Toon Wood be crazy not to utilise new man’s qualities
STRIKER CAN PROVE HE IS WORTH £25M – IF HE IS GIVEN DECENT SERVICE
A FEW people have had a pop at how much Chris Wood has cost Newcastle.
You know, a 30-year-old without a prolific scoring record and only three goals this season.
Well, that is the going rate in you want to do quick business in January.
United had no time to waste and, aware of the size of Wood’s release clause, had to pay it or forget it.
Without a release figure Burnley would never have dreamed of doing a deal with a relegation rival.
Now United have to utilise Wood’s assets to the utmost to justify their outlay.
That means putting bodies around him for the inevitable knockdowns and having wide men hitting crosses regularly and first time.
Jonjo Shelvey is the man who dictates where Newcastle play.
Instead of sitting on our 18-yard line pinging Hollywood passes he must move the midfield higher up the pitch to encourage support for Wood So many times this season I have watched Callum Wilson absolutely isolated...and in matches when United have been at home!
Shelvey is a real danger on the odd occasion he has played round the opponent’s penalty area. No danger at all patrolling ours.
I would like to think the arrival of the big New Zealander would release Joe Willock from his hell. If he arrives in the box late in support of Wood he should be among the goals again.
Now we come to the wingers. They must supply Wood with aerial ammunition on a regular basis. Don’t have the guy making a run, having to check out because the ball does not come, and go in a second time more in hope than anticipation. United have people who can cross well.
Jacob Murphy is a typical example. He could be the ideal supply line for Wood.
Allan Saint-Maximin is a different animal. He likes to do tricks, to beat defenders twice, and to go his own way.
He will not cross first time and therefore is unlikely to be an obvious wide supply line.
The arrival of Wood along with Kieran Trippier – a good assist man himself – has unquestionably given United a lift when one is desperately needed.
In my long time in football I cannot recall such a vital match so early in the season as Newcastle v Watford. It is only the first game of a new year and yet it feels like a death-or -glory game. Winner takes all.
Both sides are fragile. We know all about Newcastle with only one win all season while Watford have lost their last seven. All of which makes the first goal absolutely crucial.
The team which concedes it will almost disintegrate on the spot!
I am desperate for the Magpies to have a two-goal lead so we can all relax.
They have never done that this campaign and that is why they have suffered.
I cannot help but remember the occasions when I have watched Watford give United a footballing lesson.
That concerns me but if the home side can get after them from the start, play at a good tempo, get the crowd behind them and apply pressure then they can be all right.
I am certain there will be further signings arriving but for now United must feed Wood and make the most of what he brings.