02 February 2024 , 12:01
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Jason Tindall has insisted he is not a deliberate touchline wind-up merchant - but has taken a swipe at Unai Emery for refusing to shake his hand.
The Toon No2 has become a high profile assistant boss on the touchline alongside Eddie Howe - despite new Premier League rules designed to split the pair up during games which Tindall says “was probably” aimed at them.
Tindall has been the subject of social media jokes about always being at the centre of Newcastle ’s dressing room celebration pictures when they win. He’s also the subject of memes with his super-white smile and tan, asking why he loves to be the centre of attention.
Tindall was thrust into the Newcastle hotseat on Friday when Howe reported in sick and was unable to conduct a press conference ahead of the clash with Luton.
Howe’s trusty lieutenant was asked why he irritated the opposition so much, saying: “I don’t care if I upset people. I’m not going to stop being me.
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“It’s not deliberate. I’m just me. I won’t stop being me all of a sudden because of what people say about me and what they tell me to do. If anyone thinks that’s going to stop me behaving like me or stop me being my real self, that’s not going to happen.
“Listen, I don’t mean to get under the skin of opposing managers or deliberately upset anyone, all I’m interested in doing is helping Newcastle United win football matches. Once kick off is there that’s my only motivation and goal is to do everything in my power to help the team. If that upsets a few people along the way, then so be it.
“It’s not led by me. I don’t instigate it in any way. People say what they want to say and I can’t control that or do anything about that. All I can focus on is my job and what I do for Newcastle. What happens around that, er, you know, it’s not in my control.”
Tindall, alongside Toon boss Eddie HoweVilla boss Emery refused a handshake on Tuesday night as Newcastle completed a double and Tindall said: “If someone doesn’t want to shake my hand at the end of the game then I’m not in control of that.
“I wouldn't personally do that myself, whereas some people act differently when they win compared to when they lose. I certainly don’t go out to cause that problem to begin with. If they don’t like what they see, no problem, I’m not offended by it.”
Newcastle fans love Tindall, adapting the Last Christmas song to include his name, and christening him Mad Dog. “There’s obviously a few memes that I get sent around from time to time. It’s something that’s just stuck.”
Tindall orchestrated an inflammatory celebration picture on the pitch after the 3-0 win against Sunderland, so the moment could be shared with the Geordie fans. “When you look back on your career, you want something to look back on and to remind you of good moments and that's the reason we do it.
“You've got to enjoy the moment of winning because that's what we all want to do. Sometimes, it's nice to share nice moments with the fans. Their support costs them a lot of money. With the love they always show us, sometimes, it's nice to give something back.
“On the team pictures, a lot of it is superstition. I think if you look at a lot of photos, most people end up in the same place.”
Alexander Isak has a chance of recovering from his groin injury, while Callum Wilson and Harvey Barnes are set to be in the match day squad after injury. Joe Willock is close to a return, but not as far on.
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