Alan Pardew reveals NUFC has cancelled Christmas party after dismal run

Magpies’ manager Alan Pardew revealed his misfiring stars will not have a Christmas party this year after a run of dismal results saw the club teetering just two points above the relegation zone.

Speaking after the club’s latest defeat at the hands of champions Manchester City, Pardew said the players did not feel it was right to hold their usual December bash and will instead concentrate on next Saturday's home game against Queens Park Rangers.

He said: "It’s out of respect to our fans, and what we’ve served this year.

"There’s no party for us, and the same for the staff. That’s how it should be."

In recent years, the squad have enjoyed Christmas nights out in Dublin and Glasgow, but this time around the squad will turn Scrooge with extra training sessions.

Pardew said: "Trust me, there have been horrible things said about our group and our staff, "But we’re together, and we’re fighting and trying to put it right.

"Fans have to realise this isn’t just a game to us – it’s our livelihoods and our profession. It pays our bills.

"Not only that – we have to have a certain pressure of entertaining our fans who pay good money to come and watch.

"Looking at all those factors – we’ve not done enough this year. That’s why I think it’s right they called it off."