Newcastle United players have been stunned by Alan Pardew's decision to quit for Crystal Palace.
The Londoner had gave no inkling to his troops that he was poised to take over at Selhurst Park.
A Toon source told the Evening Chronicle: "The gaffer had still been in game mode on Sunday.
"He was desperate to win the game and put the run of defeats behind him.
"A lot of players are shocked and saddened by talk of him leaving."