Report: Chris Wood has played for Newcastle more than Eddie Howe expected

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When Chris Wood joined Newcastle United at the start of 2022, he was a needs-must signing by Eddie Howe.

The Magpies needed a striker desperately, and he was available for £25million – the release clause in his Burnley contract.

The Toon owners activated it, getting the forward they needed and weakening a relegation rival in the process.

He wasn’t a glamorous signing, but an essential one. Wood came in and led the line in Callum Wilson’s absence, and played an important role in helping Newcastle stay in the Premier League.

The goals didn’t flow, but he played his part. There were no passengers in the Newcastle team last season, as a sensational run ensured relegation was not on the cards.

But things were expected to be different this season. Wilson returned from his lengthy injury, while another striker was signed in Alexander Isak.

That made Wood Newcastle’s third choice striker, and unlikely to play as much as he was at the start of the year. However, that is not how things have panned out.

Howe surprised by how much Wood has played for Newcastle this season

Newcastle have played 17 games in all competitions this season. Wood has featured in 16 of them. The only game that Wood wasn’t involved in was the 4-0 win over Fulham at the start of October.

Be it off the bench or as a starter, the 31-year-old has almost been an ever-present for Newcastle this season. And that was reportedly surprised Eddie Howe.

According to the Athletic, the Toon boss did not expect Wood to play this much beyond his first six months at the club.

Given Wilson’s ability and Isak’s arrival, that is not a surprise. But circumstance has forced Howe to turn to the ever-reliable Wood time and time again.

He will likely have to do just that on Tuesday, when the Magpies return to competitive action against Bournemouth in the cup.

Wood isn’t the most glamorous of players, nor is he prolific in black and white. But on most occasions he does a vital job, and allows others to flourish around him with his hold-up play and tactical awareness.

He may have only scored four goals since he joined the club, but he has proven to be well worth the £25million he cost almost a year ago.