Newcastle United's Steven Taylor has praised managing director Derek Llambias for allowing manager Alan Pardew and his players to get on with their jobs.
Llambias and club owner Mike Ashley have incurred the wrath of large sections of the Toon Army for much of their time at the St James' Park helm. There was disquiet too within the dressing room following a wrangle over bonus payments last season and several high-profile departures.
Taylor, whose personal form has been a key factor in an unbeaten eight-game opening to the campaign, told the Journal: "At the start of this season, we sat down with the gaffer and I think it's important that you have the chairman on your side. He's was great with us, sat us down and gave the lads their bonuses for this season straight away."
"He has just kept himself to himself, hasn't bothered the players - he has let us concentrate on the pitch and let the gaffer do his job. That's what you want. It's been good for us this season," the defender said.
The growing sense of unity within the club has seen the Magpies enjoy a fine start to the campaign which sends them into Saturday's Barclays Premier League trip to Wolves sitting in fourth place in the table.
Source: PA
