Ryan Fraser joined Newcastle United in the summer of 2020. A COVID hit window saw United do some unexpected business following the collapse of the Saudi led takeover with Fraser joining fellow ex Bournemouth player Callum Wilson at the club, both joining the same day.

Fraser would add much needed attacking flair in support of Wilson and along side Miggy Almiron and the enigmatic Saint-Maximin under Steve Bruce.

For many time will not reflect too kindly on Ryan during his time at Newcastle, which is perhaps a little unfair. This is because he became nothing more than a bit part player during the end of his time at the club, indeed he was totally marginalised by then manager Eddie Howe before eventually leaving for Southampton.

It's easy to forget then that when the Saudi takeover of Newcastle United did happen in the 21/22 season United were in big trouble. Bruce would quickly exit stage left and the Magpies would find themself bottom of the league for a short while. Eddie Howe would need to pull on all the git and guile he could find in the squad and Ryan would be central to much that was good that season, starting 20 times and coming off the bench a further 9 times. Newcastle would finish 11th that season.

But as the squad was strengthened, eventually bringing in the like of Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon, his days were numbered. It would seem there would be something of a disagreement between the playing and coaching staff too, with Ryan being taken out of the first team set up completely by the end.

A decent pro. Good enough for a relegation fight. Not for Champions League.

Ryan was also capped 26 times for his country. Scoring 4 times.