Forgotten Scotland star unemployed but he’s already plotting major career change

HE was a big part of Gordon Strachan’s plans as Scotland manager.

But Matt Ritchie’s career as a footballer is into it’s late phase after the 34-year-old was one of a number of Newcastle stars released yesterday.

Ritchie has been a big part of the North East side since joining from Bournemouth in July 2016.

He played a key role as Rafael Benítez’s side won the 2016/17 Championship title then became an established Premier League star.

He’s made no fewer than 215 appearances during that eight-year spell at Tyneside, scoring 25 goals.

He unofficially retired from international football in November 2018 but continued to feature for Newcastle United at the highest level.

The last of which was a vital injury-time equaliser against his former club Bournemouth in February 2024.

But first team appearances have been less frequent this season – with the midfielder started one game all season long and 16 substitute appearances.

Who knows exactly what his immediate future holds.

But with a view to his contract ticking down he went about obtaining his LGV (Long Goods Vehicle) licence.

Nowadays the terms HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) and LGV are used interchangeably.

HGV is an older term whereas LGV is a newer EU term.

Ritchie could therefore by heading for a new career as a lorry driver – or as some fans reckon, the new Newcastle team bus driver.

He said: “Well done Matt Richie, just passed his test with Tyne and Wear LGV. Get in lad.”

One fan said: “New contract for Ritchie as team bus driver.”

Another Magpie wrote: “Driving the team bus when he retires as he’s such a good character round the lads and youth set up.”

Another replied: “When they said Ritchie might get a job as a coach I didn’t think they meant driver.”

Another supporter joked: “When he got told to park the bus he took it literally, fair play.”

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