ABSOLUTE CHAOS AT ST JAMES’ PARK!! Newcastle SMASH the Bank for Ross Wilson’s MYSTERY Ex-Club – Contract Until 2028 ALREADY DONE Behind Closed Doors!!!

A lifelong Newcastle United supporter, Ben Parkinson joined the club’s academy at just seven years old and steadily worked his way through the youth ranks, fulfilling a childhood dream when he signed his first professional contract in July 2023.

His progress was rewarded later that year when circumstances opened the door to senior involvement.

With Newcastle dealing with a severe injury crisis during the 2023/24 campaign, Parkinson was handed his Premier League debut, coming off the bench in a 2–0 defeat away to AFC Bournemouth.

While the result was disappointing, the appearance marked a significant milestone in the young forward’s career.

That outing ultimately proved to be his sole senior appearance for the Magpies.

Last season, the 20-year-old returned to the club’s under-21 setup, where he rediscovered his scoring touch.

Parkinson enjoyed an impressive run in front of goal, catching the eye with his sharp finishing and overall attacking play.

Plans were put in place for him to gain valuable first-team experience on loan in January, but those ambitions were derailed when he suffered an ankle injury that forced him to remain on Tyneside and focus on his recovery.

Now, twelve months on, Parkinson’s time at his boyhood club has come to an end, with Newcastle United confirming his departure on a permanent deal.

The striker has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Scottish Premiership side Falkirk, marking the first permanent transfer exit sanctioned by United sporting director Ross Wilson since his arrival from Nottingham Forest in October.

The move also reunites Wilson with Falkirk, where he previously worked between 2004 and 2011 as Head of Football Development and Football Administration.

In an official statement, Newcastle United confirmed: “Striker Ben Parkinson has completed a permanent move to Scottish Premiership Falkirk for an undisclosed fee.

The 20-year-old joined the Magpies’ Academy aged seven, progressed through the youth system, and signed his first professional contract in 2023.

He made his Premier League debut later that year, featuring as a second-half substitute against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.

“The Durham-born forward scored eight goals in 11 Premier League 2 appearances last season and also found the net against Bradford City in the EFL Trophy.

He will now link up with John McGlynn’s side, who currently sit sixth in the Scottish Premiership following promotion in the 2024/25 season.

Everyone at the Academy and across the football club would like to thank Ben for his commitment and professionalism and wish him the very best for the next step of his career.”

Falkirk manager John McGlynn expressed his delight at finally securing Parkinson’s signature, revealing that the club had been tracking the striker for some time.

“Ben Parkinson was someone we were very keen on during the summer, but at that point we were a little bit gazumped,” McGlynn explained.

“We had been chasing him for a while when another club came in with a fairly significant offer.”

McGlynn added that injury issues ultimately prevented that earlier move from materialising, allowing Falkirk to renew their interest.

“He’s had to work his way back to full fitness, but he’s playing again now and we’ve been watching him closely. We’re pleased with what we’ve seen.

This is a permanent deal on a two-and-a-half-year contract, and we see him as a player for both the present and the future. He can play through the middle or out wide, which gives us real flexibility.”

The Falkirk boss also thanked the club’s hierarchy and those involved in negotiations, concluding: “There’s been some money involved, so credit to the board for backing the move.

We’re delighted to welcome Ben and look forward to working with him.”