Elliot Anderson sends message to Newcastle United fans after making first return to St James' Park

Newcastle United academy product Elliot Anderson made his first return 'home' to St James' Park on Sunday after his hugely controversial summer exit.

Anderson was sold to Nottingham Forest in the summer purely to help Newcastle (and indeed, Forest) comply with PSR and avoid a points deduction. Anderson went to Forest for £35 million, with Greek international goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos coming the other way for £20 million.

Nobody wanted Anderson to leave St James' Park, something which Eddie Howe has spoken about many times, while Anderson himself thought he was about to sign a new deal with the club before being whisked away to Nottingham.

While Anderson has faced his old club before, Sunday was the first time he's returned to St James' Park as an opposition player, where he received a very warm welcome and was applauded by all corners of the ground when he was withdrawn in the second half.

Elliot Anderson received applause from all corners of St James' Park on Sunday

Taking to Instagram after the game, Elliot Anderson made a point of thanking the Geordie faithful for his reception.

"A game of 2 halves at SJP, wanted more! Thank you for the warm reception back in the toon ❤️"

The comments were full of praise for the 22-year-old from both sets of supporters. At least he's in good hands.

Elliot Anderson and Newcastle United feel like they have unfinished business

Elliot Anderson has that feeling about him that he's a player who will return to Newcastle at some point, I don't know what it is, I just don't think the Newcastle chapter of his story is complete.

For now, though, as long as he ends up on the losing side against us, we hope he goes on to have a blinding career.

Until we meet again, Elliot.