Traditionally, with the exception of Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne, the jump from the Bundesliga to the Premier League is one of the hardest tasks for an incoming transfer.
So far at Newcastle United, Nick Woltemade has shown that he’s got what it takes to succeed in English football, netting seven goals in his first 21 total appearances.
But in recent weeks, despite his strong start, the big German’s positive performances have become few and far between, with him subbed off at half-time at West Ham, struggling in home games against Burnley and Spurs, and
And it’s something that hasn’t gone unnoticed by Eddie Howe and those within the club, who have an interesting observation over Woltemade’s slight downturn in form…
Woltemade in the ‘red zone’
In his latest piece for The iPaper, Mark Douglas discussed what Newcastle insiders have been saying about Nick Woltemade’s current energy levels.
There is a belief behind the scenes that he is battling fatigue and ‘playing close to the red zone’, with the 6ft 6″ striker forced to play more minutes than initially planned due to Yoane Wissa’s slow recovery from a knee injury and Will Osula’s recent ankle issue.
It’s thought this is not only impacting his form after a recent dip, but also limiting his ability to join a press, which Alan Shearer was critical of earlier this week:
“Insiders feel that Nick Woltemade’s dip in performance level is the result of fatigue at being played more than the club envisaged at this point in his debut season.
“As of yet £55m signing Yoane Wissa hasn’t contributed because of injury and Howe says he remains unable to complete 90 minutes, which puts the onus on Woltemade to shoulder much of the attacking burden.
“He is being asked to contribute to a high press but is playing close to the red zone while Wissa is eased into things.”
It’s no secret that Howe likes to bed in his big signings slowly, but the gaffer’s hand was unfortunately dealt for him by Alexander Isak’s departure, Wissa’s freak injury, Osula’s ankle issues and the poor form of Anthony Gordon when he’s filled in as a false nine.
With precisely 1,500 minutes played so far this season, only the quintet of Bruno Guimaraes, Dan Burn, Malick Thiaw, Sandro Tonali and Nick Pope have played more than Woltemade, who has also been away with Germany over each international break, often playing 90 minutes.
Why Wissa return could be huge
Woltemade was perhaps the happiest man in the North East when it was announced that Wissa would be available for us for December’s fixtures and beyond.
Not only will the Congolese star’s presence afford Woltemade some much needed (and deserved) rest, but it’s a fresh option for a team whose tactics have gotten a little stale this season.
Wissa can give us something different, offering movement in behind, a burst of pace and perhaps even the option to play two up front, although it’s not yet clear if he’ll be able to start.
Speaking on Wissa ahead of today’s game against Fulham, Howe commented:
“I’ll make a decision on that [whether he’s able to start] in consultation with everybody else, and with the player.
“We’ll have to see whether he can execute what we need him to.”
With Osula still out injured, and no Calvin Bassey in the Fulham defence, tonight seems like the perfect opportunity to give Wissa his first meaningful minutes since his deadline day switch from Brentford.
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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.
