Sunderland boss Gus Poyet splashed out for 60 players and staff on a team-bonding dinner ahead of the weekend derby with Newcastle United.
Poyet used Wednesday night's get-together in a local restaurant to settle nerves ahead of the 148th derby between Sunderland and Newcastle United, as well as set the survival agenda for his squad for the rest of the season.
Poyet said: "It was my decision to go for the meal. I used to do it myself at Chelsea, organising with Wisey and company and because I didn't see it happening here, I did it.
"But the manager goes only once. After that they don't want him there. I know.
"I've been a player and I didn't want the manager there but I think it's important. We need to spend time together, talk about things, whatever it is."
