Alan Shearer didn’t mince his words after the full-time whistle yesterday, posting on X that we ‘offered nothing up front at all’ and were ‘miles off it’ in an ‘awful’ derby display at Sunderland.
We were pitiful in yet another dismal away performance, this time against our North East rivals, as they secured bragging rights and moved four points ahead of us in the Premier League.
Speaking about our issues in more depth on the Rest Is Football podcast, Shearer asked one big question of Eddie Howe’s Newcastle: where has the energy, intensity and pressing gone?
All of these things have been absent far too often this season, and our former No 9 fears that Woltemade’s lack of pace or energy is limiting our ability to press from the front and go after teams.
“It is a difficult problem that Newcastle have with him. Technically very good, ball at his feet very good, albeit he wasn’t today. But he does pose a problem for Newcastle because he can’t press.
“Everything about Newcastle’s success over the recent years that Eddie’s brought into it is about energy, high press, not letting the opposition play.
“Did you see us today? Sat back, 4-5-1, no pressure on the ball, nothing. And that’s a bit of a problem for Newcastle because he [Woltemade] hasn’t got great energy. He’s not quick. He’s got other strengths that he brings. But everything about Newcastle’s success hasn’t been about that.
“It’s been about energy and about high press. And he can’t do that. And that’s one of the reasons, I’m not saying it’s the full reason, but that’s one of the reasons why Newcastle have struggled away from home.”
I take Shearer’s point to a degree, as Woltemade is a very different profile to Alexander Isak and limits our ability to play that same fast-paced style.
However, I don’t think Woltemade is THE problem in this department, especially when it was his pressing that won us a penalty in the Champions League at Leverkusen last week.
It’s a collective effort and our all round energy levels as a team haven’t been good enough, with Howe’s set up and approach also holding us back in games we should be looking to control or impose ourselves in given our superior quality.
Intensity and pressing was absent on Sunday, but sitting deep and hoping to steal a goal on the break put us on the back foot immediately.
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Highest Paying Jobs in the UK 2026 (No Degree Required) – Full Hiring Guide
The UK job market in 2026 is creating strong opportunities for workers without university degrees. Due to labor shortages, rising wages, and demand across key industries, many roles now offer competitive salaries, stable contracts, and visa sponsorship options for qualified workers.
This guide focuses on real, in-demand UK jobs that pay well, require little or no formal education, and are suitable for both UK residents and international applicants.
1. HGV (Truck) Driver Jobs in the UK
Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers remain among the highest-paid non-degree workers in the UK. Supermarkets, logistics firms, construction companies, and fuel suppliers continue to face driver shortages, pushing wages higher each year.
Salary Range
- £38,000 – £65,000 per year
- Overtime and night shifts can exceed £70,000
Requirements
- UK HGV Class 1 or Class 2 licence
- Driver CPC qualification
- No university degree required
Why This Job Pays Well
Long hours, responsibility, and supply chain importance make HGV driving one of the best-paid manual professions in the UK. Employers often cover training costs.
2. Construction Site Supervisor (Experience-Based)
Construction supervisors oversee daily site operations, safety compliance, and workforce coordination. Many professionals rise into this role through experience rather than formal education.
Salary Range
- £40,000 – £60,000 per year
Requirements
- Construction site experience
- CSCS or SSSTS certification
- No degree required
Construction jobs attract high advertising bids due to insurance, equipment, training, and recruitment demand.
3. Security Control Room Operator
Unlike basic security guard roles, control room operators monitor CCTV systems, coordinate emergency responses, and manage access control for large facilities, airports, and business centers.
Salary Range
- £35,000 – £50,000 per year
Requirements
- SIA licence
- Basic IT and communication skills
- No academic degree required
4. Warehouse Operations Manager (Promotion-Based)
Many warehouse managers start as pickers or supervisors and move up through performance. E-commerce growth has pushed logistics salaries significantly higher.
Salary Range
- £42,000 – £58,000 per year
Industries Hiring
- Amazon fulfilment centres
- Supermarket distribution hubs
- Import and export warehouses
5. Care Home Manager (NVQ Route)
Care home managers oversee elderly and assisted living facilities. This role follows vocational certification routes rather than university education.
Salary Range
- £45,000 – £65,000 per year
Why It Pays Well
An aging population and staff shortages have pushed salaries higher, especially in private care homes.
6. Roofing & Specialist Trades
Roofers, scaffolders, and specialist trade workers earn premium wages due to physical demand and skill shortages.
Salary Range
- £180 – £300 per day
- Annual income up to £70,000
7. Taxi & Private Hire Drivers (High-Demand Cities)
London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds offer strong earning potential for licensed private hire drivers.
Salary Range
- £35,000 – £55,000 per year
Visa Sponsorship for UK Jobs
Some UK employers offer sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. While not all jobs qualify, roles in logistics, healthcare support, construction, and technical operations may be eligible depending on employer approval.
How to Apply for High-Paying UK Jobs
- Apply directly on company career websites
- Register with UK recruitment agencies
- Obtain necessary licences before applying
- Prepare a UK-style CV
In 2026, high-paying jobs in the UK are no longer limited to university graduates. With the right skills, certifications, and experience, workers can secure stable, well-paid roles across logistics, construction, healthcare support, and security sectors.
For job seekers aiming to work in the UK or improve their income, focusing on short-term training and high-demand industries remains the smartest path.
