Olivier Bernard became a cult hero on Tyneside during his five-year stint at Newcastle - and the former full-back is now running his own pub just up the road from St. James' Park.
Bernard was part of the Magpies side that enjoyed a number of years in the upper echelons of the Premier League under the guidance of the late, great Sir Bobby Robson. The 43-year-old even turned out for Newcastle in the Champions League and formed a deadly partnership on the left wing with Laurent Robert.
But Bernard has taken up a different role since hanging up his boots and is now the landlord of the Masons Arms. Whilst he would have previously been recognised racing up and down the wing of a Premier League pitch, he can now be found pulling pints at the pub in Blyth he took over in 2020.
The Magpies have had to endure some tough times since the likes of Bernard, Robert and Alan Shearer led the way back in the 2000s, but Bernard is enthused by Newcastle's prospects with Eddie Howe at the helm.
Newcastle have been tipped to challenge for a top-four spot this term in the wake of a statement victory over Tottenham last weekend - but Bernard believes challenging for Champions League qualification could be a stretch too far.
The Frenchman told The Sun : “We had something special and were feared - and it feels like that again now. I’m starting to see comparisons, in the way they set up and drive forward.
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“This Newcastle side with a centre forward like Shearer would be top-four easily. I think we’ll finish in Europe but fall short of the Champions League this season.”
Bernard left Newcastle following a contract dispute to join Southampton on a short-term contract back in 2005, but he left the club after they were relegated to the Championship.
An unsuccessful stint north of the border with Rangers followed before Bernard returned to Newcastle in 2007, but his second stint at the club was hampered by injuries.
Bernard took over the Masons Arms with his business partner Dang Vuong back in 2020, but he has still kept a close eye on football. And he reveals that he was aware of Bruno Guimaraes well before he was lured to Tyneside back in January.
The Brazilian midfielder has excelled in his short stint in the Premier League and has proved to be an instant hit on the terraces; and Bernard sees shades of the legendary Xavi Hernandez in the Toon midfielder.
He added: “We just wanted to be like Shearer and Bruno’s now the one everyone looks at. He’s got a bit of Xavi about him. His touch and awareness is just immense.
“I followed him at my old club Lyon. I’m surprised he signed but am obviously very happy. His touch and awareness is just different class.”
