himself as a key player in Eddie Howe’s squad, primarily operating on the left wing but also capable of playing across the forward line.
Gordon’s style of play is characterized by his explosive speed, close ball control, and willingness to take on defenders. His ability to stretch defenses and create chances for his teammates has made him an integral part of Newcastle’s attacking setup.
Wor Flags’ Tribute Display
In a recent match against Manchester City, the renowned supporter group Wor Flags paid tribute to Gordon with a stunning visual display. The East Stand at St. James’ Park was adorned with a large surfer flag featuring Gordon’s shirt, flanked by “AG10” in gold foil on either side. The Gallowgate End complemented this with banners reading “Running Down The Wing” and “Makes the Geordies Sing,” a testament to Gordon’s impact on the pitch and in the hearts of fans.
This display came at a crucial time for Gordon, who had been experiencing a rough patch of form. However, the winger responded brilliantly to the show of support, delivering a goal and an impressive performance in Newcastle’s 1-1 draw against the reigning champions. His relentless pressing and attacking threat were instrumental in what many consider Newcastle’s best performance of the season so far.
Contract Talks and Future at Newcastle
The timing of Wor Flags’ display coincides with ongoing contract negotiations between Gordon and the club. Reports suggest that the young star is set to sign a new six-year deal, keeping him at Newcastle until 2030. Notably, the contract is said to include no release clause, demonstrating both the club’s commitment to Gordon and his dedication to the Newcastle project.
This new contract, with a well-deserved wage increase, is a reflection of Gordon’s outstanding contributions last season, where he notched an impressive 11 goals and 10 assists in the Premier League alone.
Gordon’s Emotional Response
The impact of Wor Flags’ gesture was not lost on Gordon. In a post-match interview, he expressed his deep appreciation for the display:
“I don’t think fans will ever quite know what that stuff will mean in terms of, like, I’ve got family in the stadium, of course, watching. I’ve got a little son, so they’re memories that will stay with me forever. So yeah, I don’t think they quite know what it meant to me, but I heard about it yesterday, but I don’t think until I seen it today I knew how I would feel. I was almost crying on the pitch. It was a bit of an adrenaline rush.”
Gordon’s emotional response underscores the strong bond between the player and the Newcastle faithful, a relationship that looks set to flourish in the years to come.
Supporting Wor Flags
The impressive displays orchestrated by Wor Flags play a crucial role in creating the electric atmosphere at St. James’ Park. These visual spectacles not only inspire the players but also unite the fans in their support for the team.
To ensure the continuation of these impactful displays, fans are encouraged to support Wor Flags through various means:
- Financial contributions: Donations help cover the costs of materials and production for the flags and banners. You can donate here!
- Volunteer participation: Fans can offer their time and skills to help create and set up displays.
- Social media engagement: Sharing images and videos of the displays helps spread awareness and appreciation for Wor Flags’ efforts.
- Merchandise purchases: Buying official Wor Flags merchandise provides financial support while allowing fans to show their allegiance.
By supporting Wor Flags, Newcastle United supporters can play a part in maintaining the vibrant visual culture that has become synonymous with matchdays at St. James’ Park. As Anthony Gordon’s reaction demonstrates, these displays have a profound impact on the players and contribute to the unique bond between the team and its supporters.
Return to Goodison Park: Gordon Shines Despite Missed Penalty
On September 5th, 2024, Europe-challenging Newcastle United faced relegation-battling Everton at Goodison Park. This marked Anthony Gordon’s third return to his former home ground, following an emphatic 4-1 win and a 3-0 loss in previous visits.
Despite a hostile atmosphere, Gordon proved to be one of the standout performers on the pitch. He created numerous chances and posed a constant threat throughout the game. The match presented a unique challenge for Gordon, as Newcastle’s injury woes to both strikers Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak forced him to play a dynamic role, alternating between winger and centre forward.
The game’s pivotal moment came when Newcastle was awarded a penalty after Everton’s Tarkowski committed a reckless foul, body-slamming Tonali to the ground off the ball. Gordon, as Newcastle’s designated penalty taker, stepped up to take the spot-kick. However, in a twist of fate, his former teammate and Sunderland fan Jordan Pickford denied Gordon’s attempt, maintaining the deadlock.
Despite Gordon’s impressive overall performance and the missed penalty, the match ended in a 0-0 draw, with both teams sharing the points. This game further highlighted Gordon’s importance to Newcastle as one of the standout players despite the penalty miss, even in challenging circumstances and hostile environments.
FAQs
When does Gordon’s new contract expire?
Anthony Gordon’s new contract is set to expire in 2030. The contract is for 6 years and notably does not include a release clause, demonstrating both Newcastle United’s commitment to the player and Gordon’s long-term dedication to the club.
Where does Anthony Gordon come from?
Anthony Gordon is from Liverpool, England. He was born on February 24, 2001, and came through the youth academy at Everton before joining Newcastle United.
How much did Newcastle pay for Anthony Gordon?
Newcastle United signed Anthony Gordon from Everton in January 2023 for a reported fee of £45 million.
What does AG10 mean?
AG10 is a reference to Anthony Gordon’s initials (AG) and his shirt number (10) at Newcastle United. This combination is often used by fans and in merchandise as a shorthand way to refer to the player.
What position does Anthony Gordon play?
Anthony Gordon primarily plays as a left winger, but he is versatile enough to play across the forward line and right wing. His speed and dribbling skills make him particularly effective in wide attacking positions.
How old is Anthony Gordon?
Anthony Gordon was born on February 24, 2001, making him 23 years old as of 2024.
What are Anthony Gordon’s key strengths as a player?
Gordon’s key strengths include his blistering pace, close ball control, ability to take on defenders, and his work rate both in attack and defence. He’s also known for his crossing ability and improving goal-scoring record.
Has Anthony Gordon played for England?
Yes, Anthony Gordon has represented England at various youth levels. He made his debut for the England U21 team in 2021 and was part of the squad that won the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in 2023.
What was Gordon’s goal and assist tally in 23/24?
In the 2022-2023 season, Anthony Gordon achieved an impressive tally of 11 goals and 10 assists in the Premier League for Newcastle United.
How has Gordon’s form been in the current season?
While Gordon experienced a brief dip in form early in the 2023-2024 season, he has shown resilience and returned to his best, as evidenced by his strong performance against Manchester City where he scored a goal and contributed significantly to Newcastle’s impressive display.