Let’s hope fortune favours the brave on Sunday – Dowie

May 20 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

NEWCASTLE United’s number two Iain Dowie is hoping that “fortune favours the brave” when the Premier League reaches its dramatic conclusion this weekend.

Despite United’s dire predicament, Dowie remains positivity personified ahead of the daunting trip to Aston Villa – insisting the players still have the belief and mental character to preserve their Premier League status.

Such is Dowie’s confidence in other teams falling at the final hurdle, he believes that three points at Villa Park will be enough to keep United up. And he thinks that slice of luck will have been earned by Alan Shearer’s bold and decisive management. Just eight weeks have passed since managerial rookie Shearer took over, but Newcastle’s caretaker has illustrated that he is not afraid of making some big calls.

As well as the disciplinary crackdown implemented by Shearer, close friend Michael Owen has been dropped, Joey Barton suspended and a formation with three strikers has been fielded.

“If we do go down, it won’t be for lack of trying. I know Alan is 100% committed, and so am I. The hours that we’ve put in have been frightening. If hard work gets you anywhere, Alan should keep the team up. I have spent long hours in the office with Alan analysing videos, talking tactics – all looking to get that extra one per cent which will push us over the edge. Alan knows how I work, he’s embraced some of the innovative things I’ve tried to do.