'I'll try my best': Banished Newcastle star's four-word vow after successful loan spell

Ryan Fraser spent last season out on loan at Championship side Southampton after being banished to train with the reserves by Eddie Howe.

The Scotland international and the Newcastle United manager had pre-existing beef from their days together at Bournemouth, specifically their last few days together at Bournemouth.

It was such a bit issue that one of Eddie Howe's first tasks as Newcastle manager was to speak on their rift and insist it was all in the past. (via The Shields Gazette)

“I was disappointed for us with the ending at Bournemouth, but I was disappointed for him, too. That's in the past. The future's the future, and I'm delighted to be working with him again.”

Fraser did go on to make several appearances under Howe. In fact, Newcastle fans took great pleasure in seeing the diminutive Scotsman walk out onto the pitch alongside the giant Dan Burn each game.

The Chronicle

Eddie Howe questioned Ryan Fraser's commitment

However, it wasn't long before the bubble burst and soon reports came out that Ryan Fraser had been sent to train with the reserves and that his route to the first team was closed off with Eddie Howe saying in one of his pre-game press conferences that he only has time for players who aren't 'committed' to the club. He never mentioned Fraser specifically, but the timing was all we needed to put the pieces together.

So it was no shock when Fraser was sent out on loan last summer to newly relegated Southampton in a bid to help them return to the Premier League.

Fraser ended up doing well on loan and helped the Saints to achieve their promotion goal via the play-offs.

Fraser is desperate to leave Newcastle this summer

With Southampton a Premier League club once again, it's believed that they will push for the permanent signing of the 30-year-old winger, and it seems he is pretty keen for it to happen too.

When asked by Southampton-based outlet The Daily Echo (via The Chronicle) whether he will be a Southampton player next season, Fraser laughed and said "I'll try my best".

Off you trot then, mate.

Okay, that's not fair, I actually liked Fraser and wanted it to work for him at Newcastle - but it seems like he didn't, so the outcome was inevitable.