Newcastle United players were shocked by Sam Allardyce's departure this week.

Defender Steven Taylor told the Evening Chronicle: "It was training as normal and there was no indication from the gaffer that anything was wrong.

"The only difference was that the boss took a session which is a bit odd, because he normally only used to do this the day before a match.

"After training the players just went home and we were as shocked as anyone else when we heard the news at tea-time."

Toon captain Geremi also said: "It is a big shock, but I am on international duty and do not know anything about this.

"At the moment I cannot say too much.

"I was getting on to the bus after we had played Burkina Faso when I heard the news. I am stunned."