East Fife goalkeeper 'buzzing' after signing for Newcastle United

East Fife goalkeeper Jude Smith has expressed his excitement signing for Newcastle United.

The 19-year-old has joined the English Premier League side on a two-year-deal after recently impressing the Magpies on a trial.

Smith made his debut for East Fife at just 18-years-old, making 28 competitive appearances for the Methil club last season.

He has become the club's fourth summer signing at youth level following the arrival of fellow Scot Charlie McArthur, who plays at centre-back, with the other two being Irish defender Alex Murphy from Galway United and English full-back Jordan Hackett from Tottenham Hotspur.

Although Newcastle United gained new owners nearly a year ago and have brought in a number of key signings to strengthen their first team squad, Eddie Howe, the Magpies Head Coach, has also been focusing his attention on signing young players who could become future first team stars.

Talking to Newcastle United's official website nufc.co.uk, Smith said: "I'm buzzing to be signing for Newcastle United.

"After playing in the lower leagues of Scotland, I couldn't be happier with the opportunity to go and play for a club like Newcastle. 

"I was playing part-time at East Fife last season so it's a great opportunity to be full-time with Newcastle.

"It's an unbelievable chance for me to go and develop my career further so it was a no-brainer for me to join.

"Playing for East Fife's first-team was good experience, especially at a young age, and playing mens' football did me the world of good.

"I just want to be playing week in week out, especially as a goalkeeper. 

"It's the next chapter in my life which I'm looking forward to and really hope to kick on."

Jude Smith has joined @NUFC for an undisclosed fee.

Everyone at East Fife would like to thank Jude for his efforts while at the club & wish him good luck at Newcastle.

🔗https://t.co/DvdxIrI0NU pic.twitter.com/r9oSTH0vvQ

— East Fife FC (@EastFifeFC) August 12, 2022

East Fife have confirmed Smith's departure for an undisclosed fee on their Twitter page.

Stevie Crawford, the boss of the League Two side, says although he's disappointed the young goalkeeper is no longer in his team, he has hailed the Smith's move to Newcastle United.

Giving his reaction on the Methil club's website, Crawford said: "Everyone at the club is delighted for Jude to earn a move to one of the biggest clubs in the English Premier League.

"Although we are obviously disappointed to lose him, we also recognise what a great opportunity this is for Jude.

"It reflects well on East Fife and the type of club we are trying to be, giving young players an opportunity to develop, do well for the club and move on to full-time opportunities.

"We wish Jude well and thank him for his service to East Fife."

Lindsay Hamilton, East Fife's goalkeeping coach, has also expressed his praise for Smith on the Methil club's website.

Hamilton said: "Moving from full-time football to part-time can be a culture shock and a big risk for some players but Jude has shown that with hard work and a good work ethic you can make the step back up, which is impressive.

"Jude has surpassed my expectations, not only with the number of games he’s played, but the performances that have accompanied them.

"He was thrown into the deep end a bit with the injury to Scott Gallacher but made the transition to our number one with ease and deserves his move to Newcastle.

"Echoing what Stevie said, we’re disappointed to be losing Jude, but it does show that we’re willing to help players improve where we can and won’t stand in their way if an opportunity like this comes along.

"Jude has been a pleasure to work with over the last year at East Fife and I wish him all the best for the future."

East Fife have wished Smith all the best at Newcastle United.