Your Newcastle United headlines for Wednesday, August 3.
Souness on Howe ‘pressure’
Former Newcastle manager Graeme Souness believes the money spent on Tyneside means Eddie Howe is under “enormous” pressure this season. Steering the Magpies away from relegation was the remit last year but expectations have risen since the £300million Saudi-backed takeover.
Newcastle have spent around £150million on players in 2022 and more arrivals are expected before the transfer window slams shut. Ex-Toon boss Souness - whose last job in management was at St James’ Park 16 years ago - expects Howe to feel the heat in 2022-23.
“The pressure is enormous at that football club,” he told the Sky Bet Debate. “When you start spending money up there that’s when the pressure mounts and the expectation level goes through the roof.
“The fact that they’ve got the owners they have now, the expectation is enormous so I’m sure Eddie realises he’s under pressure.”
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‘I did not demand shirt’ - Pope
Nick Pope has insisted he did not demand assurances over the number one jersey at Newcastle. The England international arrived on Tyneside in June and rotated with Martin Dubravka between the sticks in pre-season.
The latter’s agent released a bullish warning to Howe - claiming his client is not prepared to warm the bench. Speaking to ChronicleLive, Pope hinted Howe’s first-choice goalkeeper spot is still up for grabs.
"I don't think assurances are ever given to anyone,” he said. "Some things get taken for granted in football. But it was always a case of 'earn your place' and that's something that breeds a winning mentality and breeds that will to get better and want to improve.
"That is something that is evident in the squad already here with the characters that are here. The environment as far as the players that are here make it something that's great to be part of."
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Wilson welcomes competition
Callum Wilson is not phased by the prospect of Newcastle signing another striker. Since arriving two years ago, the 30-year-old has cemented his status as the Magpies’ first-choice striker.
However, a woeful injury record means Wilson has missed 32 Premier League games - almost an entire season - in that time. Fans recognise this as a cause for concern ahead of the new campaign, with Chris Wood the only adequate backup striker.
Wilson welcomes healthy competition for places and cited the New Zealand international’s arrival in January as his inspiration while sidelined.
"It pushes you (competition for places)," he told the Footballer's Football Podcast. "It depends what kind of player and professional you are and what kind of person you are mentally. For me, it takes me to another level.
"I was injured last year and we brought Chris Wood in. He did a fantastic job for us from January until I was fit.
"We're both at the club now. We're both competing, we're both working hard, we're both also friends as well. We're the same striking department and we need to add to that as a club. You want to keep evolving and we will add to that.
"Any competition is welcome. You don't ever shy away from competition. You don't get this far in life as a professional athlete and this high in the game without competition."
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