Bournemouth ace Callum Wilson inspired by boss Eddie Howe
Thursday 9 April 2015 16:27, UK
Priceless advice from Eddie Howe has inspired Callum Wilson’s 20-goal season, the Bournemouth striker told Sky Sports.
Wilson has enjoyed a superb campaign for the Cherries and certainly lived up to the billing following his club record £3m switch from League One Coventry City last summer.
The 23-year-old forward bagged his 20th of a remarkable campaign in the thrilling 4-2 comeback victory over Birmingham City on Easter Monday, a win which sent Bournemouth back to the Sky Bet Championship summit with just five matches remaining.
Ahead of Friday night's crunch clash with south-coast rivals Brighton at the American Express Community Stadium - a match which is live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 7.30pm - Wilson revealed that advice as well as special individual training from his manager Howe has contributed heavily to the success he has achieved so far at Bournemouth.
FL72 Live
"Eddie was a major factor in me joining the club in the first place because I knew, as a manager, he would work with me one-on-one and help me improve as a player," Wilson told Sky Sports.
"After I signed for the club, we sat down together and discussed what we felt my weaknesses were. From there, we both put measures in place to try and work on those weaknesses.
"Even with the attributes that I already have, he has helped me use them in different ways. Now, I can mix it up a bit more and not be so predictable. I certainly do not want to be labelled as one type of striker.
"Eddie's man management is outstanding. But he does not beat around the bush, he tells you how it is. He is very open and honest with the squad and it is key trait that he holds.
"The advice he has given me has worked, it is clear to see."
History
With the season drawing ever closer to its climax, Howe's men currently sit in the box-seat as they attempt to cap off an outstanding season by clinching a spot in England's top-flight for the first time in their 125-year history.
They face a fight to do that - only six points separating themselves and Wolves in sixth – but Wilson insists he and his team-mates are ready to go all out to ensure they join the English elite.
"We have just got to keep doing what we are doing at the moment because it is in our own hands. We must concentrate on ourselves and not worry about any of the other teams," he added.
"Hopefully, come the end of the season, we will achieve something great, something which the club has not ever been in a position to do before.
"On a personal level, it would be a dream come true. Every player grows up wanting to play in the Premier League and I am no different.
"When I was growing up as a young boy, I was not thinking about playing in League One or Two, I was thinking about the Premier League. To have the opportunity to do that would be a great honour."
It would be a dream come true. Every player grows up wanting to play in the Premier League and I am no different.
Penalties
In addition to his goal-scoring, Wilson's speed and trickery have won Bournemouth 10 of their 14 penalties this season - a number higher than any other side in the division.
However, the pacey frontman believes referees are now thinking twice before giving spot-kicks in his favour. Though, Wilson maintains he is not letting this affect his performances on the pitch.
"I feel sometimes now that it is harder for the referee to give a decision. Earlier on in the season, they were giving the decision in my favour," Wilson said.
"Now they are thinking about it a little bit more and that is obviously because of the amount I have won. I am sure they are aware of that.
"But the penalties that have been awarded in our favour have been blatant, no one could argue about that. Diving is not in my game, it never has been. I would not have even been able to dive from the way that I have been tackled in the box. I'm not worrying about it."
Watch Brighton v Bournemouth live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 7.30pm on Friday.
