Ryan Fraser may be sweating on his Newcastle future if former Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe is appointed as the new Magpies manager.
The Scotland international left the Cherries in dramatic circumstances in June 2020 after deciding not to sign a short-term contract, which would have allowed him to finish the season which was interrupted by COVID.
Following ‘Project Restart’, Fraser didn’t play in any of the final nine Premier League games of the season.
After a 2-1 defeat away to Liverpool in March, Bournemouth were 18th with 27 points, but were only behind West Ham and Watford on goal difference.
In the final nine games of the season, the Cherries got seven points from a possible 27.
Despite a 3-1 win at Everton on the last day of the season, Howe’s five-year stay in the Premier League with Bournemouth was brought to an end.
Fraser was slated by Jordan
Fraser was one of Bournemouth’s star men at the time and the way he left his club in the lurch brought criticism from former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan, who labelled the winger a ‘wretched tur*’.
The 27-year-old already had plans to leave Bournemouth and didn’t want to risk an injury that could have scuppered his next move.
Speaking to talkSPORT in September 2020, Jordan said: “To me, he’s [Fraser] saying to Bournemouth: ‘I could have helped you, but I couldn’t be bothered to do so’. You’d have him with you in the trenches.
“The idea that he couldn’t have helped Bournemouth or Bournemouth couldn’t have given him the comfort to ensure that if he injured himself helping the club that gave him a career for seven years that it wouldn’t impact his next move.
“But I look at this guy’s character and I think: ‘You’re a tur*’.”
Howe, whose side were in the midst of a big relegation battle at the time, came out in public and claimed he only wanted players who were ‘fully focused’.
He said: “I only want players who are fully focused on the relegation battle that we have ahead and I’m looking forward to doing that with my squad.
“These are the most important games this football club has had in recent times and we need everybody in the same position mentally, fighting tooth and nail, giving everything for the football club, and Ryan unfortunately, due to his contractual situation, can’t commit to that.”
If Howe is appointed as Newcastle’s new manager, the pair may have to have some clear the air talks, which could see some home truths aired.
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