Toon it around
ISAAC HAYDEN has demanded Newcastle avoid a “pit of negativity” as they battle back from Matt Ritchie’s bust-up with manager Steve Bruce.
Magpies midfielder Hayden will lead the Geordies into a relegation clash against former Toon boss Sam Allardyce and his West Brom side today and is calling for calm.
Hayden, 25, is well aware of the plight his side find themselves in as they sit just three points ahead of third-bottom Fulham, following a run of only two wins in 17 games.
Bruce patched up a training ground row with midfielder Ritchie last week and is refusing to give up on his reign at Newcastle, despite widespread opposition from fans.
Hayden said:
“This is our time now.
“We’re not going to be judged by our formation against Man
United or
Chelsea.
“We’re going to be judged by
DARA O’SHEA can still remember the brutal wake-up call that showed him what it would take to make it as a footballer.
The defender (right) was still a young pro at
West Brom when he agreed to a loan move to Hereford in the 2017-18 season.
And within a couple of weeks it
West Brom, Villa and Brighton, the next three games. They are crucial. “The problem I have with it is that people go, ‘Oh, there’s no realism’.
“But what do you want people to do? Do you want everyone to panic?
“Be like, ‘Oh, God we’re in a relegation battle?’ “That’s not going to solve anything either.
“But also, what’s not going to solve anything is just saying we’re fine. “It’s about being calm, level-headed, not too happy and not too low.
“It is about being stable and focused and believing in a play and yourself. We must win games to be safe.” Toon striker Andy Carroll has demanded a recall from Bruce to step in for injured forward trio Callum Wilson, Allan SaintMaximin and Miguel Almiron.
The former England ace wants to add his muscle to the fight. And he said: “I have been waiting. I can see myself in the starting line-up but it is the gaffer’s choice. I will get on the sheet.” became clear he was on a steep learning curve. O’Shea, 22, said: “It was an eye-opener.
“I remember once defending a free-kick and the next thing you know, I got a swift elbow to the face. “I thought, ‘I’m in with the big boys now’. “I realised I had to toughen up.”