LEW CASTLE

Former Chelsea kid Hall is now flying with Magpies

- KEITH WEBSTER

LEWIS HALL was born in Slough and signed his first scholarship with Chelsea in his mid-teens.

In January 2022, at 17, he became the youngest player ever to start an FA Cup tie for the Stamford Bridge club and later that year, made his Premier League debut in a 1-0 defeat against Newcastle.

That was a day of mixed emotions, as he grew up in a Toon-loving household so when Hall (left) was offered a season-long loan to join them a year ago, there was no hesitation.

Three weeks ago he signed permanently for Eddie Howe's side and is itching to get going as a fully-fledged Magpie.

"I'm really happy," said the 19-year-old in Germany at Newcastle's pre-season training camp. "It felt like a long period during the summer before it was officially announced on July 1. As soon as that happened I was relieved.

"With how the season panned out last year, especially towards the back end, I was playing a lot of minutes and I was enjoying it. It's an amazing group of players and staff.

"The whole atmosphere at the club is amazing. It's a club that is on the up.