Hopkinson is said to have sent a message to staff in the wake of Sunday’s defeat at St James’ Park
12:58, 25 Mar 2026Updated 13:02, 25 Mar 2026
Newcastle United Chief Executive Officer David Hopkinson
Newcastle United CEO David Hopkinson sent a video message to the club’s staff in an attempt to lift the mood after Sunday’s derby defeat to Sunderland.
Hopkinson was in attendance at St James’ Park as goals from Brian Brobbey and Chemsdine Talbi cancelled out Anthony Gordon’s opener to condemn Eddie Howe’s side to a second derby defeat of the season.
The result has heightened pressure on Howe’s position as manager after an inconsistent season has left Newcastle in 12th place in the Premier League table with seven games remaining.
But the Magpies remain only four points adrift of seventh placed Brentford and there is still hope they can claw back that deficit to qualify for European football next season.
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Chronicle Live understands Howe retains the club’s backing and is expected to be given the opportunity to work with Hopkinson and sporting director Ross Wilson for the first time in the summer transfer window.
And according to The Times, Newcastle’s staff are said to have received a video message from Hopkinson, in which he said: “There is no point in pretending it doesn’t hurt, it does.”
He then went on to say the club is “building something very real here, a club that is consistently competing at the highest levels of sport. It hurts us because we care. It’s adversity, and adversity does not define us – it reveals us.
“There’s a great quote from Vince Lombardi [the legendary former American football coach]; it’s not whether or not you get knocked down, it’s how you get up.
“So we will have a tough day and then we’ll get up. We’re building something very real here. That journey is not a straight line.
“Yesterday feels heavy, and it is, but that’s OK, we won’t carry it for very long. Our enthusiasm and our conviction will remain undiminished.”
Newcastle return to action against Crystal Palace on April 12 and all eyes will be on how they have responded to another derby disappointment when they make the trip to Selhurst Park.
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