Steve McClaren has completed his press conference for the game at Sunderland on Sunday and he describes the game spot on – for those Newcastle players who are new to a white-hot Newcastle – Sunderland derby game.
As far as both sets of fans are concerned these two games every season are the two most important games of the season.
Let’s hope this is not McClaren thinking about the game plan for Sunday
This is some of what Steve has said in his press conference today:
“It’s derby day on Sunday and the importance of this match is not lost on me or any of our players.”
“Quite simply it is one of the most important days of the season. We travel to the Stadium of Light at the weekend delighted to have our first win under our belts and looking to make it back-to-back victories.”
“Needless to say it was imperative that we won last week and whilst we all said beforehand that we would have taken a scrappy one-nil win, the bonus for everyone at the club and, in particular, you the supporters, was that it was an exciting, entertaining game with some fantastic periods of play and of course terrific goals.”
“I don’t need reminding that we have lost the last five derbies and for everyone associated with the club that is simply unbearable. It wasn’t so long ago that we won five in row and we are desperately keen and hugely motivated to turn the tide and bring the points back to Tyneside.”
The atmosphere is always incredible and I think unique to the North East and we have to go there, stand up and be counted. “There’s no question that our players understand what it means to win the derby.”
My message to the players is simple. Win every personal battle, handle the occasion and be disciplined. If we can do all that and put one or two of our chances away then we can come away with the positive result we all crave.”
All derby games are important – there’s no doubt about that and you can usually throw the form book away for who will win the game.
However, if we can win our first derby game for over four years it will give us added momentum following last Sunday’s 6-2 win over Norwich City – and put us 7 points ahead of Sunderland after 10 games – when you take into account goal difference.
That sounds good to us.
What do you think?
Comments welcome.
76 comments so far
Ibizatoon
Oct 22, 2015 at 6:20 PM
Comment #1Ed…Are you sure he read out his letter for the fans at the press conference?
Ibizatoon
Oct 22, 2015 at 6:25 PM
Comment #2Got to love Merson. I’m actually encouraged he has us down for a loss. I wonder what Lawro thinks?
“Sunderland v Newcastle (12pm, Super Sunday)
Can Newcastle end rut against fiercest rivals?
I don’t see Sunderland losing this game, home advantage and 40,000-odd Mackems cheering them on is massive (Aye Paul, must be their first home game of the season…). Newcastle will flying having scored six goals last week and, in fairness, they should have been out of sight when they played Manchester City in the game before.
That’s what I fear though, they weren’t out of sight then and they gave Norwich chances. They play an open style of football which is great to watch but that could hand the game to Sunderland. The Big Sam factor, coupled with the fact they have to win, I see Sunderland just snatching this one to make it six in a row.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (Sky Bet odds 17/2)”
To be fair, can’t really argue with much of what he says. It is a natural concern after the previous 5. However, it has to end some day (real soon too), why not Sunday.
catchy in norway
Oct 22, 2015 at 6:25 PM
Comment #3I like the guy, he does come across a million times better than p45.
If this was another Derby under p45 , he would said , of course this is an important game the players know it, they have to show fight and passion, I won’t have one of my teams just roll over, it’s never happened before.
No this club means the world to me, I feel like I’ve been adopted by the region, I might retire here, you are all so gullible and believe anything ,oooops did I say that out loud
Mag52
Oct 22, 2015 at 6:26 PM
Comment #4I’ve gone for a draw, and an optimistic draw at that because big Sam has got a score to settle with NUFC and he’ll do his damnedest to settle it.
The first twenty or so minutes will see the kitchen sink coming in our direction.
If we can survive that without conceding, we could get away with a point.
SUTTY1978
Oct 22, 2015 at 6:34 PM
Comment #5Catchy, yep the he’d move on to talking about his “warrior” Colo “he’s just like me, we’re both winners”
Ibizatoon
Oct 22, 2015 at 6:35 PM
Comment #6Catchy…It’s not though, so breathe with me.
In and out. In and out. Repeat for a while (actually, don’t ever stop, it’s really vital).
Mag52…I haven’t voted on a results poll in ages. Whilst the odds are better, I’d feel more comfortable trying to pick the lottery numbers. If we turn up, then I think we can win it. Sunderland really are a shower of, hmmm…what’s that word I’m looking for?
Sam may want to get one over us, but let’s not forget what he has to work with. If they get a result, I imagine it’ll be because we allowed it, rather than Sam working up a storm.
That’s what worries me. Which Newcastle is going to turn up? Can it be a better one than we’ve seen the past couple of years? That’d be great.
dok - the horrid colonial
Oct 22, 2015 at 6:41 PM
Comment #7I feel were going to giving them a beating for the record books….
