Fans called to arms

Both Steven Taylor and Joe Kinnear have called on the supporters and players to unite in order to create a cracking atmosphere ahead of and during the Man City match on Monday night. With our home form desperate so far, with the last three games all ending in 2-1 reverses, it`s a crucial situation to turn the tide.

Kinnear said: "The fans will play a massive part. Once St James`s Park is rocking, it is a fantastic atmosphere. It feeds back to the players and gives them a boost, a great buzz, when the fans are all at it.We have to make sure we do our part.

I have to make sure I do my part in the preparation to give them something to shout about. I would much prefer to be in the dug-out. I was in the stand against Blackburn but now, after getting to know the players, I am confident of getting a good result.

It will be a much better performance than against Blackburn although we did much better in the second half against them and we should have got a draw out of it. I am well aware of the other side of the coin and what may be in store for me. But that`s all part of the parcel of the game. I am looking forward to it and getting a good result."

Meanwhile Tayls chipped in: "There is a bit of a siege mentality going on. But we are all looking ahead to Man City and the chances to take all of the confidence we`ve built up into that game. We are long overdue a home win in this one.

We showed the fighting spirit at Everton and now we want to see more of it. We pulled it round when it looked all over. If we can take the good things from our second-half performance at Goodison, keeping the ball and working hard, we have a good chance.

The spirit in the dressing room is much better. The lads had been feeling a bit sorry for themselves. But it has been fantastic since Joe Kinnear came in - he has lifted us all. To be honest, we were actually disappointed after Everton that we didn`t win the game. That shows how much progress has been made. We needed to stop the rot. Hopefully we can carry this into the Man City game. It certainly gives the lads confidence."

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.