Newcastle United have completed the signing of midfielder Jack Colback



Newcastle United are pleased to confirm the signing of Killingworth-born Jack Colback.

The former Sunderland midfielder, aged 24, was out of contract at the Stadium of Light at the end of last season and has signed a long-term contract at St. James' Park.

Colback joined Sunderland when he was ten-years-old and rose through their youth ranks to make his Black Cats debut on the final day of the 2009/10 season against Wolves.

That followed a successful loan season at Ipswich Town, which included playing twice against United, who romped to the Championship title. At the end of that campaign, Colback was named Players' Player of the Season at Portman Road.

Upon returning to the North-East, he went on to make 115 Barclays Premier League appearances for Sunderland and picked up a runners-up medal in the Wearsiders' 2014 Capital One Cup final defeat to Manchester City.

Left-footed Colback, who was capped once by England at under-20 level in March 2009, said: "I'm absolutely delighted.

"To come to the team I supported as a boy, my hometown team, will be really special for me.

"It was an opportunity I couldn't let slip. If you asked fans around the world the one thing they'd like to do before they die, it would be to play for the team they support and I've got the chance to do that.

"I've only got good things to say about Sunderland. They gave me my chance and I want to thank the fans and the club for all their support.

"I hope they can understand the chance I've had here to move to my boyhood club. Now I can't wait to pull on the black and white shirt at St. James' Park for the first time."

Magpies boss Alan Pardew added: "I'm extremely pleased to have brought Jack to Newcastle United.

"He's a great passer, versatile and rarely gives the ball away. He's also a local lad and knows exactly what playing for this Club means.

"And at 24-years-old, his best years are ahead of him so I think he'll be a big asset to us."

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