Newcastle chance too big for Wood to turn down
CHRIS WOOD has admitted he simply could not turn Newcastle down after being asked to swap Burnley’s fight for Premier League survival for their rescue mission.
There was general dismay at the Lancashire club when news emerged that the Magpies had activated the New Zealand international striker’s escape clause, understood to amount to £25million, and his departure for St James’ Park has left Clarets fans fearing the worst.
However, Wood insisted he had little option after being offered the opportunity to play a part in what the Tyneside club’s ambitious new owners hope will be the start of something big.
Asked about leaving Burnley at a press conference on Thursday afternoon, the 30-year-old said: “It wasn’t an easy decision. I just think it’s a great opportunity.
“I spent four-and-a-half great years there, every single year I really enjoyed myself there. My team-mates, the staff, the club as a whole was fantastic.
“To be honest, I wish I’d left when Burnley were further up the league, but that’s just how it is and it’s just how football is sometimes.”
The Magpies and the Clarets currently occupy 19th and 18th place respectively in the table, with Wood’s new employers hoping to climb out of the bottom three with victory over fellow strugglers Watford, against whom he could make his debut in the absence of the injured Callum Wilson, on Saturday.
Asked about his fee, which has been questioned in some quarters, he replied: “It’s one of those. You’re only as good as what the club wants to pay for you. If that’s what Newcastle feel I was worth at this point in time, that’s how it is.
“You never know, in six months’ time you could be looking back and saying it’s a great deal and it will all be worth it.”