Earlier this week, Newcastle brought in not one but TWO players who’d been a key part of Bournemouth’s side following their transition from second tier glory to breaking the Premier League’s top 10.
Callum Wilson left the Vitality to complete a £20m move to Tyneside, while Ryan Fraser’s arrival comes after he refused to sign a new deal with the Cherries – allowing him to sign at St James’ Park on a free.
Since then, I caught up with Bournemouth fan Patrick McTurney (@PMcTurney), who gave us a view from the south-coast on our two new signings.
Here’s what he had to say about both, starting with the Scott:
Ryan Fraser
He signed back in 2013 from Aberdeen. Circumstances around that are controversial, he’d pre-agreed terms with us and then refused to play for Aberdeen for the rest of the season.
Fraser struggled to settle in (moved from Aberdeen to Bournemouth so understandable) but Eddie Howe went above and beyond to help him settle. Regularly had him over for dinner with the family and would go on dog walks etc. with him to help him settle – which makes what he did to Eddie harder to take.
His first few years were very hit and miss, form very very inconsistent and didn’t really get going. When we got promoted to the PL, we loaned him back to Ipswich and that constant run of games did him the world of good.
He came back and looked a better player for it, initially used as an impact sub for his pace, the game we were down 3-1 against Liverpool in and came back to win 4-3 was after he came in, he slaughtered them with his pace.
After that he really kicked on and had an incredible 18 months, his pace and low centre of gravity makes him so hard to defend against – partnership with Wilson in particular was excellent.
Rumours then came of a move to Arsenal – he said he was committed but refused to sign a contract and then 6 months later (and in extremely poor form) admitted he wasn’t playing for the team. Then left after deciding not to see out the rest of the season and we subsequently went down and the big clubs he thought were after him, weren’t.
A good player on his day – but his attitude after a while became very poor.
Callum Wilson
Callum Wilson pre-injury was a monster. He has struggled in spells since but has still been an extremely useful player and a big player for us.
He’s not the most clinical – sometimes needs 4 chances to score 1 – particular if he has time. He’s better when it comes quick and he doesn’t think, snapshot instincts are great.
Lost a bit of mobility post injuries but if he can find form again, he’ll frighten the lift out of defenders with his movement. Runs the channels and stretches the back 4 brilliantly.
His work rate last season was hit and miss (frustration from entire team underperforming I think) but previously has been exceptional. Runs his nuts off.
Always looked like the life and soul of the party in and around the dressing room, never really heard him complain about anything. He’s a very humorous kind of character, always laughing and joking.
As for the pair of them, I can’t claim to know about their friendship off the pitch, but their understanding on it was almost telepathic.
They just knew where the other would be without looking. In 2018/19, they combined for more goals than any duo since Shearer and Sutton back in the mid 90s.
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