Eddie Howe admits to being 'Chipped' in latest press conference as Newcastle United boss had to check in on Joe Willock
If you've spent any time on X (formerly Twitter) as a Newcastle United fan, you've undoubtedly come across Big Frank Chippa/Francis Chipp, the internet prankster.
A Twitter chameleon who will change his profile to ape those of players, fans and even news sites to create fake news and rage bait.
I'll even go as far as to say that I will guarantee that at one point you've reacted to something you've read on X with a confused look or even pointed rage before you realised it was a Frank special.
However, not everyone is aware of Francis Chipp and his shenanigans, and every so often, something he posts will take on a life of its own.
Frank Chippa has got us all at some point
Recently, Chipp posted a fake news story that Joe Willock was stuck in a corn maze in York for six hours and had to be rescued by helicopter. The story gained so much traction that it was even discussed on BBC Radio 1 before it was pointed out to them that it was a joke.
However, it seems that even Eddie Howe wasn't immune from Chipp's creativity and that he was "Chipped", admitting in this morning's press conference that he actually checked in with Joe Willock to see if it was true and he was ok.
"I did check with Joe Willock about the (viral story he got lost in York maze) story actually... just to check if it was true!
"I think Joe is fine (about it). He can laugh at himself."
Eddie Howe looked extremely embarrassed by his admission
Eddie Howe looked genuinely embarrassed that he fell for the prank, but to us, it speaks volumes that he actually thought it would be true.
Poor Joe Willock must not be well known for his intelligence in the camp if even Eddie thought it was plausible that he'd get himself stuck in a maze.
Keep up the good work, Frank.
