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Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson believes “football is fickle” as he looks to silence his doubters.
Wilson has recently returned from over four months out with a back problem so has been restricted to substitute appearances against West Ham United, Crystal Palace, Liverpool and Brentford as he gradually builds up his fitness and match sharpness.
The 32-year-old last started a game in May when his opener in the 4-1 win at Burnley saw him climb to second in the club’s all-time Premier League goalscorer charts behind Alan Shearer. Prior to that, Wilson had been sidelined with a pectoral muscle injury.
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In 2024 as a whole, the nine-capped England international has made just two starts and eight subs appearances. His lack of availability has been criticised but Wilson has a strong message to those who doubt him.
Penning his programme notes ahead of the 3-3 draw against Liverpool last Wednesday, Wilson wrote: “Personally, I’m delighted to be back in the squad. You work so hard to put yourself in a position to be able to help the team, but even when you’re not able to do that on the pitch you can help off the pitch, and that’s what I’ve tried to do behind the scenes.
“Nobody in the whole football pyramid wants to be injured and it does take its toll, mentally and emotionally, as well as physically which not everybody sees, but it’s part of the game. Unfortunately, I’ve had my fair share but if you fail ten times, you get back up 11 times. That’s how I’ve built my career and managed to achieve things I should never have had the right to do.
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“And I know when I’m fit, I will score goals. Football is fickle at times; true people - like the manager - remember but some people forget what happened a few weeks ago, let alone previous seasons, and the only way you can remind people of who you are, what you are and what you stand for is by performing on the pitch.
“There’s no point in me writing in the matchday programme what I’ve done and what I’m going to do - I’ve just got to go out there and do it. I’m raring to go, hungrier than ever and I love playing here. I have so much to give still at this club and for those who remember what I’ve done so far, I’m back now to create new memories.
“Do it for the people that love you - because the people that don’t love you just don’t love you yet.”
Wilson, who is out-of-contract in the summer, will hope to get back on the goal trail when Leicester City visit St James’ Park on Saturday. Pressure is mounting after the defeat at Brentford means Eddie Howe’s side have won just two of their last 11 league matches.
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