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Steven Taylor has lifted the lid on life inside Newcastle United’s dressing room.

United players collectively denied that there were any factions within the camp last season as the Magpies narrowly avoided relegation.

Now that the dust has settled on a torrid campaign, and with United now lining up for what many believe will be one of the most exciting Premier League season ever, with Sir Alex Ferguson retired and a host of managerial changes, Taylor is adamant that there are no issues lingering ahead of the new term.

Indeed, a picture of the entire squad eating together at skipper Fabricio Coloccini’s house illustrated the team spirit that is still alive and kicking, according to Taylor.

Taylor will meet up with his team-mates again on July 4 for the first day of pre-season training and said: “We have nights where we play pool together or go to each other’s houses.

“We sit and have food together and watch games on TV when we aren’t playing.

“There is always something like paintballing or bowling. It is good having nights like that because it brings the squad together.

“It is always good for the banter.

“We also go for meals. At the end of the night we stick our credit cards in a bucket then pull them out one by one.

“Whoever comes out last has to pay for the whole night.

“It’s all part of the banter.”

Despite having 10 French players, Taylor revealed he hadn’t lost control of the match-day music in United’s locker room.

The Academy product said: “I am in charge of the music on a match day.

“I always ask the lads who they want to listen to.

“We have a good little mixture. Pitbull and David Guetta are very popular.

“A few of the French boys have tried to take charge but they get knocked off straight away!

“They have to remember they are in Newcastle!”

With Newcastle now recruiting new faces for next season, Taylor says that any incoming stars will be given a warm welcome.

The Whitley Bay lad – who skippered the club in the Europa League last season – said: “We have lads who enjoy each other’s company and a bit of banter as well.

“We always play pranks on each other in the dressing room.

“I think you need that to brighten up the atmosphere.

“You can’t always just have a serious head on, you have to try to make things different.

“That’s what we do at Newcastle.”

Steven Taylor was speaking as part of the TRACE Sports series, Winner’s Circle. Watch the full episode this Saturday at 9.30pm on Sky Channel 442