Newcastle United players have not needed any further motivation to impress Eddie Howe and his staff at training as they look to keep their places or break into the starting line-up.
However, in an effort to keep training especially competitive, and to help build a winning mentality, Howe awards points for exercises; the victorious team in a small-sided game claim bragging rights by getting their photograph taken; and there is even a trainer of the month award.
These may not seem like major incentives for professional footballers who are already well paid, but it is a matter of pride and wanting to be the very best.
Go here for all the latest Newcastle United news
Matt Targett quickly took note of that culture Howe and his backroom team are establishing at Benton after joining the Magpies on loan from Aston Villa last month.
"I think it was my third or fourth day and Joelinton won trainer of the month and I was like, 'Hang on! What's going on here?'" he told talkSPORT.
"I think he won £250 or something like that so I was like, 'All right. I need to start performing in training and make a few tackles that are unnecessary!'
As well as the club's new signings upping the intensity at training, a new number of fresh faces have also kept the old guard on their toes.
With Callum Wilson, Kieran Trippier, Matt Ritchie and Federico Fernandez currently sidelined, Howe has invited a number of the club's top prospects to train with the first team in recent weeks.
Lucas de Bolle and Michael Ndiweni have rubbed shoulders with Jonjo Shelvey et al of late and young centre-back Charlie Wiggett has also been given the chance to impress.
The 19-year-old joined the Magpies from Chelsea last summer after previously captaining the Blues at underage level.
We want to hear your thoughts, so LOG IN and leave your comment below
