Draw has restored belief, says Beye

Apr 14 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

IT may have been just a point when a win was needed but Habib Beye insisted the draw at Stoke City has given Newcastle United the belief they need to avoid relegation.

As one of United’s most senior players, Beye’s recent return to the side has come at an ideal time for new manager Alan Shearer, and the Senegal international was one of Newcastle’s stand-out performers at the Britannia Stadium.

Beye’s presence is just as important behind the scenes at St James’s Park as it is as a calming influence in defence and he is adamant he felt something dramatic change against Stoke once Andy Carroll’s second-half header had hauled them back into the game.

Newcastle went on to finish the game looking the more likely side to win it and, psychologically, with Shearer at the helm, Beye feels there is finally some momentum building behind their survival push.

“This was a massive point and now we really believe we can do it,” said Beye, who has comfortably been the best signing of Sam Allardyce’s short reign as manager.

“Hopefully this will give us a bit of momentum now because, after they scored, few people would have expected us to leave with anything. Now we have six matches left, 18 points to play for and we know we can stay up. If we show this type of spirit again maybe we can get something away from home, as well as the three matches we have at home.

“Everyone knows what Alan Shearer has done before. He took this job for the last eight games because he is from the area and he wants to save Newcastle United. If anyone can do that for this club it is him because everyone knows he is a Newcastle legend.

“He does not want to see Newcastle in the Championship and he is full of spirit. We are trying to make sure he achieves that.

“Every new manager wants to change something. We were in the bottom three for a reason and he has tried to bring more discipline. We have a challenge of the next six games and if we can get 18 points that would be perfect. Twelve would also be good.”