Newcastle United co-owner’s classy message as Chris Wood breaks silence on exit

Newcastle United co-owner Mehrdad Ghodoussi has sent a classy message to Chris Wood after completing his move to Nottingham Forest.

The New Zealand international has joined Forest on loan until the end of the Premier League season, with the obligation to make the transfer permanent in the summer.

Wood spent just 12 months at St James’ Park, where he made 39 appearances and scored five goals.

“Thank you for the last 12 months,” Ghodoussi said. “We couldn’t have done it without you!

“Wishing you the best of luck on your new adventure.”

The 31-year-old’s £25million move to Newcastle from Burnley last year will go down a success, despite the underwhelming amount of goals.

Ultimately, he was tasked with helping United stay in the Premier League last season and he just did that by playing 15 of the remaining 18 fixtures.

Wood has featured in all but one of the club’s 19 league games this campaign, however just four of those have been starts with Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak ahead of him in the pecking order.

Magpies head coach Eddie Howe was keen for Wood to stay put on Tyneside but the player wanted to pursue a move to the City Ground.

“A short note to you all to say thank you to everyone at this special club, especially my teammates, the coaches and all of the support staff,” Wood said on Instagram.

“You guys are amazing to work with. And of course, to the supporters - what incredible atmosphere you guys give the team, it really does lift everyone... I’ll be cheering along with you all for the rest of this season!!”

The replies made it evident how popular the former Leeds United man was behind the scenes, with the likes of Nick Pope, Bruno Guimaraes and Sven Botman wishing him well.