Farewell Peter Lovenkrands

Peter Lovenkrands has recently been released by Newcastle United after the Danish International was one of a group of players who were not offered new deals at St. James' Park.

Lovenkrands, who had two stints at United, was known throughout the Toon Army as a pacey left winger who could grab himself a goal or two on a regular basis.

He joined from German side Schalke 04 in 2009 on a free transfer and was straight away a hit with the fans – scoring Newcastle’s second goal in a 3-2 victory over West Brom in his first start for the club.

But shortly after that damning campaign he was released; only to be resigned the following September on a three year contract to replace the departing Damien Duff.

After his return to St James Park, Lovenkrands did not start as well as he had done in his first spell and played only a few games. His few appearances were on the left wing, a position he felt less comfortable in. He featured in Newcastle’s 2–0 defeat against Peterbourgh United in the Football League Cup, starting on the right wing.

 He later admitted to having ‘personal problems’ and that was the reason for his frequent absence, he claimed that they were behind him and he was to fully concentrate on football.

Shortly afterwards, he scored his first goal of the season in a 3–0 victory over Swansea City, his fourth goal for Newcastle. On 13 January 2010, Lovenkrands scored his first Newcastle hat-trick in a 3–0 FA Cup victory against Plymouth Argyle.

He made himself available for the 18 January match against West Brom despite having just returned to Denmark upon his father’s death.

He increased his tally to nine goals by heading in a Jose Enrique cross to put Newcastle level in a 2–2 draw and dedicated it to his late father. From January onwards, Lovenkrands’ Newcastle career picked up and he formed a strong forward partnership with Andy Carroll.

Following his Father’s death, Peter decided to launch a charity appeal in order to raise awareness and money for the Alzheimer’s Society, from which his father, Bent, had passed away aged 61 after a five year battle against the disease.

And recently in May the former Rangers striker hosted an online raffle from which he raised 21,000 pounds for the charity.

This seems to be the main plan for Peter after his departure from Tyneside, however, he clearly states he has not hung up his boots just yet and the 32 year old continues to look for a new club.

You can view his charity page at http://www.justgiving.com/lovenkrands11.

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