We have got to cure our travel sickness says Danny Guthrie

Nov 23 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

But Guthrie is happy with how the season has unfolded so far and he feels the players are coming to terms with the Championship and the different style of football they encounter.

He explained: “I don’t think teams try and wind us up verbally, not that I’ve picked up on anyway, but it is a lot more direct in this division. Championship teams tend to play a game where the second ball is key.

“The balls forward are direct and then they press in twos and threes, looking to pick up the knock down, and we have had to adapt to that. In can turn into a bit of a scrap out there, especially when we are away from home.

“At St James’ Park, teams tend to sit back a bit more and we can try to pass around them. Our home form has been excellent – but we do need to improve away.

“It will be another tough game against Preston on Monday night I’m sure and we’ll have to dig in again. Hopefully we’ll show the same fighting spirit we had at Sheffield United and come away with another good result.

“It can be frustrating when you’re a midfielder and the ball is going over your head, back and forth, and you can’t get on the ball – but you have to sacrifice yourself for the team.”

And, while Newcastle’s position is not as strong as it could have been after their problems in October, Guthrie knows most people would have accepted it had it been offered to them back in August.

He said: “If we assess the season so far we’re top of the league and that is the most significant thing.

“Whatever has happened we have been good enough to get into a position where we were two points clear of West Brom in second place and six points clear of the play-offs (before the weekend’s results).

“At the start of the season we would have taken that and I think we have exceeded expectations. With everything that was going on, people thought we would struggle. Everyone knows how tough the league is and people were wondering whether we would be able to adjust.”