'We're not banning anything': Steve Bruce has his say on a Christmas party at Newcastle United

The club’s players’ cancelled plans for a Christmas party last season – and the year before – as the club was in a precarious position in the Premier League.

United’s squad didn’t think a celebration “was the right thing to do”, according to then-manager Rafa Benitez.

Speaking last December, Benitez said: “This group of players, last year they cancelled the party because they knew it was not the right thing to do, and this year has been exactly the same. I think Jamaal (Lascelles, United's captain) has been quite sensible.”

Norwich City’s players have already had a Christmas party – and other clubs will follow suit in the coming weeks – but Bruce – who succeeded Benitez at St James’s Park – has told his squad not to plan a night out in the busy Christmas period.

Instead, the squad could have a party in the New Year.

“I don't think there'll be time for a Christmas party, but we're not banning anything,” said head coach Bruce, whose 14th-place side take on champions Manchester City this afternoon.

“We're very fortunate in what we do, but Christmas time, we have to be at work. So while everyone else is enjoying themselves, we'll be here.

“There’ll be time, hopefully in January, when we can have a do together. But with the games coming up, I don't think there'll be any Christmas parties.”