Sunday’s resounding win over Fulham may be the final Newcastle match for Rafa Benitez and Salomon Rondon, with the boss’ contract set to expire and the Venezuelan’s loan deal nearing its end.
Beating the Cottagers 4-0 in their final Premier League home game before re-joining the Championship may also be Isaac Hayden’s last outing as a Magpie, as the defensive midfielder wants to leave Tyneside to be closer to his family.
The 2016 signing from Arsenal had sought to secure a move in last summer’s transfer window following the premature birth of his daughter, but Benitez told the 24-year-old that he would have to remain on Tyneside.
Hayden recently made it clear to club chiefs, however, that there is no excuse not to allow him to leave this year, but it is expected that the board may hold out for close to £20million first.
That has not stopped the former England youth international from sharing what is seemingly a farewell message to the St James’ Park faithful, who chanted “there’s only one Isaac Hayden” as he was substituted on Sunday.
I haven’t been on here since my last tweet, I can’t thank you fans enough for the support you have shown me over the season. I hope I made my mistake up to you guys and whatever the summer brings. It has been a pleasure to play for Newcastle United and for you #NUFC pic.twitter.com/q2ANW7VD9M
— Isaac Hayden (@IsaacHayden65) May 12, 2019
“I haven’t been on here since my last tweet, I can’t thank you fans enough for the support you have shown me over the season,” he wrote. “I hope I made my mistake up to you guys and whatever the summer brings. It has been a pleasure to play for Newcastle United and for you.”
Hayden had not shared anything on his official Twitter account before that post since August 18, 2018, when he apologised for getting sent off in our second game of the campaign away to Cardiff City.
When parts of our Fanbase then saw Hayden’s most recent post, this is how some replied…
Well played Isaac and well said.
— George Caulkin (@GeorgeCaulkin) May 12, 2019
Credit to you for getting your head down and playing the best football you ever have in your career.
Good luck for whatever the future may bring ⚫️⚪️
— GallowgateShots (@GallowgateShots) May 12, 2019
‘This’ is what a proper footballer and a real man looks like. Obviously has a lot going on in his personal life yet there has been no ‘placed’ stories in the press, no huffing on the bench, no tantrums at training. Model pro. Huge success this season. Welcome back any time #nufc
— NUFC.org (@NUFC_org) May 12, 2019
Thank you very much for the last 3 years Isaac, good luck in your next venture.
— Adam. (@AdamNUFC_) May 12, 2019
You’ve been fantastic. Thanks for everything ❤️
— Delphine Fender (@delfender) May 12, 2019
Thank you Isaac! You are a great player & great man! Good luck!????⚫️⚪️
— Evgeny Kolobrodov (@Jason_Mag) May 12, 2019
Your work ethic has been fantastic, no matter what happens, we wish you the best????????❤️
— Rachael (@RachFearon91) May 12, 2019
Focus & determination, you’ve been brilliant in that midfield. I hope you stay, but whatever happens, all the best for the future. Your work with @WEFoodbank has been great too. ????????????
— Paul Usher (@Paul_Usher1) May 12, 2019
All the best and luck in the world Isaac. We appreciate your efforts this season ????⚽️
— ????????All With Smiling Faces???????? (@AWSFpodcast) May 12, 2019
I’ve never turned 180 on a player the way I have with you – incredible turnaround. And I also can’t remember wanting a player to leave who performed so well.
Hope you get everything you want – you’ve earned it.
— David Pick (@davidpick1987) May 12, 2019
You’ve been outstanding for us this season Isaac. Thank you and wishing you and your family the very best for the future x #NUFC ◾◽◾◽
— Proud 2 be a Geordie (@NicolaWintrip) May 12, 2019