Paul Dummett faced Matt Ritchie twice last term, and believes the Magpies have landed a star player



By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor

Paul Dummett believes Newcastle United have landed a "brilliant" player in Matt Ritchie - and he should know, having gone toe-to-toe with the winger twice last season.

Scotland international Ritchie penned a five-year deal at St. James' Park on Friday, arriving from AFC Bournemouth, for who he had starred in their rise from League One to the top flight.

And Dummett is delighted that he will be teaming up with the 26-year-old now, rather than facing a player who recorded 31 goals and 29 assists for the Cherries in just 142 appearances.

"I was disappointed to lose Andros (Townsend, to Crystal Palace) but I don't think we could have got a better replacement," he said, of Ritchie.

"It's a brilliant signing and the fans will like him because he's an exciting player.

"Matt is a proven Premier League player, he was one of Bournemouth's best last season. In the home game against them I came off injured after half-an-hour, but down at Bournemouth he gave me a very tough game.

"Matt can go down the line or cut inside and is good with both feet. As a defender, you don't know what he is going to do because he's got a bit of everything.

"He's exciting and he scored some good goals for Bournemouth. He's got a powerful free-kick as well and takes good set-pieces, so he will offer a lot to this team.

"For us to sign him - and get him in this early so that we have a full pre-season with him - is brilliant. That can only be positive."

Alongside Ritchie, striker Dwight Gayle and goalkeeper Matz Sels also arrived earlier this week from Crystal Palace and Gent respectively.

And Dummett believes the Magpies' transfer business to date stands them in good stead heading into the new season.

"Dwight has scored goals in the Championship and Premier League, and it's great to have a really good goalscorer come in," he continued.

"With Rob (Elliot) and Tim (Krul) both injured, we needed another keeper and that is what the Club have gone out and done.

"It's three positive signings already and ones that can really take the team forward."