'Few more expletives in there' - Lille may have helped Newcastle after Eddie Howe's secret calls

Not many players can be wished well by both sets of supporters after a game, but Dan Burn may have proved the exception following Newcastle United's 2-1 win against former club Brighton at St James' Park. Just a few hours after jumping into the crowd and hugging family friends in the East Stand, where he once had a season ticket, Burn spent time with a group of Brighton fans in a city centre bar.

"Post photo he chatted to us for longer than he needed to," Brighton fan Charlie Gresty tweeted. "Said he was sad to leave us but the situation was right for everyone. Later we tried to buy him a drink but he politely said no. What a guy." If ever an anecdote summed up Burn.

Eddie Howe was wary of bringing in characters who would disrupt the dressing room last January and instead wanted individuals who would enhance the group. Burn has certainly done just that. Indeed, after Saturday's game, Howe revealed that 'leadership was one of the big things that stuck out' when the Newcastle head coach secretly spoke to those who had previously worked with the 'giant'.

Newcastle may have set out to sign Sven Botman from Lille in January, but the French side's refusal to sell provided Newcastle with a worthy £13m alternative. As well as knowing what it means to play for the club, after being released by Newcastle as a youngster nearly two decades ago, Burn has led by example at the training ground.

You only have to look at Newcastle and Brighton's respective records in recent weeks to realise the Geordie's true value. Since Burn made his Newcastle debut, against Aston Villa, the Magpies have conceded just two goals and claimed 10 points from a possible 12. Brighton, in contrast, have let in nine goals in the Premier League and not picked