The Athletic’s David Ornstein has revealed that the Newcastle squad travelled down to London last weekend to enjoy a ‘Pre-Christmas bonding day and meal’ just days before securing a top four spot heading into the World Cup.
With a number of players leaving for Qatar next month ahead, Howe clearly felt it necessary to galvanise the group before they joined up with their international sides and left Tyneside for what promises to be an unprecedented festive period.
It’s believed that captain Jamaal Lascelles and vice-captain Kieran Tripper were both heavily involved in the organising of the trip following our 4-0 win over Aston Villa, where the squad enjoyed £110 Tomahawk steaks at Mayfair restaurant IT London.
With a convincing 4-1 victory over Southampton to add to the collection of dominant displays, Howe’s men have shown a real togetherness so far this season and a strong mentality to fight back when put in difficult situations.
Despite not having a full squad, the boss will also take those who are not at the World Cup to a training camp in Saudi Arabia in December where they will face Al-Hilal in a friendly.
Is this farce of continuing to refer to Lascelles as the captain ever going to end.
I can see a time (hopefully in the not too distant future) when he’s been sold and he’s playing in the Championship, and we’re still claiming he’s our captain!
Helen Clarey(Quote)