Despite his absence from Newcastle United for several years, midfielder Jeff Hendrick remains a beloved figure among Magpies fans and is still officially associated with St James’ Park. Surprisingly, Hendrick emerged from obscurity during a recent match for Sheffield Wednesday, scoring a crucial goal that could potentially define their season.
Hendrick’s last appearance for Newcastle United dates back to December 2021 when he made a brief cameo in their disastrous 4-0 loss to Manchester City. Subsequently, the 31-year-old embarked on a short loan spell at QPR before spending the entirety of last season at Reading, where the team suffered relegation from the Championship.
During the summer, manager Eddie Howe confirmed that Hendrick did not fit into his plans for the upcoming campaign. In discussing the situation, Howe mentioned conversations held with Hendrick and Isaac Hayden about training separately from the main group, as a means of controlling the number of players he was working with. Howe emphasized the need for a clear break and focused on individuals who would contribute to the season.
Despite Newcastle United’s efforts to secure a permanent deal elsewhere, they failed to find a club willing to sign Hendrick. Consequently, he was once again sent out on loan, this time to Sheffield Wednesday, a newly promoted Championship side. As a result, Hendrick remains a member of the Magpies and is expected to return to St James’ Park at the end of the season. According to Football Manager 24, Newcastle United continues to pay his hefty £50,000 weekly wage.
Throughout this season, Hendrick’s appearances for Sheffield Wednesday have been sporadic, given the struggles faced by the club in the second division. As a result, he hasn’t managed to capture the attention of Newcastle United fans, despite the team experiencing an ongoing injury crisis. However, all of that changed during the recent match against league leaders Leicester City.
In a stunning turn of events, Hendrick delivered a game-changing performance during his substitute appearance, scoring an injury-time equalizer in the 93rd minute. The midfielder’s goal not only salvaged a point for Sheffield Wednesday but also halted their three-match losing streak. Moreover, it provided a morale boost as the formidable Leicester City dropped points for only the fourth time in 18 matches.
Hendrick now hopes that this goal will serve as a catalyst for both his personal form and the fortunes of Sheffield Wednesday. Speaking after joining the club in the summer, the Irishman expressed his excitement about the manager’s philosophy and playing style, confident that it was an excellent decision to join Sheffield Wednesday. With his goal-scoring contribution, Hendrick aims to prove himself further and make a meaningful impact on the season ahead.
