Eddie Howe Shares Why Callum Wilson Ranks Among His All-Time Favorite Players to Manage
Newcastle United’s manager, Eddie Howe, has expressed his admiration for West Ham striker Callum Wilson. He considers Wilson among his favorite players to manage. The two may face off this Sunday when Newcastle visits West Ham.
Callum Wilson: A Key Player for Eddie Howe
Callum Wilson, who joined Newcastle from Bournemouth, has a notable history with Howe. The striker, now 33, was signed for £20 million during Steve Bruce’s management and spent five productive years at St James’ Park. He scored 49 goals in 130 competitive matches.
The Journey of Callum Wilson
Howe was instrumental in Wilson’s development. He originally acquired Wilson from Coventry City for £3 million in July 2014. Reflecting on their journey, Howe stated, “I can say that now because of having seen the rise of Callum.” Wilson transformed from a promising talent into a reliable striker under Howe’s guidance.
- Debut: Wilson scored twice in his first match.
- Confidence: He showcased unwavering self-belief without arrogance.
- Consistency: Wilson maintained his character and work ethic throughout his career.
After Newcastle
This summer marked the end of Wilson’s stint on Tyneside, concluding with a Carabao Cup winners’ medal. Unfortunately, his final season was marred by injuries, limiting him to just 22 appearances and only one goal, primarily coming off the bench.
Since moving to West Ham, Wilson has had six substitute appearances and netted one goal. Howe, however, is not keen on seeing Wilson score against his former club this weekend. He emphasized the importance of treating the match with professionalism. “It is always about us,” he said. “Any relationship is separate when the game is on.”
Conclusion
As Newcastle prepares for this significant clash, the history between Eddie Howe and Callum Wilson adds an intriguing layer to the matchup. Howe’s affection for Wilson is evident, but his commitment to Newcastle’s success remains paramount.
