Eddie Howe reveals what makes Newcastle United different for new signings like Woltemade

Eddie Howe stressed the importance of team culture after Newcastle United claimed their first league win of the season.

The Tyneside manager praised how his squad helped Nick Woltemade settle instantly, while admitting that joining a new dressing room can be daunting but believes his players make the transition easier for arrivals.

“It’s not easy. Whenever you go into a dressing room for the first time, it’s horrible,” Howe said  [via Chronicle Live]

“But some groups can make you feel at ease and at home straight away, others you may never feel at home. Sometimes, that emotional connection just isn’t there. "

"I’d love to think that our players are very welcoming, they’re great with new people coming in.”

“They give them a real opportunity to bed in, then of course it’s how receptive that player is to everything and our culture. There are really positive signs for Nick and all the new signings this summer.”

Woltemade, who had only four days of training with his new teammates following international duty, delivered the decisive moment in Newcastle’s 1-0 win over the Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The German striker met Jacob Murphy’s cross with a towering header to open his account and secure the club’s first Premier League victory of the 2025/26 campaign.

The 23-year-old played 63 minutes before being substituted to a standing ovation, having already been pushed by Joelinton toward the Gallowgate End to soak up applause from supporters.

Howe described the strike as “a massive moment in our season,”

Woltemade’s contribution was even more significant after it emerged that fellow new signing Yoane Wissa is expected to remain out until after the October international break.

The striker gave his own account of what the debut meant to him.

More: Newcastle boss Eddie Howe reveals the moment that sparked pursuit of Nick Woltemade

What Nick Woltemade said after the Wolves clash?

The German star who arrived at Tyneside for around £69m [$93m] from VfB Stuttgart on a long term deal expressed delight with his performance.

 “It can’t be better for me – I was really happy when I scored the goal, but we won the game, so I am really happy for the team,” Woltemade said post-match [via NUFC BLOG]

 “It can’t be better for me on my home debut, a goal on my home debut and a win, really happy."

"The crowd made me feel really welcome, when I scored all I could see was happy faces. I want to enjoy every moment. And I am looking forward to a few more games.”

“The Premier League is quite hard, I had to go out because I had cramps!......I think the coach already gave me such a good feeling, so I felt good on the pitch."

"I knew what to do and I guess you saw today everybody knew what they have to do. This win was really important.”

Newcastle United’s immediate assignment will now come against Barcelona on Champions League matchday on Thursday, September 18 at St James Park.

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