Young Newcastle United goalkeeper Freddie Woodman has opened up about the ‘bad situation’ he is currently going through at the club.
Despite reported interest from League One clubs this summer, Woodman was not allowed to leave St James’ Park, and the 6ft 2in [Source: Transfermarkt] shot-stopper is becoming frustrated with his state of affairs.
“January is around the corner and I have to be prepared for it when it comes,” he told the Chronicle. “I’ve always said I enjoy playing football so whatever level it is, I am going to enjoy it. I don’t have to play for the Under-23s – I choose to play.
“I just want to get the best out of a bad situation. I want to be playing – at the highest level I can. It’s not always the case, as other things get in the way of stuff. But I let other people deal with that.”
OPINION
There is clearly more to Woodman’s words than he has allowed to reach the surface. You can sense the bitter frustration that the 21-year-old is feeling at this time because he is just not getting the first team football that he wants. It’s a shame because he’s a talented goalkeeper but his growth is being stunted a lack of regular football. The club’s refusal to allow him to move on loan this summer doesn’t make sense when you consider that Martin Dubravka, Karl Darlow and Rob Elliot are ahead of him in the ‘keeper standings. With three men ahead of him there’s no reason not to let him go out and play first team football. It’s not like Woodman’s the back up who would instantly be called upon if there was a problem with Dubravka. No, he’s the fourth choice stopper so it’s simply baffling that he wasn’t allowed to go out on loan. You have to feel for the young man because he’s clearly struggling at the moment.
