BRUCE’S NO.9 ‘IS BEST CALL’
NEWCASTLE legend Rob Lee reckons Toon boss Steve Bruce has made an inspired decision in handing Callum Wilson the iconic No.9 shirt for the new season.
And former England international Lee, who made more than 300 appearances for the Geordies, is tipping Wilson to establish himself as the club’s best striker since the days of Alan Shearer and Les Ferdinand.
Wilson was in the No.13 shirt last term – while record-buy Joelinton wore one of the most fabled shirts in English football.
But Bruce has decided to relieve the misfiring Brazilian of the responsibility of attempting to match the deeds of illustrious Toon predecessors, such as Jackie Milburn, Malcolm Macdonald and Shearer (inset, below).
And Lee is convinced that former Bournemouth hitman Wilson will relish the responsibility of the No.9.
“Wilson is one of the best strikers in the Premier League,” said
Lee (inset, above), still hugely popular on Tyneside two decades after leaving Newcastle.
“And he’s a natural fit for that No.9 shirt.
“It’s been a difficult summer so far for Bruce, but he’s made an excellent decision – not just for Wilson, but for Joelinton too. Having the No.7 on his back instead takes an awful lot of pressure off Joelinton.”
Having spent 10 years at St James’ Park, Lee is well versed in the Toon traditions and history. He added: “At any other club, it doesn’t really matter who’s wearing the No.9, but it still means something special at Newcastle.
“He’s your talisman, your match-winner, your main man – players such as Shearer, Supermac, Micky Quinn, going all the way back to Wor Jackie, have revelled in the responsibility.
“It was hard for Joelinton because he’s not a natural goalscorer, but Wilson definitely is.
“Give him enough chances and he’ll stick the ball in the back of the net on a regular basis. There aren’t many better finishers than him.
“And while he never made a fuss about it, I know it will mean the world to him having No.9 on his back. He knows what it means.”
Lee played with Les Ferdinand, Shearer, Peter Beardsley and Tino Asprillla in Kevin Keegan’s Entertainers side, which, 25 years ago, came so close to taking the title back to Gallowgate.
Lee added: “Wilson reminds me of Ferdinand, the way he leads the line, runs the channels and brings team-mates into play. Perhaps he’s not quite as good in the air, but, let’s face it, who is?
“But Newcastle have an England player in the
No.9 shirt again – and that is a step in the right direction.”
And Lee has urged Arsenal’s Joe Willock to join Newcastle after his successful loan stint.
He said: “I get the feeling that if it were down to him, Joe would be up in a flash – but it’s not as simple as that.”