Ibizatoon
Oct 22, 2015 at 6:43 PM
Comment #8Dok…That would be nice. Have I read correctly that you’re going?
sparky55
Oct 22, 2015 at 6:44 PM
Comment #9just been going through todays posts and there’s a few out there keep on saying Colo isn’t short and he won’t be dominated and keep on pointing out he’s actually 6ft.
I must admit I am very surprised he’s 6ft and can’t therefore really work out why he is always dominated by opposing centre forwards despite his height.
I can therefore only come to one conclusion…he’s definitely white…he definitely can’t jump, he’s soft as clarts and can’t defend in the air to save his life…he’s that bad he can’t even put people off.
If he plays on Saturday we’re knackered…he has to be sacrificed for the greater good or I’m gonna get some real stick come 2.00 o’clock on saturday
Munster Mag
Oct 22, 2015 at 6:47 PM
Comment #10Catchy and Co…thanks for letting me know re Scott Sellars…it was bugging the hell out of me …can anyone remember the score in that game? I had to return to London immediately after I think so no tyneside pints 🙁
Ibizatoon
Oct 22, 2015 at 6:48 PM
Comment #11Sparky…Who would you play instead? Has Willo partnered Mbemba yet? Has he even played any minutes this season?
Actually, where is Willo?
Ibizatoon
Oct 22, 2015 at 7:00 PM
Comment #12Munster…Was just reading something and saw this.
“7. Singing in the rain
What is it about rain and the Tyne-Wear derby?
The home fixture in 1993 saw United gunning for promotion in the old second division and Sunderland fighting for their lives against relegation.
Scott Sellars won it with a perfect free kick but hostilities did not die down.
Sunderland player/manager Terry Butcher lost his rag, shoving David Kelly into a huge pool of water at the Gallowgate End. Kelly and United had the last laugh, however, as Newcastle nabbed the three points on their way to the Premier League for the first time.”
Is that the game? During the first PL season?
Munster Mag
Oct 22, 2015 at 7:09 PM
Comment #13Cheers ibiza. Hazy memories of an alcohol filled night in gatesheed the night before with fellow fanatics 🙂
Bambams
Oct 22, 2015 at 7:09 PM
Comment #14So many of us can see Colo is not the player he was 4/5 years ago and it’s probably since ‘Cologate’ and the lass from Crammy…
Since he tried to move back to Argentina he has only had the odd great game.
We MUST have someone lined up in January – although we have been saying this every window for the last five !
sparky55
Oct 22, 2015 at 7:13 PM
Comment #15Ibiza
Dummett
catchy in norway
Oct 22, 2015 at 7:16 PM
Comment #16In out , in out , in out ahhhh
Much better
But it is a fact 😉 Shteve comes across like he does care , like he has a plan, like he has put some thought into his answers
will die for the toon army
Oct 22, 2015 at 7:16 PM
Comment #17Any one seen Aarons????? I dont think he will make the bench.
Munster Mag
Oct 22, 2015 at 7:16 PM
Comment #18Off to the station afterwards and maybe a can or three on the train and pints in some usual shit london pub afterwards. For me though the best days were usually away in places like blackburn and ipswich. Geordies aal awa usually packed into a pub near the station. U know what? I think i need to do a weekend in London again and get to another game!
Ibizatoon
Oct 22, 2015 at 7:17 PM
Comment #19Munster…No problem. Bet it was a good one.
Bambams..What’s worrying me about his replacement, is that they gave him a 2 year extension. Or was it a 1 year extension, meaning he had 2 left?
Either way, I really do hope they have something planned for January.
Sparky…Fair enough. With Haidara staying at LB?
sparky55
Oct 22, 2015 at 7:21 PM
Comment #20ibiza
aye…with hairdryer or mbabu left back
and IMO Anita has to play alongside either Colback or Tiote…but I don’t think Tiote will start this weekend but will defo come on at some point in 2nd half…can’t afford an early yellow in a derby…it’ll end in disaster.
dok - the horrid colonial
Oct 22, 2015 at 7:21 PM
Comment #21Ibiza,
its looking good thus far, wife gave the approval to start the plans to make it in march, as long as I agree to go be a tourist in London with her..
small price to pay imo……
will die for the toon army
Oct 22, 2015 at 7:22 PM
Comment #22Looking at the Pics We have:
Team A:
………………..Elloitt
Janmatt….Mbemba…..Colo…..Dummett
Sissoko…….Tiote…….Colback……Wijnaldum
………………….Perez…….Mitrovic
TEAM B:
…………………Woodman
Mbabu……….Willo……..Lasceles……Haidara
Thauvin…….Goufrann…..Anita……..??????
………………De Jong………Cisse
We have a good squad our back up players jst have to step up the plate
dok - the horrid colonial
Oct 22, 2015 at 7:23 PM
Comment #23one game I don’t want tiote to start in, hell be pumped up, we do not need a sending off, against the dimwits…
Ibizatoon
Oct 22, 2015 at 7:23 PM
Comment #24Catchy…Sorry to burst your bubble mate, but it’s fact to you, not everyone 🙂
Ibizatoon
Oct 22, 2015 at 7:27 PM
Comment #25Sparky…You little Anita closet fan you!
