We're not panicking, says Kevin Nolan

Feb 11 2010 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

KEVIN Nolan has called for calm in the aftermath of Newcastle United’s disastrous trip to Derby County as he challenged the Magpies to give a powerful response to the end of their long unbeaten run.

Nolan was as disappointed as anyone following the shock 3-0 defeat at Pride Park on Tuesday night, but he has urged people not to blow the setback out of all proportion.

Although United’s first defeat in 16 games saw them lose top spot in the Championship to West Bromwich Albion, they have a game in hand over the Baggies and still have a four-point lead over third-placed Nottingham Forest.

And Nolan is confident the deflated Magpies will prove the defeat at Derby was a stumble rather than a fall in the promotion race when they travel to Swansea on Saturday.

“All good things come to an end, obviously,” said Nolan, who may be deployed as a second striker in south Wales as Newcastle revert to a five-man midfield.

“From now until the end of the season, we have to stick together and do whatever it takes to get us back into the Premier League.

“It was a very disappointed dressing room after the game, especially as there was such a high on Friday night after the performance and result against Cardiff.