From starting the campaign as Newcastle United's number one goalkeeper, to a stagnating loan spell with Bournemouth. It's been a frustrating season for Freddie Woodman who has made just one appearance on loan for the Cherries- an embarrassing FA Cup defeat at home to non league Boreham Wood.
There was belief on Tyneside that it might finally be the year Woodman establishes himself at St. James' Park, having enjoyed two stellar loan spells with Swansea City. An injury to Martin Dubravka and Karl Darlow contracting Covid-19, paved the way into the first team.
Woodman started the first five games of the campaign for Steve Bruce's side, but kept just one clean sheet in that time, (a game Newcastle would go on to lose via penalties against Burnley in the Carabao Cup second round). It was something of a baptism of fire for the 25-year-old with Newcastle's torrid start to the campaign not boding well for future first team inclusion.
The Newcastle goalkeeper had been linked with a move to Bournemouth throughout the summer transfer window but the goalkeeper crisis at St. James' Park put that on hold until January. ChronicleLive spoke with Jacob Tanswell, AFC Bournemouth reporter with Reach PLC for an insight into Woodman's spell at the Vitality Stadium.
What was the view on Woodman prior to signing for Bournemouth?
Jacob Tanswell: "I think had the signing gone through in the summer, the opinion on Woodman would have been different. Supporters always appreciated his quality from his time at Swansea and he would have, undoubtedly, come in as first choice had he begun the season.
"But as the campaign has worn on and Mark Travers has arguably been the best goalkeeper in the Championship, some questioned the need for Woodman to come, given he was never likely to start ahead of the Irishman."
He was supposed to join in the summer, any surprise to see that move come about in January?
JT: "There was a degree of surprise, but interest in Woodman never really went away. An agreement established in the summer was already in place regarding his salary and what proportion of his wage Bournemouth would inherit.
"Essentially the framework of the deal was already done and if Bournemouth wanted to get him in January, with backup keeper Orjan Nyland injured at the time, they could. And so it turned out, they decided to push for Woodman in the final 48 hours of the window."
How has he fared since joining the Cherries?
JT: "He's not really fared at all. Aside from a lone appearance in the FA Cup - where he was part of a side that suffered the ignominy of
getting knocked by Boreham Wood - he's not played since. He was understandably shaky on his debut, but the form of Travers has meant Woodman has had little to no chance of staking a claim."
Do you think there's any improvements he needs to make in order to nail down a place at Newcastle?
JT: "We will only discern what improvements he needs to make once he plays consistently. His distribution remains a standout strength but there is a feeling that his overall presence, such as his shot-stopping and sweeping needs improving."
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