I agree on Tiote. Not a game to building up match sharpness really. Could really do with having 11 on the field.
Dok…Sounds more than fair.
will die for the toon army
Oct 22, 2015 at 7:34 PM
Comment #26Tiote might not be as good as Anita on the ball but he does something Anita will never in his life time. He will provide still.
will die for the toon army
Oct 22, 2015 at 7:35 PM
Comment #27Tiote might not be as good as Anita on the ball but he does something Anita will never in his life time. He will provide steel.
dok - the horrid colonial
Oct 22, 2015 at 7:38 PM
Comment #28will die,
I do like tiote, however, we do not need to go a man down.. start anita, and when we have a lead in the 2nd half, bring him on… anita has been good, don’t know why some still harp on him…
dok - the horrid colonial
Oct 22, 2015 at 7:39 PM
Comment #29sparky, sorry, wasn’t trying to imitate you, should’ve read 1st, then posted lol…
great minds and all that…
TroubledToon
Oct 22, 2015 at 7:57 PM
Comment #30This is where we need Colo to stand up n make himself heard… He may shy away from it in public, but at least in the dressing room, he need to tell the lads what to expect, since a lot of them haven’t experienced playing Scum. Need him to psyche em up and prepare em for the battle…. Get them to understand what this game means to the Club and the Fans…
Will it happen tho? Honestly, I dunno… I just dunno
Jib
Oct 22, 2015 at 7:57 PM
Comment #31Munster ’twas 25th April 1993 score 1-0
will die for the toon army
Oct 22, 2015 at 7:59 PM
Comment #32dok
I have liked wat Anita has provided with his movement and good with the ball going forward . But that isn’t wat I need from my DM. I need steel and reliance.
Jib
Oct 22, 2015 at 8:02 PM
Comment #33I think I have seen the funniest T-shirt slogan ever.
I was swapping rugby yarns with an old friend of mine from Gloucester.
The stories were getting more and more blown up and outrageous.
He took his jacket off and there I saw his T-shirt it said.
“The older I get – the better I was ”
ha ha ha.
Blackley and Brownlie
Oct 22, 2015 at 8:06 PM
Comment #34Bambams @14. That’s right.
I asked recently who Colo was marking for Norwich’s first goal if not Mbokani. Who was the nearest Norwich player? I can’t remember who I was debating with. They said they’d have to check the video again.
The answer is Colo was marking no one. Howson was coming in but marked. But Colo hadn’t a clue where he was and hadn’t put himself in a position to stop him even if he had.
The fact is Mbokani was the immediate, imminent and massive threat. Colo could see it and didn’t even try to challenge him. He was doing absolutely nothing and had no intention of doing anything. He wasnt even prepared to lean on him.
Colo won’t put his neck on the line and take pain for the club. He flinches and turns his back rather than prevent a hosl. You simply can’t have that. No way. It’s not good enough for this club. I’d rather give a shirt to a tough raw hopeful.
Jail for Ashley
Oct 22, 2015 at 8:06 PM
Comment #35This is where we need Belfast to stand up n make himself heard… He may shy away from it on the public but at least on the blog, he needs to tell the Ian and his friends what to expect, since a lot of them haven’t experienced playing in real life . Need him to psyche em up and prepare em for the battle…. Get them to understand what this blog means to the Jail and his Fans…
Will it happen tho? Honestly, I dunno… I just dunno
dok - the horrid colonial
Oct 22, 2015 at 8:06 PM
Comment #36will die,
agreed, but not this match, this derby, on the heels of losing 5 in a row… just worry his emotions will carry him into a rash foul, which the refs will be quick to send him off….. we know how the refs love us….
Blackley and Brownlie
Oct 22, 2015 at 8:08 PM
Comment #37hosl? = goal
dok - the horrid colonial
Oct 22, 2015 at 8:09 PM
Comment #38blackley,
with all due respect, colo was marking that phantasm at the post…
it didn’t score, now, did it? 🙂
if theres one match coclo needs to get up for its this one… how many derbies has he missed in a row?
Blackley and Brownlie
Oct 22, 2015 at 8:16 PM
Comment #39Dok
Colo the ghostbuster.
Novocastrian66
Oct 22, 2015 at 8:18 PM
Comment #40I can’t see us winning on Sunday for the simple reason I cannot see us keeping a clean sheet. Our sheets are dirtier than a makem’s underpants.
I think they’ll start fast and furious, bombarded our penalty area with high balls which our centre halves won’t be able to deal with, they’ll get their goal then close ranks. They sneak another on a break and we will get a late one. 2-1 to Sunderland.