Newcastle United stand-in boss Jason Tindall says he is braced to take charge of the team next weekend against Ipswich Town. The No2 urged everybody connected with Newcastle to stay “cool” after losing 4-1 at Aston Villa – and said that Eddie Howe’s recovery was vital so he can get back and lead the squad again.
For now, the ex-Bournemouth coach expects to be in charge of preparations for Ipswich at St James’ Park. Tindall told Chronicle Live: “I’ve not [spoken to Howe]. I’ve not had chance to see my phone since the final whistle has gone.
“I’m not sure if there is any contact there, but as soon as there is any more news, then I’m sure the media team will update on that. Until I’m told otherwise, then obviously that [taking charge of the team] is my duty and what I have to do.
“I’ve said it before, the most important thing for Ed is that he rests and he recovers. The more he does that, then the sooner he’ll be able to come and lead the team again.”
He also told Sky Sports: “He remains the same. With Eddie, it’s a day-by-day thing. When he feels right, he will speak to me. They’re the terms we’ve left it on. He’s in good hands and the main thing is he gets back and leads the team. We’ve not been together for probably a day or two in maybe 17 years. I certainly miss him, even more on days like this.
When asked on the importance of not getting swept away with the disappointment of defeat at Villa, Tindall added: “It is so important to stay calm and cool and we will do. We have experience of this last time out.
“We stayed calm and knew what we had to do. The players are aware of that. We were under no illusions. Coming here today was always going to be tough. Our record here at Villa Park today suggests that.
“They are a top side with a top manager it was going to be a tough challenge. Certainly on the back of the week we’ve had. We will remain calm and focused.”
Howe had been admitted to hospital last Friday after being diagnosed pneumonia leaving Tindall in charge of the last three games.
Tindall reflected on a tough night at Villa and said: “On reflection over the 90 minutes Aston Villa deserved to win. From our perspective maybe a third game in six days caught up with us around about the hour is there. The effort is there. We can’t lose sight of where we are.
“We now need to make sure that we mentally refresh, take a couple of days to recover and make sure we come back and work hard to deliver a good performance against Ipswich.
“We knew they would start fast. Their record here at Villa Park is what it is for a reason. We were disappointed with the start but we showed great character to get ourselves back into the game and go in level at 1-1 at half time.
“The second half we went out and started the half ok but around the hour mark when we conceded the second, the physicality and effort caught up to us. We started making little errors that are unlike us that led to goals.
“Full credit to the players, the effort they have put in this week is there for all to see but maybe today was a step too far for us.
I wouldn’t say that it is a reality check. It was always going to be a tough game coming here to Villa Park. What a fantastic side they are with a great manager. We have had many setbacks but one thing about the players and the club is we stick together and come out fighting.”
In the aftermath of the defeat, Kieran Trippier said that there can be no excuses, he commented to Sky Sports: “We can’t use that as an excuse. The manager picks the eleven, we’ve been unchanged and that’s it. We focus on the next game and that’s against Ipswich.
“We want to qualify for the Champions League. Today was a setback but we’ve got a full week to recover and analyse where we went through today. You come into games like this against teams like this and it’s a bit of a reality check maybe.”
