Ryan Fraser opens up on his relationship with Newcastle boss Eddie Howe

Add as preferred source on Google

Things could have been awkward for Ryan Fraser when Eddie Howe arrived at Newcastle.

The pair previously worked together at Bournemouth, where the Cherries climbed the football league to reach the top flight of English football.

But things went sour in the 2019/20 campaign. Bournemouth struggled in the Premier League, while the pandemic put football on hold.

When it returned, Fraser did not. The winger decided not to play for Bournemouth anymore, as his contract on the south coast expired. He joined Newcastle on a free, while Howe’s side were relegated to the Championship.

It was a move that didn’t go down well. Pundit Simon Jordan even called Fraser a ‘turd’ on TalkSPORT…how eloquent.

Howe has since poured cold water on the idea that their relationship is broken, and now Fraser has had his say.

What has Ryan Fraser had to say about his relationship with Eddie Howe?

“It’s very, very good,” Fraser told the club’s official website when asked about his relationship with the manager.

“Everyone obviously looked at the end of it and thought we weren’t good but we’ve always been good and I don’t know really know where that came from.

“It was nothing personal. We’ve done a lot for each other. He’s done a lot for me, I think I’ve done a lot for him.

“But we’ve helped each other, we’ve improved each other I think. We did go for coffee in the summer before. We respect each other massively and want each other to be better.”

Fraser could become key for Newcastle

Fraser’s Newcastle career hasn’t gone to plan so far. He received limited opportunities under Steve Bruce, with tactics and fitness nullifying his impact at St James’ Park.

But that looks to be changing.

We’ve seen a lot more of Fraser in recent weeks. He featured under Graeme Jones during his interim spell, and he’s played in both of Howe’s fixtures so far.

He got an assist against Brentford, which earned him a start away to Arsenal.

The 27-year-old can now become a key player for the Magpies, playing in a system that suits him for a manager who trusts him.

What went on at Bournemouth is in the past, and the combination of Howe and Fraser appears stronger than ever, which can only be a good thing for Newcastle United.