As the final whistle echoes around St James' Park, one question lingers: what's next for Kieran Trippier? The 35-year-old Newcastle United defender is keeping his options wide open, but right now, his focus is firmly on finishing his time on Tyneside with a flourish.
That first weekend in May offered a telling glimpse into his future. Though an unused substitute in Newcastle's impressive 3-1 victory over Brighton, Trippier was far from a bystander. Prowling the touchline like a player-coach, he barked instructions, fired encouragement, and even tried to get into Brighton's Pascal Gross's ear before a corner. It was the kind of sideline intensity that hints at his next chapter—once his playing days are done, Trippier has his sights set on coaching.
For now, though, the former England international (54 caps and counting) believes he still has plenty to give on the pitch. Whether that means staying in England or heading abroad, his decision will be shaped by family considerations—especially his three children. But with the season's end approaching, Trippier is determined to see things out before sitting down to weigh his options.
Leaving Newcastle will be emotional, he admits. After all, he's spent longer at St James' Park than anywhere else in his senior career. But he's determined to end his four-and-a-half-year spell on a high note. With injuries to Lewis Miley and Tino Livramento, Trippier could even earn a final run in the side—starting with Sunday's clash against Nottingham Forest.
That match might have a familiar feel. Potentially lining up alongside Trippier could be Nick Pope, Dan Burn, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Sandro Tonali, Joe Willock, and Jacob Murphy—the core of the squad that ended Newcastle's 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy. It was Trippier who set up Burn's opener in that EFL Cup final win over Liverpool, before lifting the trophy alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Jamaal Lascelles at Wembley.
As former teammate Callum Wilson noted, that moment wasn't part of some "selfless" plan—it was the reward for a player who gives everything, whether on the pitch or prowling the touchline. For Newcastle fans, that's the Kieran Trippier they'll remember: a leader, a winner, and a player whose next move—wherever it takes him—will be watched with interest.