Aston Villa star makes 'stinker' St James' Park claim - and issues Newcastle United request

Jordan Cronin
By Jordan Cronin

Newcastle United Football Writer at NewcastleWorld

Published 6th Jul 2024, 07:30 BST
General view of the Leazes Stand as the LED scoreboard reads 'We Are United' during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Luton Town at St. James Park. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)General view of the Leazes Stand as the LED scoreboard reads 'We Are United' during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Luton Town at St. James Park. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
General view of the Leazes Stand as the LED scoreboard reads 'We Are United' during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Luton Town at St. James Park. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has named Newcastle United’s St James’ Park as the stadium that makes him the most nervous.

Watkins has scored four times in seven appearances against the Magpies since joining Villa for £28million four years ago. However, none of those strikes have come at St James’.

The 28-year-old is also yet to win on Tyneside with his previous two visits ending in heavy 5-1 and 4-0 defeats. And for their 1-0 loss in February 2022, the former Brentford man saw an equaliser ruled out for offside.

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AFP via Getty Images

So, it is no wonder Watkins feels he has a “stinker” every time he visits. He also alluded to the height of the Leazes Stand, where the away fans are designated at the very top.

With the possibility of expanding St James’ Park still being assessed, Watkins has pleaded with Newcastle not the make the Gallowgate End the same.

Speaking on England’s official YouTube channel alongside Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson, Watkins said: “Newcastle, St James’ Park. I’ve had a stinker there every year, I think! You just look up at that one stand and it keeps going and going.

I’ve heard they’re making another like that and I’m like ‘no, don’t’. Please don’t!”

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Watkins was once a transfer target for the Magpies before his switch to Villa Park. In the same summer, Callum Wilson joined from AFC Bournemouth for £20million.

It was Watkins and former Magpies’ striker Ivan Toney that beat Wilson to a place in England’s Euro 2024 squad after the 32-year-old missed several matches last season because of injury.

Related topics:Ollie WatkinsAston VillaEnglandBrentfordCrystal PalaceYouTubeEuro 2024Callum Wilson

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