Eddie Howe makes Callum Wilson admission before West Ham vs Newcastle

Eddie Howe has admitted that Callum Wilson remains one of his all-time favourite players — and revealed how the striker immediately stood out from the moment they first worked together. Speaking ahead of Newcastle United’s clash with West Ham later on today, the Magpies boss reflected fondly on Wilson’s influence throughout his managerial journey, both at Bournemouth and on Tyneside.

Howe, who has coached some of Europe’s most coveted players since taking Newcastle into the Champions League, was quick to highlight the special qualities that made Wilson different. “Yes, without a doubt,” Howe told The Independent when asked if Wilson was among his favourite players. “I can say that now because of having seen the rise of Callum. Having signed him, obviously back then he wasn’t the player he turned out to be, and he had to go through a period of redevelopment. But he did that straight away and was one of the rare players I signed who went straight in.”

The pair’s history stretches back to Bournemouth, where Howe signed Wilson from Coventry City in 2014. The forward repaid that faith immediately — scoring twice on his debut and firing the Cherries to the Premier League for the first time in their history.

Howe recalled: “He scored on his debut – two goals – and never looked back. Then there was seeing how he adapted to the various challenges that were thrown at him. He had unwavering self-confidence, but it was never arrogance. He had it perfectly in the right place, and then he never changed with success.”

That bond endured through the years. When Howe took over Newcastle in late 2021, Wilson was one of his key pillars in steering the club clear of relegation. His goals were instrumental to the Magpies’ survival and later, their top-four push.

Now 33, Wilson finds himself on the opposite side of the dugout this weekend, enduring a difficult start to life at West Ham United. Since joining on a free transfer in the summer, the veteran striker has managed just one goal in seven appearances — only one of them as a starter — as Nuno Espirito Santo’s men languish in the bottom three.

While supporters in east London are yet to see the sharp, ruthless version of Wilson that once led Newcastle’s line, Howe insists his former player’s professionalism and mentality remain second to none. “He is still the same person today as he was at the beginning of his career,” Howe said. “For all those reasons, and seeing how hard he has worked at his game, he is absolutely right up there.”

Wilson’s departure from Newcastle was not due to a lack of respect or ability. The club wanted him to stay, but contract talks over a new incentive-based deal stalled. With no agreement reached, Wilson opted to move on and was snapped up by West Ham, eager to add experience and goals to their struggling attack.

For Newcastle fans, it was a bittersweet farewell. Wilson had become a symbol of consistency through turbulent years — a dependable finisher who scored 100 goals in 282 games under Howe’s management across Bournemouth and Newcastle combined.

In our view, Howe’s words reveal more than sentiment — they highlight the type of character he values most. Wilson’s self-belief without arrogance, his adaptability and humility under pressure, all fit the mould of the culture Howe has built at Newcastle. Even as the club evolves with elite talent, his admiration for Wilson underlines that mentality remains the foundation of his philosophy.

For Wilson, the West Ham chapter may be stuttering, but his story still serves as proof that hard work and resilience can define a career as much as goals do.

Newcastle travel to the London Stadium to face West Ham this afternoon — a game that reunites Howe and Wilson in opposite camps. For West Ham, it’s a chance to reignite their season; for Newcastle, an opportunity to keep climbing the table. Either way, emotions will run high when the two men meet again.

👉 Newcastle fans — do you think Eddie Howe was right to let Callum Wilson leave, or should he have been given one more season at St James’ Park?