Taking to media duties in the place of unwell Eddie Howe, Jason Tindall spoke of his rise from the bottom of the Football League to the heights of the Champions League and his relationship with the Geordie faithful.
While fielding questions on injury updates and previewing the game against Luton, Tindall also responded to questions about his ‘cult hero’ status at the club.
“It’s great obviously,” the assistant coach said.
“It’s a choice of being loved or hated so you’ll always choose to be loved. The Newcastle fans always get behind the team, and the staff, and they’ve shown me a lot of love. I’m appreciative of that.”
Tindall has endeared himself to Mags everywhere and equally become a figure of division among rival fanbases up and down the country.
In January a clip emerged of Tindall seeming to orchestrate a team photo on the pitch after beating Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, sparking outrage from Mackems and gleeful delight from Geordies.
“It’s been a great journey for us since we’ve been here. We’ve had fantastic days and memories,” Tindall said.
“Now, we’re all looking to continue that journey and deliver success at this football club.”
Tindall was also asked about the change to technical area rules brought in this season. It means he cannot join Howe in the area during the match.
“I’ve never received any yellow cards so we’re coping fine!” Tindall joked.
“We’ve been working together for a long time and we’ve done it since League Two, all the way to the Premier League.”
While Tindall took charge of the press conference, it is expected that Howe will be well enough to be in the dugout for Saturday’s home game against Luton.
