Newcastle striker Callum Wilson jokes he was ‘thankful for break’ from Eddie Howe after seven years under him at Bournemouth before St James’ Park reunion, but the manager insists his ‘intense’ style helps him get the best out of players
Callum Wilson has joked that he was ‘thankful to have a break’ from Eddie Howe after linking up with the manager at Newcastle following six years with him at Bournemouth.
The England striker has been in remarkable form in recent weeks, netting eight times in April to become the Magpies’ top scorer this season.
His record since joining Newcastle in 2020 is excellent, with 36 goals in 72 league games.
When asked on Sky Sports what had inspired his recent run of form, Wilson replied: ‘Probably a kick up the backside.
‘I found myself out of the team, and when you’re in the team for so long that complacency can kick in. That competition brought out the best in me.’
Callum Wilson is Newcastle’s top scorer this season after a stellar run of form
He has joked about being ‘thankful’ for a break from Eddie Howe after working with him at Bournemouth and Newcastle
On his relationship with Howe, he added: ‘I was with him for six or seven years at Bournemouth, then thankfully had a little break for two years! I Got to relax a little bit.
‘It’s nice to have that intensity, day in, day out, when you train like that you see the results on the pitch, and over time you’ve seen him develop as a coach.’
Howe, who has taken Newcastle from 19th place to the brink of Champions League qualification in just 18 month, conceded he is an intense manager but feels it helps him improve players.
‘My management style is intense,’ he said, ‘but its intense for the players, I want them to have the best careers they have.’
The 45-year-old has been credits with his ability to improve the players he inherited at Newcastle, with the likes of Miguel Almiron, Fabian Schar and Joelinton shining since his arrival.
The Magpies are favourites for Champions League qualification with three games left to play
The Magpies currently sit third in the league and are three points clear of fifth place Liverpool with better goal difference.
They look like clear favourites to qualify for Champions League football for the first time in 20 years, but are currently drawing 2-2with Leeds at Elland Road.
Wilson has scored two from the spot, while Luke Ayling and Rasmus Kristensen have been on target for the hosts.
Newcastle will next be in action when they face Brighton on Thursday, before they finish the season with games against Leicester and Chelsea.
