We’re only a couple of months into the season, and already we’ve encountered some serious squad depth issues that will need to be resolved as soon as possible.
Mainly, the injuries to Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall have left Dan Burn and Kieran Trippier as the primary fullback option available to Eddie Howe, with neither Emil Krafth or Alex Murphy getting a chance to shine.
But there’s still calls from the fanbase for some real competition to Nick Pope, as well as younger, big game ready options for Fabian Schar and Joelinton.
And with one eye on the upcoming January transfer window, Eddie Howe has dropped a slight hint of what, if anything, we can expect to see in the new year…
Howe hints at January moves
Eddie Howe isn’t expecting major business to take place in the January window, but has hinted at some “small outlays” should the right deals emerge that allow us to strengthen mid-season
After some big acquisitions this past summer, including the £69m spent on Nick Woltemade, £55m on Yoane Wissa and another £55m on Anthony Elanga, we’ll want to still exercise some caution on spending too much and putting ourselves at risk of violating PSR.
Howe seems very content with his current crop of talent, though he does admit that a few tweaks and minor additions will always be welcome.
“Every transfer window for me is an opportunity to invest. We will look at it and try and make the best decisions for the future of the club knowing what we have available in that window and then the following windows.
“We will try to make the best decisions in that way. I would love to get to a situation where we can invest in every window.
“Not necessarily big outlays, sometimes small outlays to keep the fluidity in the squad and keep building forward, but we haven’t had those discussions yet.”
Depth key to Toon success – Howe
Howe made it abundantly clear at the start of the season that he planned to go as far as possible in every competition we play in, including the Champions League.
After injuries woes and a lack of squad depth decimated our last campaign in the competition, Howe will feel a lot more optimistic about chances of progressing through the league phase now he has better, more experienced players at his disposal.
“It’s massive for us that you have players that can come in, and I wouldn’t say make the team play better, but bring their own qualities to the team and in some ways might make the team play better.
“That’s crucial for us. We need the depth. We arguably didn’t have that two years ago and paid the price for that.
“It was a great sign for the squad that the two players [Miley and Ramsey] came in and performed as they did (against Benfica)”
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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.
