Callum Wilson has confessed one of his biggest fears was Newcastle United going down and Bournemouth winning promotion. The 30-year-old signed from the Cherries for £20million in 2020 following their relegation to the Championship under Eddie Howe.
Wilson reunited with his former boss - as well as Matt Ritchie and Ryan Fraser - at Newcastle and has been the Magpies’ top goalscorer since arrival. However, another injury-ravaged campaign means the England international has not featured since the 1-1 draw with Manchester United on December 27. Newcastle were two points adrift despite playing three games more than 17th-placed Watford at the final whistle.
A torn calf sidelined Wilson until the final few games of the season, which would have made him helpless if the club were to stay in the bottom three. Fortunately, a drastic U-turn in form since January means Newcastle are on course to finish comfortably clear of the drop zone.
The Magpies’ number nine took a swipe at the naysayers who predicted relegation while admitting he kept a close eye on his former club. Speaking on the Footballer’s Football podcast, he said: “People wrote us off, pundits, the media, bookies, everyone. I wanted nothing more than this season, to sustain in the division and make sure that we put a stop to all that noise.
“Secondly, I didn't want Bournemouth getting promoted and then me getting relegated. I want to look forward to playing against Bournemouth and that's me just being honest. I obviously had a great time there and I've never played against an old club. Next year, all being well, (we will) stay in the league and they will be promoted, which I wish him well with.”
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