Our bruising loss to Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby will take a very, very long time to get over.
With neither side particularly good on Sunday afternoon, Nick Woltemade’s freak own goal and some poor performances has inflicted some serious pressure on both Eddie Howe and the entire squad from the fans.
It’s made the rest of December’s schedule, which continues with Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against Fulham, which is an absolute must-win.
Sadly, however, we’re going to be without Dan Burn for not only the rest of the month, but potentially all of January, as details of his injury have emerged on Monday evening.
Burn set for up to six weeks on sidelines
According to The Mail’s Craig Hope, Dan Burn is set to miss up to six weeks of action after suffering a punctured lung and broken rib during the derby.
Left reeling after a studs-up challenge from the Mackems’ Nordi Mukiele, Burn tried to continue but was forced to be substituted before the first half came to an end.
After being sent to hospital after the game to be evaluated, it was initially reported that he had fractured his rib, and Hope’s report confirms just how long we can expect to be without the England international.
Keith Downie of Sky reports that Burn spent last night in hospital and is now in the hands of Newcastle’s medical team.
Defensive injury crisis deepens
Considering just how packed our schedule is for the next few weeks and beyond, this is perhaps some of the worst news Howe could have expected coming out of the weekend’s loss.
Assuming Burn misses the full six weeks, this will rule him out of Fulham in the Carabao Cup, potentially seven league games including each of Chelsea, Manchester United and Aston Villa, the FA Cup game against Bournemouth, as well as the Champions League game against PSV.
The games against PSV and Liverpool come at the very end of the six week timeline, so they’re still up in the air over whether or not Burn will be fit and available.
The huge blow has left Howe with just four senior defenders at his disposal: the same four that finished the game at the Stadium of Light in Livramento, Schar, Thiaw and Hall.
With Hall and Livramento having just returned from their own injury layoffs, Howe may have to get creative in terms of who he starts in the defence for the next ten games: Jacob Murphy can of course play as a wing back, and Alex Murphy is an option as well.
Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth were previously listed as hopefully being back in time for the festive period, whilst Sven Botman’s return date is still unknown.
For the domestic cup games at the very least, this could (and should) open the door for the likes of Leo Shahar to step up and join the senior squad in Burn’s absence.
💙 Follow Us on Facebook
We share updates, news, and helpful posts every day.
Click below to like & follow our page to stay connected!
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.
