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Matt Ritchie's 10 to tackle: Newcastle, Grant Hanley and Bournemouth discussed

Matt Ritchie

Newcastle winger Matt Ritchie joined the EFL Weekly podcast for '10 to tackle' this week, and revealed Grant Hanley's secret talent.

Ritchie joined Rafael Benitez's side from Bournemouth in a £12m deal over the summer and has quickly settled into life at St James' Park, scoring once and providing three assists in 11 Championship appearances so far.

LISTEN: EFL Weekly
LISTEN: EFL Weekly

EFL Weekly podcast including Matt Ritchie, Neil Warnock, Karl Robinson

The Scotland international discussed Newcastle's hopes for the season, his worst moment in football to date, and Hanley's initiation song...

Which team do you support?

Portsmouth. They are my boyhood club and I look out for their results. They are in my favourites on my Sky Sports Score Centre app! Hopefully they can get promoted too. I've not been to Fratton Park for a long while but I always keep an eye out and I have a few friends there as well.

Where will Newcastle finish in the Sky Bet Championship this season?

The aim is top of the league. Don't get me wrong, it's a tough league and I don't say that lightheartedly. It's going to be a tough, long season but hopefully we get progressively better and keep winning games.

Newcastle United's Matt Ritchie celebrates scoring his side's first goal of the game with Daryl Murphy during the EFL Cup, Third Round match at St James' P
Image: Matt Ritchie (number 11) joined Newcastle from Bournemouth

What do your team-mates call you?

Just Matty, simple as that.

Best thing about playing for Newcastle?

Probably the support you receive from the fans, who are fantastic. Playing with that pressure is something I really enjoy. It's a fantastic stadium to play in when you get 52,000, and I'm really enjoying it.

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Highlights of Newcastle's 1-0 win over Rotherham from the Sky Bet Championship.

Closest friends in football?

I have a few buddies back at Bournemouth. Harry Arter and Franno [Simon Francis] are the guys I speak to the most.

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Toughest opponent?

It's a difficult one to answer, but I probably have to say Huddersfield, who were the best team we have played so far this season. The way they pressed the ball was impressive and they are a good side.

Best moment in football so far?

It's a close one between winning at Stamford Bridge with Bournemouth and winning promotion to the Premier League with Bournemouth. I remember the night we did it against Bolton and I scored. That game was special.

Bournemouth's Callum Wilson (L) celebrates with Matt Ritchie (R)
Image: Matt Ritchie (right) spent four years at Bournemouth

Worst moment in football so far?

Earlier in my career I was relegated at Swindon, and obviously no-one likes to be involved in a relegation battle. It's either that or not qualifying for Euro 2016 with Scotland. That was disappointing as well.

Matt Ritchie says Scotland can take inspiration from Wales' run at the Euros
Image: Matt Ritchie won his first Scotland cap in 2015

Strangest rumour you have heard about yourself?

The rumour I was linked with Manchester United was a strange one! I'm not sure where that one came from!

What was your initiation song?

It was 'Songbird' by Oasis. I did OK but I'd say Grant Hanley was the best one we've had this season. He did 'When You Say Nothing At All' by Ronan Keating. You have to get him on the podcast because he's got a bit to be fair to him!

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