Greg . 2 days ago

EXCLUSIVE: Former Newcastle player Darren Ambrose thinks Isak still has future at club

Former Newcastle United winger Darren Ambrose believes winning over fans will be a tougher task for Alexander Isak than earning the backing of teammates again.

For the moment, Isak remains a Newcastle player after seeing a transfer to Liverpool blocked.

The Swede has been training away from the squad as the controversy has rolled on.

But Ambrose believes those inside the Newcastle dressing room will welcome Isak back should he determine to stay.

He told Tribalfootball.

com: "Fans will definitely accept him back, but if I talk about it being a player, I have to ask: will the players accept him? In my opinion, yes, they will.

I don't think this is going to cause any disturbance in the changing room whatsoever.

"I've been there when players want to leave a football club and that's their personal preference, and if they want to leave, then that's up to them.

So as players, you want the best players in your team - and Isak is one of, if not the best player at Newcastle.

"So yes, it's going to disappoint some of the players, but if he came back fully committed, then he'd of course be accepted in the dressing room.

Fans are maybe a little bit different because that may take a little longer.

"First and foremost, I do hope he does stay with Newcastle, and if he does end up staying - and all this transfer saga gets put to bed - the interesting one will be what 25th of August with Liverpool at home.

That could be intriguing - no matter whether he's at Liverpool or Newcastle.

"But we know what support is like – a couple of goals in the first few games and showing that desire and that commitment to the football club, and then he'll win them back, 100%.

"Strange oneMeanwhile, Ambrose admits he's surprised to see Aaron Ramsdale arrive from Southampton this summer.

It means Newcastle now boast two England goalkeepers in Ramsdale and Nick Pope going into the new campaign.

He continued:  "I think it's a strange judgment.

It's a strange signing for me.

This is nothing against Aaron Ramsdale - I think he's a fantastic goalkeeper.

He's had a great career up to now, of course.

He's had some relegations on his belt, which is not ideal, like last season at Southampton.

"I like Nick Pope.

He may not be able to distribute it as well as Aaron Ramsdale on the floor, but maybe that's what Eddie Howe wants.

I just see this as a sideways transfer, if they're changing Nick Pope for Aaron Ramsdale.

I think they're both talented, I just think there are more positions at Newcastle that need sorting, rather than the goalkeeper situation.

"It was an eyebrow raiser.

He acquired, and I think he's going there to participate for number one.

I don't think he's going there to sit on the bench.

I think he's been told maybe he's going to be starting.

I don’t think he would want to see out his career as a number two at Newcastle - and that may signal the end of Nick Pope at Newcastle.

"Hopefully not because he's been involved in moments like that trophy lift last season.

For them, it was a fantastic achievement.

 Overall, it was an eyebrow-raising judgment but hopefully Ramsdale can have a successful career at Newcastle.

"Darren Ambrose was speaking to Tribalfootball on behalf of Betway