Richardson and Donaldson offered new contracts

Michael Richardson and Ryan Donaldson, both local Newcastle lads, have been offered new contracts by Newcastle.

The news is on the official Newcastle site, and when their current deals expire at the end of this month, they will staying at their home-town club.

Michael Richardson has done tremendously well since joining Newcastle last August from Walker Central , and the 19 year-old has put in some sterling performances for the Reserve side, usually playing on the left side of midfield.

When Michael originally joined the club, he had been working as an electrician for Newcastle City Council, and he has turned out to be bright spark for Newcastle (apologies for that one).

Donaldson is a former England under-19 and England U17 star, and he has graduated from the Newcastle Academy, and had a very good loan spell at Hartlepool earlier this year, when he made 12 appearances.

Hartlepool United were keen on signing the former St. Cuthbert’s schoolboy full time, but Newcastle have now kept him at his home town club.

Ryan started out as a striker, just like Steven Taylor, and in 15 appearances for the England U17 side he scored an impressive 10 goals, and he has since represented England U19 10 times with one goal.

As reported last week, Aaron Spear has left the club by mutual consent, after failing to impress after Newcastle beat Arsenal to the 15 year old, back in 2008.

Also not receiving new contracts are 20 year-old Irish midfielder Patrick McLaughlin, and defenders Dan Leadbitter and 20 year-old 6’3″ Matthew Grieve.

Their current contracts run our on June 30th.

are these good players to keep/lose?? opinions please