Jacob Ramsey has been signed with a similar skillset, and many have assumed that his arrival would spell the end of Willock at the club. It may still end up that way, but the 26-year-old returned to the starting eleven against Tottenham and played well. It was a positive step for the former Arsenal man, and it was a reminder of what he can offer.
It is worth remembering what Willock has gone through over the last two years. Injuries have severely impacted him, and it has influenced his belief in his own body.
In cameos over the last two seasons, he has often looked to have a low pain threshold and be holding back in fear of getting another serious injury. It’s understandable, but it is a hurdle that he needs to overcome if he is to get back to his best form.
I have been a huge Willock fan since he signed. Under Steve Bruce, he was a rare light in a sea of misery. Under Howe, he took his game to a new level. In the 2022/23 season, he was on the verge of an England call-up before his injury. Since then, he has shown flashes of his best form, but it hasn’t been consistent. Many in the fan base had given up on him.
There was confusion when he was named in the starting eleven against Tottenham. Lewis Miley was on the bench and many assumed that it would be the teenager that started. Willock took his opportunity though and showed why Eddie Howe hasn’t given up on him.
On the ball, Willock was a lot more confident and he wasn’t making as many mistakes. He misplayed one of his 26 passes in the game. It was a good display of his ability to retain the ball. There was one moment where he put the afterburners on and burst past Kevin Danso on the wing. He retains the burst of acceleration that made him so good when he was at his best. That is a positive sign of where he is mentally and physically.
The goal threat is something that Willock has lost in recent seasons and he still doesn’t have total confidence in front of goal. He had a chance in the second half, which he looked to be in two minds about. There was a chance to get a header on goal or play it into Nick Woltemade’s path and he did neither. That fluency should improve with more game time.
His role in the second goal can’t be overlooked. Willock was the one who pressed Danso on the ball and forced the defender to concede possession. He then moved into the space and put a good cross in that took the goalkeeper out of the game, giving Woltemade an easy chance to convert.
Willock needs to be realistic about his game-time opportunities this season. He is currently the 6th choice midfielder, but he can be encouraged that this performance came on the right side. The 26-year-old has shown that he can operate on either side of the midfield and that should increase his opportunities to get on the pitch.
There are shoots of improvement. Willock has earned further opportunities, whether they come in cup games or as a substitute. Realistically, he is unlikely to ever be a regular starter again. That being said, he has an opportunity to impress Howe as long as he is at the football club.
Hopefully we see more positive appearances like this from Willock. If we do, he will be a good squad player to have. There is also the possibility to increase his value and earn a move away from the club if he doesn’t get back to playing regular minutes.
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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.
