“They’re just incredible” – Howe picks out rarely-seen duo as his two unsung heroes at NUFC

In his pre-match press conference, Eddie Howe has praised Paul Dummett and Mark Gillespie for being "unsung heroes" in and around the dressing room.

Howe describes both as "incredible guys" who "love their football club", saying both mean a lot to him and the squad despite a real lack of playing time so far this season.

The former Welsh international has only appeared in the EFL cup against Tranmere so far this season, while Gillespie hasn’t even been registered in the 25-man Premier League squad. 

However, this probably explains why Howe was so keen to keep Dummett around the squad, handing him a contract extension just when some wondered if his time on Tyneside would come to an end.

Asked to name his unsung heroes, the boss had this to say on the Geordie duo:

“Whenever you see a squad, the manager will always say there are unsung heroes.

“One who maybe doesn't get the acclaim and the praise nationally or even amongst your own supporters, but you see the value of them behind the scenes. We’ve got a number of those here.

“When I think of Mark Gillespie and Paul Dummett; local lads who have come through and know how much the club means to them. Also how much they mean to us.

“They’re just incredible guys who love their football club and we’re lucky to have them here. I’m picking two, I could probably pick more but they’re the two who spring to mind.”

Almost a year on since taking the job, Howe has built a team of great characters and has ensured that everyone behind the scenes is happy and working hard, even if they’re not featuring regularly in the team. 

The 44-year-old’s man-management has been crucial to our good form and also getting the fans back inside after many felt the club was disconnected to supporters and the city itself.