The fans have played their part – now it is time players delivered
It is time for the players to start a home match in the right manner – and really get the crowd on side
Mick Quinn
SIX points. Nothing else. That is what Newcastle United must get from these back-to-back home games.
There can be no excuses for not winning them both either.
The Magpies have had the perfect preparation.
This international break arrived at just the time they needed it and all the focus should have been on these two matches.
We know Newcastle have struggled at St James’ Park at times this season but Rafa Benitez and his players have had more than enough time to get it right for this double-header.
Then you only have to look at the opposition we are up against.
Wigan and Burton are both struggling at the bottom. One or both could go down.
Yes, they are fighting for their lives but that should not prevent Newcastle from putting them to the sword.
I really think it is time for the players to start a home match in the right manner – and really get the crowd on side.
In the first 10 minutes, I want to see the Magpies come out of the blocks at 100 miles an hour and stick it to the opposition.
Don’t give them a single second to breathe. Don’t let them settle.
I have played in sides fighting against relegation before and I know they will fold like a house of cards if Newcastle go at them from the very first second and really up the intensity.
I want to see aggression. I want to see determination. I want to see passion.
Fans have done all they can this season to improve the atmosphere – with Gallowgate Flags and what not – now it is up to the players to deliver that final little bit.
Supporters need something to feed off, and an early tackle, a surge forward or a shot at goal in the first few minutes will be a sign of intent.
That will rub off on the fans and then St James’ Park will be rocking.
It is all about the players’ body language and the mentality. They must be positive.
We will have a fully-fit Dwight Gayle available, a rested Jonjo Shelvey back in the side and a fresh first XI. Hopefully Isaac Hayden will be fit enough to start too. He has been a big miss and he gives a bit more dynamism to our midfield. He links up well with Shelvey – who really will be the key to unlocking the Wigan and Burton defences. As I say, though, I will accept nothing less than six points from these next two games. The draw against Birmingham turned out to be a decent point given the results elsewhere but now Newcastle simply must win the next two. These players have toiled through 38 games so far this season and worked extremely hard to get into this position. There are now only eight matches to go – and they must see the job through. It is simple for me: Six points is a must. Anything less is unacceptable.