Eddie Howe’s ‘it will happen again’ warning as Newcastle prepare for Elliot Anderson reunion

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One of the inescapable subplots of Newcastle United’s trip to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest this weekend will be Eddie Howe’s side coming up against former Magpies dup Chris Wood and Elliot Anderson.

Striker Wood was signed by Newcastle in January 2022 in the club’s first post-takeover transfer window. He would net five times in 39 appearances over the course of 12 months before moving to Forest, initially on loan before sealing a permanent deal in the summer of 2023 as competition for places up front intensified at St James’ Park.

Anderson’s Newcastle exit came under different circumstances altogether, with the club reluctantly selling the homegrown star for £35million in the summer in a move that was done to ease the club’s PSR situation.

This will be the first time Anderson has faced Newcastle and was something Howe addressed in his pre-match press conference.

Eddie Howe’s fear after Elliot Anderson transfer

When asked about Sunday’s reunion, Howe reiterated the fact he did not want to sell Anderson, but fears similar situations may be repeated in the future, both at Newcastle and elsewhere in the Premier League.

“No one internally wanted to make that sale – but we had to,” Howe said, as reported by The Chronicle.

“So I think that one is a very unusual one because I think that will be happening again, not just here, but at other football clubs, when you sell footballers for financial reasons.”

Why Chris Wood’s exit was different

Howe also reflected on Wood’s exit as he looked ahead to the Sunday 2pm kick-off.

“Chris’ one was slightly different because I think it was really thinking of Chris. We had obviously Alex and Callum and Chris – three experienced strikers that would all want to start games.

“Chris felt that he wanted that opportunity to play week in, week out, and we reluctantly agreed to that. But as I said, I don’t think there was any ill feeling. It was all with each other’s blessing.”

Wood has taken full advantage of the opportunity to be Forest’s main man this season, netting eight times in the league already.

Newcastle will also be wary that the New Zealand international fired home a hat-trick against the Magpies last season, when Forest won 3-1 at St James’ Park.

Eddie Howe identifies Nottingham Forest threat

With just one defeat all season, third-placed Forest have emerged as the Premier League’s surprise package this season and Howe is expecting a tough test at the City Ground.

“They are having a great season,” he added. “Nuno deserves credit for the job he has done. They have a way of playing that really works for them.

“Very tough to play against. They are going to pose a big test for us. They have a solid defensive base, really good pace in wide areas.”