CALLUM CHICK interview: The painful reason I HAD to leave my beloved Newcastle for Northampton, the record Saints players are desperate to put right... and why I've not given up on my England dream

As a boy, Callum Chick would be a regular in Kingston Park’s north stand, idolising former Newcastle big guns Jonny Wilkinson, Matt Burke and Carl Hayman.

Born and bred in the city, north east rugby ran through Chick’s veins. The club, then known as the Falcons but now the Red Bulls, has always meant the world to him.

Chick went on to fulfil a childhood dream - not only playing for but captaining his boyhood team, following in the great Wilkinson’s footsteps by representing England while still at Newcastle.

But on Friday night, he will return to Kingston Park as an outsider.

Instead of making the 20-minute journey from his previous Gosforth home to the ground and entering the home changing room, Chick will arrive by bus as the captain of visitors Northampton Saints.

It promises to be an odd experience for the 28-year-old back-row.

‘I was a Newcastle fan from seven, ended up in their academy at 13 and was professional there from the age of 18. I love the club and always will,’ Chick tells Daily Mail Sport.

‘I’d watch matches as a kid whatever the weather. I’ll always take an interest in the club and hope they do well… until we (Northampton) play them. I hope they do OK but that we win!’

This summer, Chick made the difficult decision to leave Newcastle behind to head to the East Midlands and sign for Saints. He has adapted quickly, leading Phil Dowson’s side in their last two PREM matches. Tonight he will take on the same role at the place where he not only grew up, but became a rugby star. 

Chick’s decision to leave Newcastle was understandable. The club had not only been languishing at the foot of the table as the league’s whipping boys but also struggled for financial security under former owner Semore Kurdi. In August, fresh investment arrived with energy drink giants Red Bull taking over, but by then Chick had already confirmed his departure.

‘There came a time in my career where I felt like I needed something different,’ he says. ‘I didn’t feel I was getting the best out of myself at Newcastle. The time was right to move on.

‘I’ve been asked whether I regret the move now Red Bull have taken over. No, I don’t. I think this is what’s best for me right now in my career. I’m super happy for Newcastle that they’ve been taken over.

‘It’s great they’ve now got a backer which means the club won’t be at risk of going bust. Semore did what he could for the club as owner. I have huge respect for him as a man. But at the end of last season, it was looking pretty ominous there.

‘Now, the players don’t have to worry about their jobs. For the fans and the area, it’s been a tough few years so they deserve some good news.

‘I don’t know what would have happened if Red Bull hadn’t come in. There was talk about a loan coming in from PREM Rugby. But as players, we didn’t know. It was all above our paygrade. It didn’t feel like there would have been a solid foundation for the club to move forward on had Red Bull not come in. There was an ominous feeling around the place and an inevitability about where the club was heading. Now, thankfully, that’s changed.’

Chick has swapped the bright lights of Newcastle for Abington on the outskirts of Northampton. It’s quite the change. England No 10 Fin Smith is a close neighbour, and fellow forward and Australian international Josh Kemeny is his housemate.

‘That’s the one thing that’s taken a bit of adjusting to – I’ve only found one good coffee shop here but that will do me for now,’ Chick says.

‘I’m yet to experience a night out but I’m not holding my breath! Big Trevor Davison is from Newcastle. I lived with Robbie Smith in Newcastle too. I’ve had to come down here really just to be Trev’s translator! His accent is a lot broader than mine!’

Like the rest of English club rugby, Chick was caught off guard by the decision of Red Bull’s ownership to dispense with the services of former Newcastle boss Steve Diamond just one game into the new season.

The pair have a close bond and are in regular contact. Chick was Newcastle skipper under Diamond.

Red Bull’s arrival hasn’t coincided with an immediate turnaround of rugby fortunes at Newcastle, even if they have made an impact in other areas.

Chick’s first return to Kingston Park since departing Newcastle promises to be an emotional one. He has had an impressive start to life at Northampton. After announcing himself with a pre-season hat-trick he has led them to wins over Gloucester and arch rivals Leicester. Chick plays in arguably the most competitive position in English rugby, but hopes fine form for Saints can see him add to his two Test caps.

‘I’m 28 now and not getting any younger. A rugby career doesn’t last forever,’ Chick says. ‘I wanted to move to a club where I could win something. I want to win more England caps.

‘When I was with Newcastle, we went into many games with people from the outside thinking we were going to lose. But I’d never accept we were going to lose, no matter who we were playing. That’s why I came to Northampton. I’m a competitive guy and want to make the most of my career. I feel I can do that here. I’m glad I chose Northampton.

‘This club has had a lot of success in recent years. But something we’ve really spoken about is our away record. We want to go away and win. They’re so valuable in this league because it’s so competitive. Anyone can be in the top four.

‘Our away form is a huge focus. Northampton’s mindset on the game is something I think every team should strive for. The coaching we get is excellent and a different brand of rugby has been really refreshing. It’s something completely new to me. I’d been at Newcastle since I was a kid and for my whole career. I didn’t really know what to expect here, but I’m loving it.’