David Hopkinson ‘sent’ emergency video to Newcastle staff after Sunderland derby loss | OneFootball

According to The Times, Newcastle United chief executive David Hopkinson sent an emergency video message to staff after defeat to Sunderland, aiming to calm the mood on Tyneside.

Newcastle led through Anthony Gordon before Chemsdine Talbi levelled, then Brian Brobbey struck in stoppage time to complete the comeback. The away end erupted and home fans voiced their frustration at full time.

The message went to more than 500 employees soon after full time at St James’s Park and urged unity and resilience.

He acknowledged the hurt, framed the setback as a test of character and referenced Vince Lombardi’s maxim about responding after being knocked down. Hopkinson told staff they would take a tough day, then rise, insisting the club are building something real and the journey is rarely linear. He added that the weight of the defeat would not linger and their enthusiasm and conviction would remain intact.

The tone reflected a club attempting to regroup, with scrutiny also growing around head coach Eddie Howe after back-to-back derby defeats. From Sunderland’s perspective, the result delivered bragging rights and lifted them above their rivals in the Premier League, notable for a newly promoted side. With safety secured and seven league games left, Régis Le Bris’s team can focus on maintaining momentum.

Source: Sunderland Echo