Callum Wilson unsure after receiving advice from Newcastle United’s Eddie Howe

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Newcastle United said goodbye to striker Callum Wilson over the summer, but it’s clear Eddie Howe still thinks highly of him.

Alexander Isak’s move to Liverpool dominated the headlines in Newcastle United’s attack this past summer.

Newcastle welcomed Nick Woltemade before Yoane Wissa came in from Brentford to complete Eddie Howe’s attack.

Much earlier in the window, Newcastle let Callum Wilson leave on a free transfer as his contract came to an end.

Wilson had spent five years at St James’ Park, but the time had come for him to move on.

Callum Wilson on Eddie Howe’s parting message before Newcastle United exit

Wilson joined West Ham United, prolonging his Premier League career with a move to East London.

Wilson looked to be out of favour under Nuno Espirito Santo, but he has now started to shine for the Hammers.

The 33-year-old has now spoken to The Times about his Newcastle exit, and a parting message from boss Howe.

Howe has urged Wilson to become a manager or a coach in the future after spotting something in Wilson’s style of leadership.

Wilson doesn’t appear to be all that interested, despite obtaining his UEFA B coaching license.

Wilson admitted that he doesn’t feel particularly ‘hungry’ for coaching, and may instead move into the media or mentoring.

The former Magpies hitman added that he wants to give back to his family when his playing days are over, but he is determined to play on for a while yet.

“In one of our last conversations, Eddie said, ‘One day you should become a manager or coach,’ because he’d seen me become a leader,” said Wilson. 

“I don’t feel it, and I’m not hungry for it — I wouldn’t want to do something that I don’t enjoy. When I eventually hang up my boots, I’ll probably give a lot of time to my family because of the sacrifices. I might do a little bit of television and maybe mentoring. It is one of the last things on my mind now.

“As long as I have the hunger, I will be on the pitch. You hear the outside noise from people talking about injuries — that is a motivation. Mohamed Salah is the same age as me. It’s almost like saying Mo is retiring. No one would ever think that.

“If anything, I think I have more longevity as I have less miles on the clock, as I have missed games. You have a few dark moments when you have injury after injury, and you think, ‘Is it time?’ But the fighter in me was never going to give up,” he added.

Eddie Howe actually wanted to keep Callum Wilson

Howe coached Wilson at Bournemouth and Newcastle, so it’s no great surprise to hear that he thinks highly of the striker.

In fact, iNews reported in October that Howe actually wanted to keep Wilson this past summer.

A deal couldn’t be reached, and Newcastle let Wilson go, no doubt leaving Howe gutted.

Howe will continue to support Wilson from afar, and he will hope to see him move into coaching one day.

Wilson is unsure at the moment, but he would surely be welcomed back to Newcastle as a coach in the future, should he go down that path.