‘Building site’ hub for greater good
WILSON PLEASED TO SEE FACILITIES OVERHAUL AND WANTS MORE GOALS
CALLUM Wilson refuses to complain about working in a ‘building site’ as Newcastle’s training-ground overhaul will stand the club in good stead for the future.
Years of neglect and underinvestment during Mike Ashley’s years as owner left the club’s Benton base miles behind their Premier League peers’ facilities.
However, the consortium now at the helm has invested considerable money into the site to bring it up to scratch – despite still looking for suitable sites for a whole new training complex for the future.
When work is finished at the training ground, the new features on the site will include hydrotherapy and plunge pools, improved changing rooms, new doctor and physio rooms, a modern players’ lounge and an extended dining area.
The overhaul started earlier this summer and there are already signs of progress.
The changes at the club’s base will make a huge difference in the long term, insisted Wilson.
He said: “It is still a work in progress, still a bit of a building site at the moment but it is all for a good cause.
“When we get to the point where it is ready then I am sure we will reap the rewards as players.”
Wilson started the season in style with a strike in the 2-0 win against Nottingham Forest, his third opening-day goal in as many seasons with United.
He added: “It was lovely, I was very aware of the fact I have scored or had an assist on the opening day for the last five, six years so it is something I enjoy.
“I get excited for every new season, you work hard during pre-season but the hard work comes into business time when the season starts and that transition is always nice, especially when you play at home.
“I was disappointed only to get one to be honest. I knew I was going to have to flick it because I had gone past the near post but that was the only way I would have got to the ball.
“The first half, the defender kept clearing it when it went into that area so for me it was important to try and dislodge that in the second and it just seemed to bobble up for me at the right time.
“Once I hit it I turn and can see it heading for the side of the net and I just wheel away and that is when the celebrations started.” However, it is all thoughts on Brighton now and Wilson is keen to stay level-headed despite a strong start.
He said: “The win means nothing if we don’t go and build on it at Brighton.
“It is only one game, we have 37 to go and we have made a nice start but we need to make sure we are consistent.”
It is still a bit of a building site at the moment ... When we get to the point where it is ready then I am sure we’ll reap the rewards Callum Wilson