Matt Ritchie, a stalwart of Newcastle United, is beginning to face the reality that his dream career is coming to an end. The 35-year-old, whose contract with Portsmouth runs until the end of next season, is embracing the idea of reinventing himself. He reflects on nearly two decades as a professional player, acknowledging the need to explore new challenges and opportunities outside of playing. With a desire to evolve and learn, Ritchie is embarking on his next journey by enrolling in the Uefa A licence coaching course, a stepping stone to his potential future in management.
His career, which began at Gosport Borough before moving to higher tiers, has seen him play for several clubs, including a prominent spell at Bournemouth under Eddie Howe. Reflecting on his experiences, Ritchie is particularly appreciative of the leadership and dedication he saw in Howe, whose meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment shaped Ritchie’s development. Howe’s leadership, both at Bournemouth and later at Newcastle, instilled in Ritchie a mindset of constant improvement. His approach to coaching, where no moment is wasted, taught Ritchie the significance of leadership and strategic thinking, which he aims to apply in his future coaching roles.
Ritchie has also reflected on his time at Swindon Town, where he worked under the demanding Paolo Di Canio. The Italian coach’s grueling pre-season training, which included intense double and triple sessions, had a lasting impact on Ritchie. Di Canio’s focus on fitness and nutrition, particularly his emphasis on healthy eating habits, significantly shaped Ritchie’s career. The Italian coach’s rigorous methods pushed Ritchie to be in the best physical shape of his career, and Ritchie credits much of his longevity and success to that period of intense training.
Looking back at his time at Portsmouth, where he returned in recent years, Ritchie admits to never fully overcoming the emotion of playing at Fratton Park during his first spell at the club. He recalls moments of fear and tension as a young player, especially during pivotal matches like a League Cup defeat to Leicester. These experiences, however, shaped him and have now become lessons he hopes to pass on to younger players.
Despite the challenges, Ritchie’s return to Portsmouth as captain brought him full circle. Leading the team to secure their Championship status was a proud moment in his career. It was a testament to his journey from a young boy watching iconic players like Sol Campbell and David James, to becoming a key figure at the club. His return felt like the culmination of a dream, and he was deeply moved by the emotional connection he felt with the club and the fans.
Beyond the pitch, Ritchie’s generosity extended to the club’s women’s team. When he returned to Portsmouth, he donated several pairs of old boots to the newly promoted team, reflecting his desire to give back to the game that has given him so much. The gesture, simple yet meaningful, was a reflection of his gratitude for the opportunities he had in football.
As Ritchie looks towards the future, his commitment to personal growth and learning is evident. Whether it’s pursuing coaching, reflecting on his experiences, or giving back to the game, Ritchie is ready to take the next steps in a career that has spanned the globe and touched the hearts of many.
