Newcastle have cancelled Christmas for the second year running.
Rafa Benitez's players had been gearing up to hit London's nightspots for their festive bash following Saturday's crunch relegation clash with Huddersfield.
But those plans have now been shelved at the last minute, echoing 12 months ago when the squad called off their annual knees-up after a disastrous run of seven defeats in eight left them in danger near the bottom of the Premier League table.
Benitez earned the manager of the month after three straight wins in November, but Sunday's defeat at home to Wolves leaves them three games without a win, and just three points above the drop zone in 15th.
The Spaniard is confident the party-pooping move, instigated by skipper Jamaal Lascelles, will be welcomed by supporters, and he said: 'This group of players, last year they cancelled the party because they knew and they realised that it was not the right thing to do. This year, it has been exactly the same.
'When I was talking to Jamaal, I said, "If something is wrong, you have to realise". I think he was quite sensible. They wanted to do it because it is a tradition for some players, especially in England.
'But I think they have been quite good and I think that the fans will appreciate that they are just focused on that. Hopefully we will not lose tomorrow, touch wood. If everything is right, fine, still they will not do anything - or at least not that I know! And if something is wrong, still it is the same. They are quite responsible.'
Benitez cranked up the pressure on his players by describing the trip to the John Smith's Stadium and next week's visit by rock-bottom Fulham as 'cup finals'.
He added: 'For us, every game is like a final, we have to approach every game thinking one point can make a massive difference at the end of the season. We need to win against these teams around us at the bottom, we need to be realistic.'
Gloriouser
1
Brilliant idea, because cancelling the Christmas party is definitely the answer to saving us from relegation...
Worked last year lol
aguillon
0
Is this seriously news?
ready2
0
Work them out Rafa
Tim5533
0
I don't see the point in canceling. It's Christmas regardless, and a bit of merrymaking couldn't exactly hurt morale.
Brucellosis
0
Brilliant idea, because cancelling the Christmas party is definitely the answer to saving us from relegation...
Laryngitis
0
Yep that will help to bring players in, oh wait Ashley doesn't want to spend. Saving pennies on both counts then.
childhood
0
It's Christmas every day when you're a footballer.
Nissan
0
As long as they don't go out and get caught up in some kind of scandal, I don't think most people would have any problem with them having a Christmas party. I'm sure they're still having nights out anyways, so this really wouldn't be any different. The main reason for our current struggles is the incredible lack of investment in the squad from the owner over the years, not because of a lack of effort or commitment from the players. Go out and have a few drinks, I say; it would probably be good for morale.
Yuewsesber
0
The Lads should have a party.
minicar
0
I respect that. Well done Newcastle.
headache
0
Mike Ashley probably gave Rafa no budget for the party.
wulover
0
Get out on the toon and rattle a coupla gals!
book
0
It's not like footballers work a lot
Djangone
0
It's a shame cause Newcastle should be fighting for top 6 every season but their owner is killing them.
Rocksaul
0
Right too, knuckle down get some points on the table you over rated, over paid bunch of useless numpties, and Ashley you can stick your trashy sports direct crap where the sun don't shine
Armstronger
0
Damned if they do, damned if they don't.