Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe ordered Santa Claus into the team huddle at training on the eve of the Brentford game.
The important Carabao Cup quarter-final tie could see Newcastle reach only their third ever semi-final in the competition – and kitman Neil Stoker was only to happy to spread some Christmas joy as he appeared on the training field in a full Santa Claus outfit with a bag of balls over his shoulder.
Stoker had the players giggling before training as the Magpies enjoyed some festive spirit. Howe then told Stoker or ‘Santa’ to join the team huddle as the Magpies prepared for the clash against the Bees.
Wallsend lad Stoker has worked at the club since 1991 after working his way up from shifts as a steward but now travels with the team around the world. Speaking about his dream role Stoker said in 2017: “Me personally, I just come in and I do the best with the tasks I’m given. I don’t ask questions. If the players need something, they’ll ask me and I’ll get it for them. I don’t ask about the gossip, are we going to buy this player or that player. That’s not for me to know.
“I know in Newcastle, a lot of people would love to work for Newcastle United. I do need to stay professional. It’s a job. The players are who they are and where they are by putting the work in to get them there. I am who I am because of what I do and what I have done. Obviously they are getting paid a little better. It’s great here but it’s a job at the end of the day.”
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