Dear Nick Woltemade,
You know just as well as the fans do – since you arrived last summer, things haven’t always been the way they should have been.
For that, you deserve better. Believe me, we all know just as well as you do that none of it is your fault.
You came to the club in a rather turbulent time. Yet one full of expectation, passion and excitement at where the road ahead could lead.
There were big boots to fill, but you took to your new domain like a duck to water. You endeared yourself to the Geordie faithful the moment the net bulged on your fateful debut against Wolves.
Your ability has been clear to see on many occasions. Even while adjusting to a new league, a new intensity, a new environment and a new culture all at the same time.
‘We understand,’ says Newcastle United fan
That’s not easy for any footballer. Let alone one being scrutinised at every turn by way of a £69 million transfer fee that you had no hand in deciding.
Context is important, but often gets lost in football. Many will look at the drop-off in goals and think ‘flop’. But those of us who watch you week in, week out understand that you have merely been failed by the very people who brought you to the club in the first place.
Played in a system not even attempting to get the best out of you, or entirely out of position for most of the season. None of us who understand football are remotely surprised or frustrated at you for the struggles you have faced.
Yet time and time again, you have become the media scapegoat and been criticised to the hilt on behalf of factors almost entirely out of your control.
But we, as Newcastle fans, can all see the outstanding footballer in you, even if it hasn’t entirely clicked yet.
That brings us to this summer, where speculation is already rife around your future. We wouldn’t blame you if you adhere to the noise and the interest in returning to your old stomping ground. But equally, you have unfinished business on Tyneside.
Newcastle United isn’t an easy place to succeed; you are probably well aware of that by now.
But one thing you have that not many others get the pleasure of experiencing so soon in their Newcastle career is the backing of the fans.
And, when you feel that connection, with St James’ Park spurring you on at every turn, there are few places better in world football.
Nick Woltemade faces big summer transfer decision
You have a choice to make. Stay and fight through the rough, or leave and walk away. None of us would begrudge you for choosing the latter. But this club has a unique way of rewarding those who stick it out.
Your time in black and white doesn’t have to be defined by what has already happened.
You already have the fans’ respect. Now it is time to etch yourself into the eternal folklore of Newcastle United by turning your story to glory.
In other news, Newcastle United already know Roberto Mancini stance on Premier League return.
