1. Newcastle beat Sunderland 1-0 in the derby match. Was it a classic derby match?

Yes, like all derbies it was a physical match and Sunderland didn't let us play pretty football. Fortunately, things went better in the second half and we took the three points. It means we stay in touch with the top of table and can approach the Arsenal game more serenely.

2. Was it Sunderland who laid down the physical challenge?

Yes, but we were well-placed to respond. The match largely took place in midfield and, for the most part, the defence handled what came their way. However, we didn't get much going forward. I hardly touched the ball in spells.

3. You must be pleased with your free kick that led to Dabizas's header?

Yes, of course. I don't take all the free kicks but that was one for me. I shot well and Dabizas was there to head it in.

4. Were the supporters happy?

Yes, it's the game of the season and we couldn't lose it.

5. Next week is dedicated to training for the Arsenal game?

Yes. We had warm down this morning and will go back to training to tomorrow, with a day off on Wedsnesday.

6. Your brother made his first team debut for Montpellier on Saturday, coming on in the 71 st minute? Did you have any advice for him?

He called me up before the match and I gave him some words of advice. He was told he would start but was made a substitute at the last minute. He did very well and his chance will come soon.

-- Anonymous, February 25, 2002

Answers

Is this the automatic response version or an actual interview. Either way not much to see really.

-- Anonymous, February 25, 2002

I hope his words of advice were to work hard both in attack and defence and make runs down the wing. "However, we didn't get much going forward. I hardly touched the ball in spells" - hmmm, so he noticed then :-)

Thanks again, Dougs.

-- Anonymous, February 26, 2002

He claims his brother is better than him and the papers say he is being watched by Spurs.

-- Anonymous, February 26, 2002

If he's better than Lolo why don't we go for him. Could make Lolo happier and perform better.

-- Anonymous, February 26, 2002