Not many players can be wished well by both sets of supporters after a game, but Dan Burn may have proved the exception following Newcastle United's 2-1 win against former club Brighton at St James' Park. Just a few hours after jumping into the crowd and hugging family friends in the East Stand, where he once had a season ticket, Burn spent time with a group of Brighton fans in a city centre bar.
"Post photo he chatted to us for longer than he needed to," Brighton fan Charlie Gresty tweeted. "Said he was sad to leave us but the situation was right for everyone. Later we tried to buy him a drink but he politely said no. What a guy." If ever an anecdote summed up Burn.
Eddie Howe was wary of bringing in characters who would disrupt the dressing room last January and instead wanted individuals who would enhance the group. Burn has certainly done just that. Indeed, after Saturday's game, Howe revealed that 'leadership was one of the big things that stuck out' when the Newcastle head coach secretly spoke to those who had previously worked with the 'giant'.
