We must fight all way says Kevin Nolan
Apr 9 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal
KEVIN Nolan says that Newcastle United must not get “disillusioned” by their position in the league, as he emphasised the need to keep fighting to the death to preserve top-flight status.
Nolan is a veteran of recent relegation scraps, having helped to keep Bolton Wanderers in the Premier League last season when they needed to make up a four-point gap with just five games to go. United’s position isn’t quite as dire as that but defeat at Stoke on Saturday would leave them in serious trouble.
Nolan has dismissed such thoughts and called for United to remain “positive” as they approach a critical seven-game spell.
“The most important thing is not to get disillusioned, because we’ve got seven games to go,” the midfielder said.
“I know we’re three points below Sunderland and four or five away from a few other teams.
“But I was in a similar situation with Bolton last year – four points behind with five games to go and we managed to do it.”
Caretaker boss Alan Shearer said United could not afford to lose at Stoke on Saturday and while Nolan agrees that victory is essential, he says the players will not be writing Premier League survival off, even if they lose. Nolan believes the survival fight will go down to the wire – urging his team-mates and the supporters to keep believing right up until they play Aston Villa at Villa Park on May 24.
“No matter what happens on Saturday, we have to remain positive and do what needs to be done between now and the end of the season,” he said.
