- Newcastle United team photo includes some important names
- Nick Woltemade appears a dismal figure
- A sign of Lewis Hall’s situation?
In the wake of a Newcastle United win, it is expected to see a team photo appear on the timeline. That was exactly the case today following the Brighton game, but perhaps more than any other, this one struck as rather revealing for a few different reasons.
It was the Magpies’ first win in five games across all competitions and only their second in the last nine. So, despite some fans being rather unimpressed, it was expected to see a long-overdue team photo.
However, take a slightly closer look at the image and there are a few noticeable inclusions and nuances that may help to paint a wider picture of the current feel within the club.
Newcastle United hierarchy in changing room
Perhaps the most noticeable part of the picture was the inclusion of Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Ross Wilson and Jamie Reuben — essentially the entire hierarchical structure of the club (barring David Hopkinson, who was also in attendance).
It felt rather symbolic that, in the same week that included discussions about the future of the football club — and specifically Eddie Howe — Al-Rumayyan had his arm around the manager, with the others also present.
It appeared to be a show of solidarity, one that said, “This is Newcastle United going forward,” and one that may well have signalled that Howe is being trusted to take the project forward.
Nick Woltemade looking dismal
Another rather obvious detail in the image was the inclusion of Nick Woltemade, who didn’t exactly look thrilled, it must be said.
The German didn’t get on the pitch and was left to watch as William Osula started and Yoane Wissa came on, while he didn’t get a sniff.
Granted, when Newcastle went 2-0 up and were under pressure, it didn’t necessarily feel like his intricate interplay was the most suitable option.
However, it marked a fourth game without a start for Woltemade, and he has played just over 20 minutes in that time.
His face in the team photo seemed to reflect every moment of frustration he has endured over the past few weeks.
Whether deliberate or not, it certainly told a story of how he feels about his current situation on Tyneside.
Should it continue in the current manner, there is every chance his future will at least be brought into question this summer, especially with reported interest from Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund lingering.
Lewis Hall’s unconvincing smile
In fairness, we could be reading into this one too much. But, in a slightly less obvious manner than Woltemade, Lewis Hall didn’t exactly look ecstatic in the picture either.
A lot has been made of his omission in favour of Dan Burn in recent games, with Howe justifying the decision in each of his last two press conferences.
Hall can’t be too thrilled with his current predicament, especially given the very real possibility that he could be pushing for a starting spot with England at the World Cup this summer if his form is strong.
When Hall came on, he undoubtedly changed the game, relieved some pressure, and even put in an excellent ball across to Yoane Wissa, who blazed over unceremoniously.
Again, perhaps this is too strong an interpretation, but his celebration of Barnes’ late goal, which confirmed the win, wasn’t exactly as elated as one might expect from a Newcastle player given the circumstances.
There is some speculation online, albeit largely unsubstantiated, that Hall had a falling out with Howe and his coaching staff last week, which has been cited as the reason for his recent spell on the bench.
But while that feels likely to be at least partly fabricated, it does feel as though something is slightly off about his situation right now, and there may be more to it than meets the eye.
In other news, What Bruno Guimaraes did in 39th minute shows Newcastle United are so back.
