Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe recently expressed mixed feelings regarding the departure of Callum Wilson. Wilson, who spent five seasons with Newcastle, is set to return to St James’ Park as a player for West Ham United. Howe acknowledged the ‘pain’ associated with Wilson’s exit but considers it a necessary decision for both parties.
Eddie Howe on Callum Wilson’s Departure
Callum Wilson’s journey with Newcastle ended last summer. After a mutual agreement, the club chose not to extend his contract, which led to his transfer to West Ham. The striker, now 34 years old, had established himself as a fan favorite and a reliable scorer before and after Newcastle’s ownership change in October 2021.
Struggles in His Final Season
In his last season at Newcastle, Wilson faced challenges due to injuries. He often found himself in second place in the striker hierarchy behind Alexander Isak. Howe explained, “Callum wanted to be the focal point number nine; he wanted to play every game.” Despite these struggles, Wilson’s success as a striker remains undisputed.
Emotional Return to St James’ Park
- Sunday marks Wilson’s first return to Newcastle as a West Ham player.
- West Ham is currently in the relegation zone, facing pressure to win against Newcastle.
- A victory could temporarily elevate West Ham above Tottenham, easing relegation fears.
Howe admitted that Wilson’s departure was emotionally charged for both sides. He expressed respect for Wilson and highlighted his contributions to the squad. “There’s pain for us to let him go because he’s such a positive member of the squad,” Howe remarked.
Wilson’s Performance and Mentality at West Ham
Though initially struggling to gain the trust of his new manager, Nuno Espirito Santo, Wilson quickly made his mark with six goals this season. Notably, he scored crucial late goals against Tottenham and Everton, fighting to keep West Ham in contention for survival.
In a recent match against Arsenal, Wilson thought he had scored an equalizer, but VAR disallowed the goal. Nonetheless, his technique and resilience are notable. Howe remarked on Wilson’s ability, stating, “If you were to build the profile of a striker… he would fit that profile.”
- Wilson is known for his positive approach to scoring goals.
- He continues to demonstrate resilience in his career, returning to form after setbacks.
- Howe’s players are well aware of Wilson’s capabilities and will need to defend effectively against him.
As the teams prepare for their clash, both Howe and Wilson carry the weight of their shared history. Howe remains eager to see his former player succeed while also preparing his side for a competitive match against West Ham.
