1. You have had an incredible week at Newcastle beating title challengers, Leeds and Arsenal away - that's over and above your expectations.

It's true that after our win at Arsenal, I thought a point at Leeds would be tremendous. In the end, though, we left Leeds with 3 points and found ourselves at the top of the table. What a brilliant week! However, we musn't go to sleep now..we must get three points from our home game against Middlesbrough. We were in training this morning and the squad knows that we still have it all to do.

2. At Leeds, Craig Bellamy scored, then Lee Bowyer equalised but watching the first half, Newcastle could have been a couple of goals down.

It's true that they had some chances but we put our chance away, then Sylvain Distin brought a huge amount to the defence with his pace..

3. At 3-1 down did you really believe you could still win?

Of course. It's true that we went to pieces a bit for their goals but once it was 3-2, we knew we could still get something from the game.

4. What was the atmosphere like in the dressing room?

Calm, as usual. We were happy but we wanted to know the results of the other games and we were really dying to know the results of the Liverpool-Arsenal game.

5. You now head the table so there must be extra motivation in the squad?

Yes, of course. However, in France no one says a word about it. We are above Manchester United, Leeds and Liverpool and a newspapers like L'Equipe hasn't said a word about it: it's as though we don't exist. I find it remarkable (get used to it Bonny Lad).

6. You were substituted. Are you still suffering with your hip.

I'm much better but there's still some pain. I should still be fit for the Middlesbrough game. Also, Distin will play as Dabizas is injured.

7. Nicolas Anelka has joined Liverpool. What do you think of his choice?

He has done the right thing - he knows the English Championship very well and he can rediscover his form as things just weren't going right for him at PSG. He lacked confidence and their style of play didn't suit him. I know Nico well - he's a lovely bloke and we had a good laugh together so I hope he does well.

-- Anonymous, December 24, 2001

Answers

Kinda makes you wish that, like Nobby et al, he'd been around during the dark days, so he'd really appreciate how well we're doing. Nevertheless, I'm pleased to see he has no wild expectations - e.g he generally talks about looking for point from away games. And of course takes the opportunity to big up his mate Sylvain.

-- Anonymous, December 24, 2001

thanks dougal, essential reading as always.

-- Anonymous, December 24, 2001

Thanks for that, Dougal. Sounds like Bobby is doing a good job keeping their feet on the ground if the dressing room is calm. Reading between the lines, it seems like the players are finally realistic about what needs to be done. I.E. we can't just show up and get 3 points, we have to work hard every time. :-)

-- Anonymous, December 24, 2001