Iain Dowie says NUFC must stay positive to avoid the drop

May 21 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

IAIN Dowie says Newcastle United must not be dragged down by the doom-mongers who believe they are already condemned to Championship football next season.

The air of elation following the Middlesbrough game was quickly punctured by last weekend’s disastrous defeat at the hands of Fulham, a result that leaves United teetering on the brink of a return to the second tier after 17 years in the top flight.

While many are now eyeing this weekend’s final round of Premier League fixtures with an air of resignation, United’s assistant boss has insisted on an upbeat mood in the camp.

He says belief and positivity still abounds in the United dressing room, despite the punishing defeat at the weekend. And he believes that will give them ‘every chance’ of emerging victorious at Villa Park.

“People have asked me whether it’s possible to be optimistic after the hammer blow at the weekend. It’s not only possible, it’s imperative that we stay positive,” he said.

“We will be very, very positive against a very, very strong Villa side – it is the only way we’re going to get anything.

“Looking back, there is no need to get too downhearted by what happened. Whatever you say about Saturday’s game, we had loads of chances.

“I would say we had four gilt-edged opportunities to score and if any one of those goes in the whole situation changes. Things haven’t gone our way with referees’ decisions either. Mark Viduka’s goal should have stood and the Bassong decision could have gone the other way.”

While United’s supporters might

not share his upbeat mood, Dowie spent Monday evening with boss Alan Shearer analysing the Fulham game, and is adamant that the potential is there to upset the odds.

“People focus on how they felt afterwards – I did. But it creates a false perception of the game. I think there are a lot of positives to take out of the game. We pressed from minute one to minute 90,” he said.

“Perhaps our biggest problem was the final ball, which I didn’t think at times was good enough. But there is no point in us dwelling on it now, we can’t affect the past now. We will improve at Villa. We will have to. They’re an excellent side. A lot has been made about them at home but when that place is full and the team are on song they’re difficult to play.”

Meanwhile, Dowie says that Habib Beye will not be risked on Sunday if he is not fully fit. José Enrique and Michael Owen are both being monitored, and the striker is expected to return to training later this week.

“If it is humanly possible, Habib will be there,” said Dowie. “But we’re not going to damage the lad. If he’s fit, then great, but we must protect his long-term future.”