FORMER Cherry Callum Wilson has explained the differences between Eddie Howe’s side at the Vitality Stadium and his current team at Newcastle.

Wilson played 187 times under Howe at Cherries before departing for the Toon following the Dorset club’s relegation from the top flight in 2020.

After taking a sabbatical, Howe returned to management to take over at St James’ Park last campaign, reuniting with the striker.

Cherries legend Howe has rejuvenated the Tyneside outfit, leading them to their first cup final since 1999 whilst also fighting for Champions League football at the summit of the Premier League.

Howe – and Wilson – return to the Vitality Stadium for the first time since departing this weekend, when Cherries host Newcastle (kick-off 5:30pm).

Speaking on his BBC podcast Footballer’s Football Podcast, Wilson noted the changes Howe had made to his tactics at Newcastle, compared to how he set the Cherries up.

He began: "The style of play is different.

"We used to play 4-4-1-1 or 4-4-2 and now we play 4-3-3 religiously.

“We have different philosophies, different passing patterns and I think the time the manager has spent out of the game probably helped him reflect in himself on what went right, what went wrong, evaluate things and yeah - he’s changed slightly.”

However, Wilson pointed out how not much had changed in terms of Howe’s approach to training, highlighting how he had taken certain players and helped them improve.

“In terms of his work ethic, he’s still the same.

"In terms of his intensity on the training field, he’s still the same.

“In terms of how he treats you as a player, he’s still the same.

“As you’ve seen with Joelinton and (Miguel) Almiron and these players that he’s got a hold of and taken them from here and lifted them and elevated them to a whole new level, I think that’s one of his biggest strengths and then we’ve now changed formation.

"We’re still pressing like we used to but from a different structure."