Newcastle confirm Paul Catterson and goalkeeper exit as four bid farewell

Eddie Howe was in good spirits as he faced the media after Newcastle United's 3-1 win over West Ham on Sunday.

We got to see some genuine levity from the Toon boss in his press conference as he joked about moonwalking after being asked about Will Osula's dance moves.

It was great to see after so many recent pressers where the talk has been focused on pressure and poor performances, but it wasn't all fun and games.

There was a lot of discussion around key figures leaving the club in the wake of the tributes to Kieran Trippier, who played his final game at St James' Park, and Emil Krafth, who also said his goodbyes to the Toon Army before kick-off.

Howe confirms four exits 

They aren't the only personnel expected to leave at the end of this season, however, and Howe mentioned one or two more in his post-match presser, including long-serving club doctor Paul Catterson, who looks set to take up the position as the Premier League's chief medical officer.

The boss also confirmed that young goalkeeper Max Thompson is also leaving upon the expiry of his contract, seeing the 21-year-old join Trippier, Krafth and Catterson in heading for the exit door.

Howe was asked about his lap of honour after the game, which he started his own before realising he wasn't being followed by the rest of the team and coaching staff.

"Yeah, it wasn't what I anticipated. I was trying to get everyone to come, then suddenly I looked around and realised I was on my own, so I quickly stopped. But I think it was really nice, actually.  I think every time we've walked around at the end of a season, I think it's a really nice moment just to stop and reflect on the season's work. 

"Of course, today was slightly different because we're focusing really on Kieran and Emil and Paul Catterson, Max Thompson, players that will will leave us who have done a great job for us on and off the pitch.

"Obviously, Paul's the doctor here and they've been incredible servants to the football club and we're going to miss them. They're a big part of our lives and they have been a big part of our lives and in football, nothing stays the same; everything changes so quickly, so I think that was a really nice moment for them."

Good luck to Paul Catterson and Max Thompson

Paul Catterson was recently linked with the role of the Premier League's Chief Medical Officer, and it looks like he will bring an end to his 15-year association with Newcastle United at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, Max Thompson found himself on the bench for each Champions League group game this season, but has yet to make his first-team debut, and it looks like the stopper won't get to as his contract expires at the end of the month and won't be renewed.

We wish both of them the best of luck, and we really hope that Ross Wilson and James Bunce can find somebody worthy to replace Catterson as the club doctor.