Newcastle star sets bullish ‘minimum standard’ with fierce scrutiny of colleagues
Newcastle striker Callum Wilson wants to forget about this season and demands more from his players after a complacent end to the campaign.
The Magpies have all-but ensured Premier League survival for another season, but they were in peril at one stage. Steve Bruce’s men looked like contesting a relegation scrap amid a training ground bust-up between the manager and Matt Ritchie. However, while they remain in 17th, they sit nine points clear of 18th-placed Fulham.
What’s more, the sides meet on the final day, which could yet prove another chance to add to the vital points they have gained in the latter stage of the season.
Joe Willock earned the Magpies a point away at Liverpool, also netting the winner in a 3-2 win over West Ham.
However, while Newcastle are all-but safe, Wilson still remembers where his side once were and does not want a repeat of such form next season. Instead, he wants a top-half finish as a “minimum standard”.
“If we are honest having picked up some points, sometimes complacency can creep in,” the Englishman told the Daily Mirror.
“We have to be consistent with our performances. We have to get back on track. Next season we start fresh and go for a top ten finish, minimum standard.
“We have worked hard all season and it has not gone as we’d have liked it too, we’ve not got as many points as we’d like.
“We can get over 40 points and focus on next season.”
'Mike Ashley wants to stick with Steve Bruce'
The Athletic's George Caulkin says Newcastle owner Mike Ashley wants to stick with manager Steve Bruce despite a difficult season at St. James' Park.
On a personal level, this season has proved a tale of two halves for Wilson.
The 29-year-old started the campaign with seven Premier League goals in his first 12 games. However, he has not scored since the end of January and picked up a hamstring injury soon after which ruled him out until April.
Overall, he has amassed 10 goals in the top flight, as well as five assists, but he reflects on his run as somewhat disappointing.
Wilson wants more at Newcastle
“I am on ten goals. I am disappointed with that and wanted more, but have to accept I got injured,” the forward said.
“I’d say it has been OK. I am pleased with where I am at when I have played. Ten goals, five assists is good numbers for a striker.
“Now is a chance to pick up more goals and finish close to 15-20 as possible. Ten is OK but not where I want to be at. I had a setback, but you take what is given to you.
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“I feel good, I have been training for 4-5 weeks, I was on the bench a few games.
“First game was understandable. After that you want to contribute and wanted to start. I was disappointed.”
Newcastle return to action on Friday, travelling to face Leicester.
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