Ryan Fraser’s tumultuous relationship with Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe took center stage last season, as the Scottish international found himself loaned out to Championship side Southampton after being ostracized to train with the reserves by Howe.
The friction between Fraser and Howe stems from their time together at Bournemouth, particularly their strained final days at the club. This unresolved tension lingered, prompting Howe to address the rift as one of his initial tasks upon taking over as Newcastle manager, emphasizing that the past grievances were behind them and expressing his delight at working with Fraser again.
Despite Howe’s efforts to reconcile, Fraser’s stint at Newcastle was short-lived. Although he made several appearances under Howe, reports soon surfaced of Fraser’s relegation to the reserves and his pathway to the first team being blocked. Howe’s comments in pre-game press conferences, alluding to his preference for committed players, further fueled speculation regarding Fraser’s situation.
Subsequently, Fraser was loaned out to Southampton in a bid to aid their quest for Premier League promotion following relegation. Despite the initial turmoil, Fraser thrived during his loan spell, playing a pivotal role in Southampton’s successful promotion campaign via the playoffs. His contributions on the field underscored his resilience and determination to prove himself, despite the challenges he faced off the pitch.
Be the first to comment