The Manchester United squad better brace for impact as they stride onto the turf at St James’ Park today, where tin helmets might be the order of the day not just for the players but also for the coaching team. Newcastle, riding a wave of top form, are taking no prisoners, poised for combat both on the field and from the sidelines.
Although the flu-struck Eddie Howe may adopt a more subdued profile on the touchline, his trusted lieutenant Jason Tindall is sure to bring the intensity. Affectionately dubbed ‘Mad Dog’ by the Toon faithful, Tindall is expected to spend the match fiercely expressing himself, potentially inciting the visitors’ bench—a stark contrast to the gentle figure who handled pre-match press in Howe’s absence.
Despite his calm demeanour off-pitch and warm rapport with the squad at training, Tindall’s transformation on game day is no mere performance; it’s been key to his and Howe’s achievements with both the Magpies and previously Bournemouth.
Facing adversaries on the grass—and occasionally beyond—Tindall acknowledges his drastic metamorphosis once he steps out of the player’s tunnel, switching into battle mode instinctively.
“Yes, I think you have to,” he concedes, signalling the distinction between everyday life and the unique demands of matchday. “It’s almost like a war in a sense when you are out there and all you want to do is win the game. And to get yourself into that mode, I suppose it is like any sportsman going into battle.
“You have to be in the zone where you do all you can to win. I’m no different to anybody else in that moment. All I want to do when the ref blows that whistle is win the game.”
One individual who would undoubtedly understand Tindall’s sentiments is Newcastle icon Kevin Keegan, who famously wore his heart on his sleeve every match.
Howe’s right-hand man vividly remembers Newcastle‘s legendary 5-0 triumph over United in 1996, which came shortly after Keegan’s memorable “love it” rant.
“That is the passion of this football club,” Tindall remarks. “Anyone who works or plays here, you just feel the passion of the city and that was a passionate moment from Keegan.”
Tindall makes no apologies for his sideline behaviour, even if it ruffles feathers.
“People that don’t know me will say things. That’s up to them and I’ve got no control over that,” he states. “I have always said, I am who I am. I’ve always been that, it’s not new. I know the role I play on a day-to-day basis and on matchdays.
“The only thing that matters to me is to do the best I can for this club and I will continue to do that for as long as I’m here.”
Tindall also reminisces about the day Howe rang him up to announce his appointment as Toon boss, asking him to join as his trusted lieutenant from their days at Cherries.
“We’d been in constant dialogue so when a club the size of Newcastle shows interest, you do get excited and hope that it does come true and it did,” he recalls.
“I’m here with Eddie again and all these years later, he hasn’t shaken me off yet. It’s been quite a journey – long may it continue.”
Content Source: www.express.co.uk