For some reason not sure I see the Woodsman as the bench impact player. But with a longer term AWs focus, having his work load reduce with a eye to WC 2026 (yes a long way away) when he will be 34 - ain't a bad thing.
Who knows the remaining 2 years on this lucrative Magpies deal, could be the end of his time in the UK at age 32. Then 2-3 years at the Nix, or flagship signing for a new Auckland ALM team. Who knows, but I could see him finishing with a stint in NZ, after 15 odd years in the UK.
From Flying Kiwis.
More important are the intimations that these games give about selections. Chris Wood is going to be behind Callum Wilson in the pecking order, that much was already clear to see. Doesn’t look like Eddie Howe wants to go away from the front three shape either to allow for both Wood and Wilson to play together – not sure those two played a single minute together on the pitch at the same time through these friendlies.
Who knows the remaining 2 years on this lucrative Magpies deal, could be the end of his time in the UK at age 32. Then 2-3 years at the Nix, or flagship signing for a new Auckland ALM team. Who knows, but I could see him finishing with a stint in NZ, after 15 odd years in the UK.
From Flying Kiwis.
More important are the intimations that these games give about selections. Chris Wood is going to be behind Callum Wilson in the pecking order, that much was already clear to see. Doesn’t look like Eddie Howe wants to go away from the front three shape either to allow for both Wood and Wilson to play together – not sure those two played a single minute together on the pitch at the same time through these friendlies.
But Wood did get some genuine time with the first teamers as Wilson’s workload was managed across preseason due to his injury history. Basically, Wood’s unlikely to play to the extent that he’s used to but he’s certainly not gonna rot on the bench. He’ll get his opportunities for sure and it’s up to him to make the most of them. New season kicks off in just a few more days.