Howe giving Willock every opening to force his way back

FUTURE IS UNCERTAIN FOR LONG-SERVING MIDFIELDER

- By SEAN MCCORMICK Football Writer

HE IS a player whose name will always be cemented in the modern history of the club but Joe Willock now finds himself fighting for his Newcastle United career.

Willock equalled a club record back in the 2020/21 season when he scored in seven consecutive games at the end of the campaign to help lift the Magpies away from the relegation battle to a mid-table finish.

His contribution during a worrying period for the club under the management of Steve Bruce was invaluable and was enough to convince previous owner Mike Ashley to sanction turning his loan move into a permanent stay for £25million.

He remains one of the few survivors at the club from the Bruce era and was a key player in the side under Eddie Howe that avoided relegation the following season and then finished fourth in 2022/23.