{"id":4928,"date":"2024-04-26T16:36:14","date_gmt":"2024-04-26T16:36:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/internationalpulse.net\/?p=4928"},"modified":"2024-04-26T16:36:14","modified_gmt":"2024-04-26T16:36:14","slug":"newcastle-star-has-surprising-career-plans-as-he-passes-lorry-test-football","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/internationalpulse.net\/?p=4928","title":{"rendered":"Newcastle star has surprising career plans as he passes lorry test | Football"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\"Newcastle\n<\/div>

Matt Ritchie and Newcastle boss Eddie Howe (Picture: Getty)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Newcastle\u2019s Matt Ritchie has left many, including his boss Eddie Howe, surprised after it was revealed that he had passed a test to become the driver of a large goods vehicle.<\/p>\n

Ritchie, who has spent eight years at the club since his move from Bournemouth, has been a bit-part player for the Magpies over the past few seasons.<\/p>\n

The Scot scored his first goal since 2020 against his former club Bournemouth in February but faces an uncertain future with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.<\/p>\n

Ritchie, though, may already have a completely different career path lined up altogether after the 34-year-old passed his Category C driving licence, allowing him to legally drive lorries. <\/p>\n

The winger passed the test at the Tyne & Wear\u00a0LGV Driver Training Centre Limited who offered their congratulations on Facebook.<\/p>\n

\u2018Congratulations to Newcastle United player Matt Ritchie on passing his Category C Driving licence today on his 1st attempt. Look forward to seeing you back for your Category C+E,\u2019 the post read.<\/p>\n

The achievement soon went viral on social media, with fans quick to joke about his future career plans. \u2018When they said Ritchie might get a job as a coach I didn\u2019t think they meant driver,\u2019 one joked on X, formerly Twitter.<\/p>\n

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Well done Matt Richie just passed his test with Tyne and Wear Lgv . Get in lad \u00f0\u009f\u0091\u008f\u00f0\u009f\u008f\u00bb\u00f0\u009f\u0091\u008f\u00f0\u009f\u008f\u00bb\u00f0\u009f\u0091\u008f\u00f0\u009f\u008f\u00bb pic.twitter.com\/JwWukXG96s<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 colin smith (@colinsm49915463) April 25, 2024<\/a>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n

Even Howe, who has worked with Ritchie at Bournemouth and now Newcastle, admitted his surprise when he first learnt the news.<\/p>\n

\u2018That\u2019s a bizarre one,\u2019 he said at a press conference on Friday ahead of Saturday\u2019s match against Sheffield United.<\/p>\n

\u2018That shocked me, and I think I know Matty pretty well. I found out about this, that he was learning to drive heavy goods vehicles, about a week ago.<\/p>\n