The Magpies bring the curtain down on the 2017/18 campaign this weekend, and winger Ritchie – an almost ever-present this term – is the cover star for the last publication before the summer.
Inside, there is a ten-page, in-depth interview with the Scotland winger, who reflects on the last ten months at St. James’ Park.
The 28-year-old discusses the spirit in the United dressing room and looks back at a few moments he feels had a big impact on his career.
He also speaks how he recovered from a mid-season dip in form to help his side record some crucial victories in the past few months.
“You get out what you put in – you get your rewards in the end if you put the work in,” he told UNITED. “That’s what I had to keep doing. There were games where I felt I didn’t play very well and came away frustrated. You have to keep plugging away and keep going, then in the end you get your rewards, and that’s what’s happened.
“I think pressure’s what drives everyone on and gets the best out of people. I like playing under pressure. You have to back yourself – if you don’t back yourself, who’s going to back you? You have to believe in yourself, keep going and soon enough, you’ll get out what you put in.”
Meanwhile, Jimmy Nelson – who has been part of the fabric at Newcastle United for more than 40 years – is the staff member in focus in our final United Backstage feature of the season. After playing a part in the development of the likes of Paul Gascoigne and Alan Shearer – in addition to working alongside 22 different managers – it’s fair to say that Jimmy has plenty a tale to tell.
A bumper historical section includes an interview with ex-United and Chelsea striker Joe Allon, as well as a look back at the career of Hughie Gallacher – another player to turn out for both clubs – through a range of historical merchandise.
Elsewhere, boss Rafa Benítez and skipper Jamaal Lascelles both reflect on the season gone by, while Sky Sports’ Pete Graves pens his final column of the campaign.
To read all of this, and much more, pick up a copy of UNITED from around St. James’ Park or in the club store on Sunday, priced at just £3.
