Eddie Howe does not believe a Christmas knees-up will be suitable for Newcastle United players this year.
With the club locked in a relegation battle, Howe is keen to keep the focus on the field and steer his squad away from any unwanted headlines that usually come about after festive parties.
In the past Newcastle, players have been snapped in fancy dress in cities like London and Dublin.
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However, Howe wants to keep things low key this year and said: "I don’t think this moment is the time for the players to be having a Christmas party.
"We have had a gathering this week of staff and players, a meal together.
"But I don’t think with the fixture congestion, Covid and our league position, it is the time for that.
"I’ll be trying to get the message to them to focus on the work and the games.
"That takes priority over anything else."
With Newcastle up and running after their first victory of the campaign against Burnley last weekend, Howe added: "Everyone was well aware we needed the win, and now we have it.
"Now we have to try and build on it and we've got to try and create some positive momentum.
"The supporters are going to be key to that, home and away. It can really make the difference
"You need to win games to justify everything.
"Your way of playing, what you do, how you train.
"Talking about positives is one thing but having the evidence to back it up is another."
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