Jamaal Lascelles has now confirmed that the ‘off-field’ issues over bonuses have now been resolved between the players and the club – saying the squad now ‘know where they stand’, allowing us to focus on Saturday’s big game with Spurs.
The players had been refusing to speak to the media as a way of protesting against the club’s failure to agree a bonus package ahead of the new season, however both Sky and the skipper himself have now confirmed that an agreement has been reached and signed between the players and the club.
WATCH: Newcastle players have found a solution with the club following disputes over bonus payments which resulted in a media blackout. pic.twitter.com/nHtqd4rWUj
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 8, 2018
Here’s what Lascelles has had to say about it all in a statement released onto the club’s official website in the last few moments:
“Everybody looks sharp, we’re training hard and we’ve all got our heads in the right place.
“We’ve managed to sort the off-field stuff; now that’s out of the way, we don’t have any reason why we can’t go out and put on a good performance.
“We know where we stand. No-one’s moaning, no-one’s upset and now it’s just about gelling together even more, working hard, getting a good energy around the club and the training ground – and doing what we do best which is working had and playing as team.”
Captain @Lascelles16 says Newcastle's players are fully focused on Saturday's first Premier League game of the season against Tottenham Hotspur.
Read more: https://t.co/laQRevvAfs #NUFC pic.twitter.com/7RiKMaWUi6
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) August 8, 2018
Great news, with this being an unnecessary distraction that was threatening to get very messy if it was allowed to drag on.
Now to focus on a few new signings before tomorrow’s 5pm deadline and Saturday’s game with Spurs!