Massive Decision Looms For Eddie Howe
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
We all make 100's if not 1000's of decision every week - from whether to have a bacon or sausage sandwich for breakfast, to which pub we go to before the match.
But, perhaps only two to three times a year, we have a massive decision to make that can affect our lives going forward. Eddie Howe has one of those decisions to make.
The £124M Decision: Woltemade & Wissa
I make no apology at all for raising this issue again.
It cannot be ignored that in one of the biggest games in Newcastle's history - the home Champions League tie against Barcelona - the barely tried William Osula was preferred as the main ST over two forward signings for this season costing £124M.
Let's not kid ourselves that Eddie's decision was affected by any lingering effects from Woltemade's illness, or Wissa's lack of match fitness.
They were left out because, in Anthony Gordon's starting absence, their recent form had given Eddie no confidence that playing them would have any effect on the match.
That is a damning indictment of where Woltemade and Wissa currently stand (or sit).
And, this is almost certain;y not an issue that can resolve itself this season.
There are only nine PL games left to play.
If Anthony Gordon stays fit the best both Nick and Yoane can expect is the odd start or substitute appearance. No time at all for these two players to radically improve.
This strike force next season will continue our regression
We have taken a step back this season.
Despite our valiant cup performances, our poor and inconsistent league form proves that.
The PL is a 38 game marathon, not a sprint where you can get easy home draws or a favourable Europa league group. And, our PL form is way off the last three seasons.
That can't entirely be blamed on Woltemade and Wissa, but their joint failure to provide anywhere near the attacking threat and goal tally of Alexander Isak is a big factor.
If Harvey Barnes hadn't hit the goalscoring heights this season - where would we be in the league? Worse off than our current underperforming 12th for sure.
Despite c£250M being spent last summer, we are on course to have our worst PL finish since the 10th spot in Eddie's first season - and that was from a relegation position.
IMO if we go into next season with Woltemade and Wissa, and their form and goal tally doesn't spectacularly increase, we have absolutely no chance of a CL spot finish.
And, I believe, the vast majority of fans will think that way too.
Hardly like to inspire our excitement for season 26/27.
The stark reality
Getting the 'spine' right is often referred to as one of the key factors that leads to a successful and competitive team. That spine is GK, CB's and ST.
Arguably, the ST is THE most important part of that spine.
And, of the spine that qualified for the CL and won a cup last season, the only missing part is Alexander Isak. Yes, Pope may have regressed, but Isak is the critical absence.
Here are stats to date that show the stark reality of his replacements;
Metric Alexander Isak (24/25) Nick Woltemade (25/26 Yoane Wissa (25/26)
League Goals 21 7 1
Big Chance Conversion 47% 30% -
Shot Accuracy 60% 38 % 22.0%
Decision Time Looms For Eddie Howe
Transfer windows are one of those times where decisions have a critical effect.
This is no bacon or sausage sandwich moment.
Last summer - for whatever reason and whoever was to blame - was a mess up of the wrong targets (time and again), a failure to anticipate Isak's determination to leave, dithering over how to handle that issue, and then a desperate dash to sign players before the window closed.
That abject decision making cannot be repeated this summer.
And one of the biggest decision Eddie Howe has to get right - because I'm sure he will be asked the question - is do you have confidence in these two players for next season.
His decision - and whether he gets it right or wrong - could decide not only Newcastle's fate next season, but also his own.
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I reckon that the Wolte experiment is over for this season, and if a £60m + offer comes in he'll be gone.
In terms of striker sales in the summer, I think Osula will probably be the first gone because Osula himself will want playing time and we cannot afford to give him that at the level we play. He needs to improve his gameplay. Maybe it will be a loan rather than a sale, but if we're offered a sale for £25m or more I think he'll be gone.
I think both are likely to be here anyways this summer. Hopefully a big pre season can help them one way or the other
Don’t think Eddie will sell either Woltemade or Wissa this summer, I think Osula will be the one to leave along with Willock, then a young replacement will be bought to replace Osula, imo. GWH
If we don't sign a striker more capable of fitting into Eddie Howe's preferred formation if he remains next season, then we will be in trouble, as those two together haven't even managed half the tally of league goals Isak managed last term.