The Media Witch-Hunt on Nick Woltemade is an utter disgrace.

Regardless of the summer fiasco involving Alexander Isak, the lack of structure at board level and any other excuses even the most overly positive fan might try and make - Newcastle United have been nothing short of pretty abysmal in the Premier League this season. With just ten wins all campaign, (only three of which coming away, and only two against sides in the top half) it seems inconceivable that this is the same side and management team that brought the club a trophy and Champions League football last year.

For me, the issues stem from a combination of some players being far too old, others being far too incompetent, and Eddie’s inability to swap out players who have served him well for players for fresh new blood that would currently serve him better. So it begs the question - with only Wolves and West Ham conceding more goals at home than Newcastle have this campaign, no team taking fewer points from losing positions, and the aforementioned errors by the same individuals every week; why is Nick Woltemade shouldering the blame, and why is his manager not doing more to defend him?

The local press have made their minds up on him, that much is clear. I am bored to tears of walking out of St James’ Park and heading online to read about how a 24 year old kid in a new league (the goals of which have saved this team from a genuine relegation battle given the form) is the main talking point after watching the goalkeeper throw two goals in the net. Had Nick Woltemade scored a hattrick on Saturday against Everton - it wouldn’t have mattered. The three 34 year olds in defence simply stood and allowed the opposition to score three goals, two of which immediately after an equaliser. The childlike mentality of this tired, old defence cost us that game, as it has most of the league season. Naturally though, with certain players, it’s radio silence from the local press.

Woltemade hasn’t been great in recent months, I make no case for him - but isn’t his fault the recruitment team spearheaded by Eddie’s nepobaby nephew had no idea what to do all season and panicked on the final day in securing him. Playing a centre forward in midfield because the manager seemingly has no idea how to utilise him isn’t a reason to jump on his back. I struggle to think of a single player who would make that transition and succeed, and Alan Shearer making comments on MOTD about his lack of goals is comical - as if he wouldn’t have been belting the office door down should he have been dropped or played out of position. I’m curious as to why the media, some fans, and even the manager, are quick to jump to the defence of players like Anthony Elanga and ask for support - but have seemingly hung this lad out to dry.

The best part of the witch hunt is that Yoane Wissa was bought for just £10m less and he was meant to be the finaihed product whilst Woltemade sporadically grew into the squad, similar to how Isak learnt under Wilson in his first season. Not a word said about the fact he has scored ONE PL goal all season long. Woltemade will go to the World Cup and start for Germany, showcasing his ability with his feet and his seemingly brilliant vision in a team that doesn’t expect him to be Peter Crouch just because he’s 6”7.

Newcastle’s performances in the Champions League and depth in the cups have spared our blushes this season on a whole, but if we face the very real possibility of being out of both in a few weeks time given the draws we’ve had - then we are left with nothing to show for this campaign other than a bottom half position in the Premier League on the middle of March. After spending £250m in summer, completley abandoning our “intensity is our identity” philosophy and seemingly forgetting how to defend - how on earth anyone can lay this at the blame of a 24 year old in his first season being played out of position is baffling to me and seemingly many others.

The fans have a major oppurtunity now to show him how much we are behind him, and it needs doing soon - because this character assassination by the local press is utterly disgusting and cannot continue. There are major issues at NUFC at the minute - and Nick Woltemade is being made the scapegoat to plaster over all of them.

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