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“From a regular starter to bench warmer, he’s now regretting and keen to return to his former club”- Former N’Forest Striker admitted he was ‘very lucky’ that Eddie Howe understood his wish to leave Newcastle United as the red-hot Nottingham Forest star prepares to come up against his former club again.
Chris Wood has acknowledged that he was “very lucky” that Eddie Howe understood his desire to leave Newcastle United as he prepares to face his former club once again, this time as a standout player for Nottingham Forest.
During his one-year stint at Newcastle, Wood scored just five goals but played a key role in helping the team avoid relegation, contributing both on the field and as a leader in the dressing room. While Howe didn’t ideally want to lose Wood, especially during the mid-season transfer window in 2023, the Newcastle manager respected the New Zealand captain’s wish for regular playing time. With Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson already competing for a starting spot, Howe understood Wood’s need for more opportunities.
Wood initially joined Nottingham Forest on loan, with the deal set to become permanent. That move has proven to be a wise £15m investment, as Wood has netted 22 goals in just 30 Premier League starts, including a brace at St James’ Park last season.
Only Manchester City’s Erling Haaland has scored more Premier League goals than Wood this season, and Wood has scored more non-penalty goals in the top flight since Nuno Espirito Santo took charge at Forest less than a year ago. Despite his success, Wood hasn’t forgotten how Howe’s understanding helped facilitate his move.
“I was at a stage in my career where I just wanted to play,” Wood, now 32, told Nottingham Forest’s YouTube channel ahead of Sunday’s match against Newcastle. “I had a great relationship with the fans, Eddie Howe, and the team, but it was clear I was going to be third-choice. At that point, I didn’t want to be third-choice. I wanted to play, and Forest gave me that chance.”
“I was very lucky that Eddie Howe was understanding and respected my desire to play, even though he didn’t want to let me go at the time because it might have left him short. He was great with me, encouraging me to continue my career and do well.”
