Callum Wilson admits he feared Newcastle United and Bournemouth double whammy

Callum Wilson has confessed one of his biggest fears was Newcastle United going down and Bournemouth winning promotion. The 30-year-old signed from the Cherries for £20million in 2020 following their relegation to the Championship under Eddie Howe.

Wilson reunited with his former boss - as well as Matt Ritchie and Ryan Fraser - at Newcastle and has been the Magpies’ top goalscorer since arrival. However, another injury-ravaged campaign means the England international has not featured since the 1-1 draw with Manchester United on December 27. Newcastle were two points adrift despite playing three games more than 17th-placed Watford at the final whistle.

A torn calf sidelined Wilson until the final few games of the season, which would have made him helpless if the club were to stay in the bottom three. Fortunately, a drastic U-turn in form since January means Newcastle are on course to finish comfortably clear of the drop zone.

The Magpies’ number nine took a swipe at the naysayers who predicted relegation while admitting he kept a close eye on his former club. Speaking on the Footballer’s Football podcast, he said: “People wrote us off, pundits, the media, bookies, everyone. I wanted nothing more than this season, to sustain in the division and make sure that we put a stop to all that noise.

“Secondly, I didn't want Bournemouth getting promoted and then me getting relegated. I want to look forward to playing against Bournemouth and that's me just being honest. I obviously had a great time there and I've never played against an old club. Next year, all being well, (we will) stay in the league and they will be promoted, which I wish him well with.”