‘I’ve been through a lot’: Newcastle’s ‘special’ midfielder now reflects on a ‘proud’ night

Captain for the night Sean Longstaff has said he pinches himself every day for being in his privileged position.

The North Shields lad who came through the youth system at Newcastle led his side out as captain against Manchester United on what was his 150th club appearance.

It was a far cry from where he was two years ago as former manager Steve Bruce had left him to rot in the reserves. Longstaff felt his time was up at Newcastle and fell into a depression which he has been very open about since.

Luckily for Longstaff, the PIF-backed takeover of Newcastle United went through at the right time and his main antagonist, Steve Bruce was relieved of his duties and in came Eddie Howe.

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Unlike Bruce, Howe saw the potential in Sean Longstaff and reinstated him to the first team and he has now become a hugely important player. Newcastle plays noticeably worse when Longstaff isn't in the side.

After leading his side to a historical victory, Longstaff spoke to NUFC TV.

“It’s a very special moment. It was my birthday on Monday, 26, I feel like I’ve been through a lot for a 26-year-old, especially here but I’m loving every second of it at the minute. To lead the lads out tonight was something I never thought I’d be able to do and it’s something I’ll look back on really fondly.

“Really proud night for me and my family and I think it makes it even sweeter when you get the result you want as well.”

It's excellent to see Sean Longstaff in such a good place after all the hell he went through before, it's just a shame that his little brother Matty Longstaff couldn't follow in his footsteps after his sensational debut against Manchester United.

Here's to many more nights like last night for the one Newcastle Untied co-owner Mehrdad Ghodoussi called 'special' just a few months ago.