The Magpies are in Premier League freefall right now and things won’t get any easier when they travel to Anfield on Saturday in their bid to stay in the English top flight. However, the official Newcastle website reports that midfielder / striker Alan Smith has come out in support of Kevin Keegan, despite the team’s failure to win a football match since he returned as manager a few weeks ago. There’s a bright future just around the corner according to Smudger…
“The more and more we work together the more influence the manager is having,” the 27-year-old told Newcastle World TV.
“We are getting fitter and there is a camaraderie and that’s something the gaffer has emphasised since he came in.
“Everyone is playing for each other and that stands us in good stead.
“It is a time where we have to stand up and be counted, go out in front of 52,000 people and prove our worth.
“We’ve got to show to everyone that we want to fight for the cause.
“It’s getting tight but you always knew it would do,” he added.
“We looked at our home games as ones that were winnable, and one was against Blackburn.
“We’ve deserved criticism on occasions this season and we’re all big enough to accept that.
“It’s up to us as a team, as players, and as people to sort that out.”
Keegan continues to persist with Smith in the starting XI, despite the former Manchester United player failing to hit a cow’s arse with a banjo the target so far this season. Smith has already suffered the misery of relegation with hometown club Leeds and will be hoping lightning doesn’t strike twice with a ‘big club’ this season.