Chris Wood was described as “outstanding” by his former manager Eddie Howe when the Nottingham Forest goalkeeper is preparing for Newcastle on Sunday afternoon.
The 33 -year -old Wood was signed by Howe to maintain Newcastle in 2022, but scored only four goals from the Premier League in two seasons before moving to Forest.
However, he thrived into the East Midlands and achieved 18 times this season to take the forest to third place.
Two of the highest valuables in #Fpl This season 💪
Alexander Isak and Chris Wood meet in GameWeek 26 – but who supports them for the greatest return? 👀 pic.twitter.com/z3la4iusgx
– Fantasy Premier League (@officialfpl) February 19, 2025
Howe said: “I think he was excellent. Chris, when he came to us, helped us in a really difficult situation against the descent.
“We had the feeling that we need a focus in this position. Someone who could remove a lot of pressure as a team and give us a physical presence. I thought he did all of these things and was excellent for the team.
“I probably underestimated how much he influenced our style and our game. Then returned to fitness and callums (Wilson) with Alex (Isak).
“I am happy for him on a personal level because he is a great character and gave everything for us.”
Newcastle has lost three of her last four games, but are only three points ahead of the top four in the weekend.
Howe wants to see an answer from the disappointing defeat in Manchester City last weekend.
He said: “There are no certainties in football that I can say without a doubt. But I think there is an understanding that we did not appear.
“There is an understanding of what we didn’t do well enough. We have certainly treated this with the players and expect a big reaction. “
