John Carver has implored Newcastle United fans to forget temporarily their differences with the club’s hierarchy and get behind the team in a fixture he has dubbed a “World Cup final” against Swansea City at St James’ Park on Saturday.
Supporters’ groups have asked everyone to get to their feet in the 34th minute in a “Stand Up To Ashley” protest at Newcastle having £34m cash reserves in the bank yet an alarmingly under-strength side on the pitch.
The message to Mike Ashley, the owner, is to loosen the purse strings as Carver’s struggling side try to avoid a seventh straight defeat. To emphasise their point, the group AshleyOut.com is also asking Tynesiders to engage in “peaceful protests” outside Sports Direct stores in the city at 12.30pm on Saturday. This will be co-ordinated with a similar initiative in Glasgow involving supporters of Rangers, a club Ashley has significant involvement in.
Carver, though, is more concerned with banishing relegation fears with a win which would increase Newcastle’s current tally of 35 points. “I think we need four points from five games to be sure of safety,” said the head coach. “Our preparation for Swansea feels as if we’re playing in a World Cup final – that’s how important it is.
“The protesters are going to be making their point and I can understand, they’re entitled to do that, but they also realise we need three points and they need to get behind the team because we want to be playing Premier League football next season. They pay their money, they’re allowed to do what they want but I’m pleading, please get behind the team, support the team.”
Around 10,000 supporters failed to turn up for Sunday’s 3-1 home defeat against Tottenham but, significantly, more than 40,000 were still present. Even so, Carver believes Sunday’s protest exerted a detrimental effect on the pitch. “I genuinely thought it wouldn’t affect people and I don’t want to use it as an excuse but it affected me and some of the players,” he said. “It certainly did affect the performance. It was strange. It wasn’t a nice situation to be in. There was a lot of apprehension. I hear there was anger in the stands with people falling out with each other.
“I was surprised. I didn’t think as many people would stay away. The situation can only hurt both the fans and the club. We need to find a solution. I don’t know what it is and I haven’t had any talks about it, but if I get asked about it, I would give an honest answer.”
Carver maintains he still retains hopes of seeing his short-term head coach contract extended in the summer but is well aware that many at St James’ are convinced Steve McClaren will be swapping Derby County for Newcastle next summer. “What I have got is a five-year contract [as assistant manager],” he said. “I think things will be sorted out quickly when the season ends. That would be to everyone’s benefit.”
Meanwhile Jonás Gutiérrez has been restored to the squad after resolving his differences with Carver. “There was a situation on the training ground last week, we’ve got together, had a conversation and shaken hands like two grown men,” said the 50-year-old. “We’re moving on.”
