Joey Barton: "The noise before kick off was as loud as I've played of in my career.
"It was hairs on the back of your neck time.
"I thought the lads, after an initial frantic start, were the more composed. We got in front, and we never looked back from there really.
"What was nice was when the fans were singing the gaffa's name.
"It probably wasn't as much as it would be for a Kevin Keegan, or somebody who played for the club and was a footballing hero, but it was great to see them acknowledge Chrissy.
"The job he's done's fantastic. For there even to be an inkling of speculation over his future is ridiculous.
"Hopefully, the club will come out and get him tied down to some sort of deal and put it all to bed.
"If it ain't broke, there's no need to fix it.
"At the minute, it certainly ain't broke, and although we're in a tight league, the way we're playing and performing, and the consistency on a regular basis, is good.
"Don't forget this is the top league in the world. For there to be any speculation is farcical.
"That's Newcastle United Football Club for you – that's what we've got to deal with.
"We're a strong bunch, and everybody's together, and we're quite focused on what we need to do and how we get there.
"Nothing that has gone on outside the dressing room has been able to seep in and affect us. That's due to the closeness of the lads, and how together we are."