Nick Woltemade sends message to fans after mixed first season at Newcastle
Nick Woltemade's first season at Newcastle United certainly could have gone a lot better, but the fans have taken to him regardless of the struggles.
Four goals in his first five games were enough to endear the record signing to the Toon Army, and even when the goals dried up and Eddie Howe struggled to know exactly what to do with the German forward, the love of the fans never faded.
Most fans were more ready to point the finger at Howe than at Woltemade, as the feeling was that the manager didn't know how to get the best out of the forward.
Big Nick made it back into the starting lineup in the last couple of games of the season, and you could see his confidence start to return as a result, just in time for him to go to the World Cup with Germany.
Nick Woltemade admits this season was tough
There had been plenty of talk that Newcastle may try to cut their losses in the summer and move him on, but those claims have been rubbished. The bigger fear was that Woltemade himself would seek a move after struggling to adapt to the Premier League.
Nick Woltemade stood in the centre circle at St James' Park and took in the atmosphere as the crowd sang his name after the win over West Ham, and while that's no guarantee he won't push for a move, he didn't look like someone who wanted out.
Now the striker has taken to Instagram to thank the fans for their support this season while acknowledging it didn't all go according to plan.
"Highs and lows. But your love and support have been undeniable. Thank you, Geordies! 🖤🤍"
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We back Nick Woltemade to shine next season
A few goals at the World Cup and a strong pre-season, and we really think that Nick Woltemade will be a different animal next season.
He and Eddie Howe will have to spend the summer working together to come up with a plan that suits both play styles, and the new influx of players may tweak the style enough that it all clicks together.
It may be hypocritical that we aren't ready to throw in the towel with Big Nick, but we wouldn't object to Yoane Wissa being moved on. We've seen the potential in Woltemade, whereas Wissa has shown us nothing to suggest that it was £55 million well spent. Let's hope he proves us wrong next season if he's still here.