Chris Wood has been described as “mining” by former Eddie Howe director, as Nottingham Forest’s target machine is preparing to face Newcastle on Sunday afternoon.
Wood, 33, was signed by Howe to keep Newcastle up in 2022, but scored just four Premier League goals in two seasons before he was allowed to move to the woods.
He has flourished in the east Midlands, however, marking 18 times this season to help promote the forest in third place.
Two of the highest scores forward in the #Fpl this season 💪
Alexander Isak and Chris Wood meet in Gameweek 26 – but who do you support for the biggest return? 👀 pic.twitter.com/z3la4iusgx
– Fantasy Premier League (@Oficialfpl) 19 February 2025
Howe said: “I think he was great. Chris, when he came to us, helped us in a really difficult situation struggling for relegation.
“We thought we need a focal point in this position. Someone who could get a lot of pressure from us as a team and give us a physical presence. I thought he did all these things and was great for the team.
“I was probably underestimating how much our style and game influenced. Then, with the return of Alex (Isak) to the gym and the return of Callum (Wilson) ended up moving.
“I am happy for him on a personal level because he is a great character. He gave everything for us.”
Newcastle has lost three of their last four games, but it’s just three points out of the top four go on the weekend.
Howe wants to see an answer from the disappointing defeat to Manchester City last weekend.
He said: “There are no certainties in football, which I can say without doubt. But I think there is an understanding that we had not executed.
“There is an understanding of what we didn’t do well enough. We definitely covered it with the players and we are waiting for a great answer.”
