Peter Ramage

Peter Iain Ramage (born November 22, 1983, Ashington) is an England football (soccer) who currently plays for Newcastle United F.C.. He is a versatile defender (football) who has been played at various positions for his club, but his preferred position is central defence.

Early life

Ramage grew up in Berwick-upon-Tweed, England, but moved to the Newcastle Upon Tyne area at the age of twelve and attended Valley Gardens Middle School before going to Whitley Bay High School. It was then when he began playing for local youth team Cramlington Juniors and began to take a more serious interest in football. He joined the Newcastle United school of Excellence aged just 13 years old. Originally playing as a striker, he changed to defender due to there already being too many forwards in the squad.

Club career

Ramage played in the same youth team as Michael Chopra and Steven Taylor (footballer) under Alan Irvine (now assistant manager of Everton F.C.), before later being coached by former Newcastle players Kenny Wharton and Peter Beardsley. In the reserve team he was coached by another former United player, Tommy Craig. In March 2003, Ramage won the 'Wor Jackie Milburn Trophy, given each year to the rising star of North East England football. He worked his way through Newcastle's youth system and captained the Newcastle reserve side before making his breakthrough to the first team squad. Ramage made his first team debut as a substitute in Newcastle's UEFA Cup round-of-16 match second leg against Olympiacos on March 16 2005.

He was soon forced into the league side, making his first league start at Old Trafford Football Stadium in the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United F.C. on April 24 2005. He followed this up with several first team starts due to injuries to other defenders in the Newcastle squad. His promising form has since seen him keep his place in the squad.

Ramage was a first team regular in the 2005-06 in English football, appearing in twenty-nine games. The injury to team-mate Stephen Carr allowed him to play a larger amount of games for the Magpies, as he made a good impression on both Graeme Souness and Glenn Roeder, (who replaced Souness as manager in early 2006). As a result of these performances he allegedly caught the eye of former Scotland national football team coach Walter Smith. Ramage is eligible to play for Scotland or England national football team because of his background.

He has become a fairly popular player amongst Newcastle supporters. This is not only down to the fact that he's a Geordie, but also due to his determination and passion for the club. Ramage is not considered the quickest of defenders yet often makes up for this with tight man-marking and a never-say-die attitude.

Trivia

- Ramage's favourite ever player is legendary Italy defender Franco Baresi.

- Ramage's father Iain is an International RFU Referee and was Scotland's representative at the 2003 World Cup. He was formerly a successful Rugby player, performing at scrum half for Gosforth in the North East of England before a serious neck injury ended his playing days.