Chris Wood plays in black-and-white stripes but he could have a bigger impact on those repping his former club’s colours this weekend. Life has been tough for the New Zealand international since an eyebrow-raising £25million move in January.
His arrival coincided with a nine-game unbeaten run which, ultimately, laid the foundations for Newcastle United to comfortably secure Premier League survival. However, a barren spell in front of goal has seen Wood net just twice in 16 appearances - and only once from open play.
Nevertheless, his selfless team play and work rate during the Magpies’ resurgence is regarded as justification for the inflated fee Toon chiefs stumped up in their hour of desperation. How his two former clubs - Burnley and Leeds United - would love to be in Newcastle’s situation.
