Newcastle CEO's private video message after stinging Sunderland defeat 'leaked'

View 2 Images

Newcastle United chief executive David Hopkinson sent a video message to the club's staff in a bid to boost morale following Sunday's Tyne-Wear derby loss to Sunderland .

Hopkinson was present at St James' Park as strikes from Brian Brobbey and Chemsdine Talbi overturned Anthony Gordon's opener to inflict a second derby defeat of the campaign on Eddie Howe's team.

The outcome has intensified scrutiny on Howe's role as manager after an up-and-down season has left Newcastle languishing in 12th spot in the Premier League standings with seven matches to go, reports Chronicle Live .

Yet the Magpies sit just four points behind seventh-placed Brentford and there remains optimism they can bridge that gap to secure European football next term.

It's understood that Howe maintains the club's support and is anticipated to be afforded the chance to work with Hopkinson and sporting director Ross Wilson for the first time in the summer transfer window.

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page

And according to The Times, Newcastle's workforce are reported to have been sent a video message from Hopkinson, in which he said: "There is no point in pretending it doesn’t hurt, it does."

He continued by stating 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.

View 2 Images

"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 face Crystal Palace next on April 12, and attention will focus on how they've bounced back from yet another derby setback when they travel to Selhurst Park.

That will be followed by more Premier League fixtures against Bournemouth , Arsenal , Brighton , Nottingham Forest , West Ham and Fulham before the end of the season.