Jason Tindall: I’ll keep being me in Newcastle’s bid for Champions League spot | OneFootball

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Jason Tindall will continue to be himself as he attempts to play his part in bringing Champions League football back to Newcastle.

The 47-year-old has made something of a name for himself as head coach Eddie Howe’s number two at St James’ Park, repeatedly ruffling the feathers of opposing benches since their arrival on Tyneside in November 2021.

Softly-spoken away from the heat of Premier League battle, Tindall is hugely competitive on the sideline and has vowed not to change.

Asked ahead of Sunday’s Premier League showdown with Manchester United how he would want to be remembered as he stood in for the ill Howe, he said: “Just for being me.

“People judge me in many different ways. People that don’t know me will write and will say things, but I’m just myself – the staff, the players and everyone will tell you that – so just to be me and to be part of a successful period at Newcastle United.

“The only thing that I’m interested in is doing the best I can for the football club and that’s day-to-day at the training ground, preparations and being the best assistant I can for the manager and being the best I can in the role I do for the players.

“However people talk about me, obviously I’ve got no control over that and that’s up to them, but as long as I’m true to myself, as long as I’m myself and I don’t try to be anyone different, then that’s all I’m concerned about.”

Former Bournemouth team-mates Tindall and Howe have worked together as a coaching team for 17 years and their partnership has been a hugely-significant factor in the Magpies’ return to prominence.

Tindall’s antics in the technical area have earned him the nickname “Mad Dog”, but he insists that persona is something that only comes to the fore when the whistle sounds.

He said: “It’s almost like a war in a sense where you’re out there and all you want to do is win the game and to get yourself into that mode, I suppose it’s like any sportsman going into battle, you have to get yourself in a 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. I think you have to. You can’t be there all the time.”

Two yellow cards this season mean Tindall is one more away from a ban, but he is confident he can rein himself in to avoid that eventuality.

He said with a smile: “It’s not often that I do pick up any cards. I know this season, obviously, I’ve picked up two yellow cards. I thought they were both probably a little bit harsh, but then I’m going to say that, aren’t I?”