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‘Different’: Chris Wood shares what his Newcastle teammates told him about the SJP atmosphere after he signed
Newcastle United new boy Chris Wood has revealed what his teammates told him about St James’ Park after he joined the club last month.
The New Zealander’s signing was a surprise to many in January. Everybody expected the Magpies to sign a big name from one of the top clubs, but Eddie Howe made his decision and to be fair to Wood, he’s a really good player.
The ex-Burnley man spoke to this week and one of his most interesting comments were about St James’ Park.
Wood revealed that he was intimidated when he came to Newcastle as an opponent in the past. He also claimed that his new teammates have told him that the atmosphere has completely changed over the last few months.
Chris Wood: St James’ Park crowd is so intimidating
The 30-year-old said: “I actually stood there for a few seconds just enjoying it. It’s something you’ve heard about, how passionate the fanbase is, but to actually experience it is incredible for a footballer.
“That was why we beat Everton and Aston Villa. They got us over the line. The noise was unrelenting. Teams don’t like coming here at the best of times but when the crowd is like it is now… it’s so intimidating. I’ve been on the receiving end of it many times. It’s a massive thing for us.
“Speaking to the players who have been here for a while, it has changed in the last few months. It’s different to what it was, they sense it, we all can.
“This is a snowball gathering momentum. Seeing where it can lead to is going to be amazing, it’s only going to get better on and off the pitch.”
TBR View:
The last few years of the Mike Ashley era was so bad for Newcastle United fans that everyone else forgot how incredible an atmosphere they can create at St James’ Park.
With PIF now at the helm, the atmosphere has completely changed and playing Newcastle at St James’ Park is extremely difficult for every team in the country, even the top-six.
Howe now has to build a side that would help make their home a fortress.
Almost every great side in the history of world football has a feared home ground and if things go to plan for Newcastle, it’s only a matter of time before St James’ Park becomes a scary place to visit for opposing teams.
