Jamal Lewis was the 3rd of three signings in two days in the week leading up to the 2020/21 season.

That summer in particular was unprecedented for a number of reasons. The country was in the midst of the COVID pandemic, indeed the end of the previous season and the beginning of that campaign were all played behind closed doors and with special testing and protective measures in place for everyone associated with the clubs, broadcasters and other staff. Just as strange perhaps, at least for Newcastle United fans, was the ongoing Saudi led takeover battle with the Premier League which just would not seem to be able to find a resolution.

It was something of a relief for everyone at the club therefore that Jamal was signed by the club just hours after Callum Wilson and Ryan Fraser's signatures had both been secured.

Unlike the other two signings, who you should argue were in their prime but towards the end of their career, Jamal offered huge potential for development whilst also bringing at least some Premier League experience.

Jamal had been a shining light in an otherwise disastrous season for Norwich in the 19/20 season, with the canaries relegated bottom of the table. The young left back had been identified by Liverpool and Leicester before being snapped up by Steve Bruce and Newcastle.

Desperate for a new left back, with loanee Jetro Willems leaving the club after a serious injury and with Paul Dummett's injury nightmares continuing, the Northern Ireland International fit the bill.