Jason Tindall often attracts a laugh with his Wham hoodie, sunshine smile, and Club Tropicana tan.
However, the real twist is that the joke is on his critics. The recent FA report on the Boxing Day tunnel fracas revealed that Tindall behaved in a remarkably calm and controlled way despite accusations of aggressive behavior. Consequently, this calm façade forms the cornerstone of his success, which he carefully deploys for the benefit of the team and head coach Eddie Howe.
He plays the role of assistant, confidant, and even a guard dog with calculated precision. Moreover, his performance is more deliberate than disingenuous, a clever act that has won him cult status on Tyneside. In fact, much like the Toon Army’s tongue-in-cheek pride in Craig Bellamy, Tindall’s persona fuels a unique sense of perverse pride among fans. Thus, his antagonistic veneer serves Newcastle United, rather than his personal agenda.
His Character
When you speak with Tindall, his gravelly tone comes off as a controlled whisper rather than overt bravado. Furthermore, he avoids grandstanding and exudes a quiet confidence that rarely fills the room with noise. For a man nicknamed “Mad Dog,” he rarely barks. Instead, he lets his actions do the talking, as demonstrated when he ordered Unai Emery to “be quiet” on Boxing Day, effectively distracting the Villa boss from the game.
At the training ground, Tindall is the good cop to Howe’s tougher side. On matchday, however, his expression shifts from a measured smile to a determined grimace as he stands up for his team. Additionally, he has managed to ruffle the feathers of managers like Unai Emery, Mikel Arteta, and Jurgen Klopp. As a result, many rival dugout figures prefer not to include him in their festive greetings.
Off the pitch, Tindall reveals a sociable side that endears him to fans and locals alike. On Christmas Day, he was spotted enjoying a couple of Guinness at his local pub, where figures such as Alan Shearer and Steve Harper are regulars. Moreover, the baristas and bartenders in Gosforth and Jesmond recognize him not only by his bronzed appearance but also by his friendly demeanor. In a festive twist, he even shared a night out at Cosy Joe’s karaoke spot with Shola Ameobi, though the crowd serenaded him with a twist on a Wham! hit.
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Born in East London, Tindall is a product of the famed Senrab FC, which his father Jimmy helped found. Despite his Mile End upbringing, he defies the typical Cockney stereotype. He began as a junior at Arsenal but struggled with knee injuries that derailed his playing career. Later, he managed non-League Weymouth at the age of 29. Although he was sacked after a year and lasted only six months as head coach at Bournemouth in 2020, he now thrives in his role under Eddie Howe.
The relationship between Tindall and Howe is a perfect study in contrasts. Howe admires him for his down-to-earth nature and even calls him “good-looking,” a remark that seems to charm everyone around him. Notably, Tindall dedicates countless hours to developing players like Lewis Hall. When Hall made his England debut a year later, he took a moment to thank Tindall, who swiftly moved on to the next challenge. In this way, his commitment to hard work has cemented his reputation as a coach with an elite mentality and skill set.
Tindall’s impact also extends to defensive tactics and set-piece routines. As a player, he once stepped up to take a penalty on his Bournemouth debut, a moment that left Eddie Howe both admiring and questioning his nerve. Additionally, he spends his free time among players and backroom staff, acting as a buffer during turbulent moments. For instance, when he donned his bespoke Wham! hoodie on Boxing Day—even after being sent off at half-time—he sent a clear message to his adversaries. Ultimately, while memes and viral clips continue to circulate, Tindall remains devoted to Newcastle’s success both on and off the pitch.
