Anthony Gordon and Sven Botman upset a few people with messages for Alexander Isak | OneFootball

In July 2022 a 22 year old Sven Botman signed for Newcastle United, a month later and also aged 22 we saw Alexander Isak follow him into the club, then January 2023 a 21 year old Anthony Gordon joined the pair.

Three young players coming into a new club in quick succession.

Move forward a few years and this trio of Newcastle United players have been part of a pretty amazing three seasons for NUFC.

Two Champions League qualifications, reaching two Wembley finals, winning a trophy.

One of these Newcastle United players has now moved on, he is going to be ‘working’ somewhere else.

Anthony Gordon on Alexander Isak leaving Newcastle United:

“Regardless of the situation and what’s gone on.

“It’s been a pleasure to play with you.

“One of the best chemistries I’ve had on the pitch and more importantly a great person and teammate.

“I wish you nothing but the best brother.”

Sven Botman on Alexander Isak leaving Newcastle United:

“What started off as teammates growed in one of my rare best friendships.

“No more words needed brother, all the best in your next chapter.”

It seems to be the way of the world now that so many people get offended by so many things.

In this case, plenty of Newcastle United fans upset, angry, outraged by what Sven Botman and Anthony Gordon have done.

I find it all a bit pathetic. Not what the two players have done, I am talking about the reaction of some fans to their messages.

By all means get upset about what Alexander Isak has done.

However, give your head a shake if you are getting upset with Sven Botman and Anthony Gordon.

They aren’t saying that they agree with how Alexander Isak has behaved to get what he wanted.

They are simply saying good luck to somebody who is a friend and who have they spent a glorious few years with as work colleagues, day in day out at the training ground, match after match and so on.

I actually think more of them for doing this, both Anthony Gordon and Sven Botman doing this show of support for their friend, even though no doubt they know fine well they are going to get criticised by some fans for doing so.

When you are a football fan, your relationship with a player is completely different to that their fellow players have with them.

Football players are judged from a distance by us, as fans we put them on a pedestal.

As I said earlier, a group of football players is a group of workmates, the friendships that form within any workplace vary enormously.

We have absolutely zero idea really about their day to day lives, we just like to think we do.

Friendships that have grown over a number of years and also when you have been through so much together in a very public workplace, you don’t just suddenly turn your back on them, unless something very serious has happened. Alexander Isak has behaved abysmally towards fans and the club and indeed the way it has impacted on his teammates. However, it isn’t a case of life or death, it is a football thing.

I have no doubt that when journalists were talking about other Newcastle United players trying to convince Alexander Isak to return to training and playing, to stay another (2025/26) season, then no doubt it was the likes of Sven Botman and Anthony Gordon who were the ones trying to convince him.

We all now move on, Alexander Isak quite literally so.

When it comes to football, the Newcastle United fans along with the 2025/26 squad and Eddie Howe, now move on together. That is what is important.

If some of the players want to continue their friendship with a now former work colleague, I don’t really care and in reality, it is none of our business as fans.