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Woodman: "A Better Club For Blackie"
Written by Newcastle Utd
Freddie Woodman believes the acquisition of Steve Black could be the best piece of business United do this summer
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
Freddie Woodman believes the acquisition of Steve Black could be the best piece of transfer business Newcastle United do this summer.
While Georginio Wijnaldum and Aleksandar Mitrovic have been two high-profile arrivals on the pitch, there has also been change off it following the appointment of new head coach Steve McClaren.
The former England man has brought in coaches Paul Simpson and Ian Cathro, along with fitness coach Alessandro Schoenmaker, who he has worked with at a number of clubs.
One further addition has been consultant Black, who has worked with the Wales and British Lions rugby teams, Jonny Wilkinson and Queens Park Rangers among others.
For teenage goalkeeper Woodman it is a re-acquaintance with the psychology expert he credits behind his rise to the Magpies first team and international youth honours.
And he believes McClaren has pulled off a masterstroke in bringing Black to St. James' Park.
"I'm lucky enough to have been working with Blackie for a year-and-a-half before he arrived here and it is brilliant to have him at the Club," Woodman told nufc.co.uk.
"I spoke to my agent about getting an edge on other goalkeepers - I want to do everything possible to become the best.
"We looked at a few angles, and psychology was the one. So I wanted the best psychologist and I was put in touch with Steve.
"I work with him every single day and he keeps adding to my game.
"We chat all the time - he will have a little word in my ear before I go out onto the pitch - and that is something you really need as a young player."
So what exactly does Black offer United's squad? Woodman is perhaps best placed to explain.
"He's about good habits, positive thinking and reinforcing messages," continued the youngster.
"He will tell you information - little and often - and you go back to your room and think about it.
"He's given me books, audio tapes and a lot of visualisation exercises to do.
"It has given me a genuine interest in that side of the sport now. I am always trying to learn more about psychology and how it can help me in my career.
"Steve is an amazing guy. When I walked into the manager's office at the start of pre-season and saw him sat there, I was made up.
"He will bring a lot to the team - a brilliant attitude which will transcend into the lads and onto the pitch.
"He will bring a lot to this Club and a lot to the players. We will be a better team and a better Club for having Blackie around."