Pre Pompey: Shearer

An impassioned Alan Shearer today sent out a message to supporters and naysayers all the same, demanding that those in attendance on Monday night get behind and SUPPORT the team. Having seen our alleged atmosphere decline to a whimper in recent seasons it`s time to show what the Premier League status of Newcastle means to the club, city and people. Speaking ahead of the match, Shearer said:

"The crowd can help play a massive part - they've turned up in their thousands for years and had nothing to shout about.vI'm asking them for three games this season to really really get behind us. Without a doubt it's a massive game for us.

Everyone's aware of the importance of it, I want a fantastic atmosphere and the crowd to get behind us. I hope that the players can respond in the right way. I've asked the players for a response and hopefully I'll get one against Portsmouth.

It's my biggest game for a long, long time. We all know the stakes, so we need to go out and get three points. It sounds easy, but it won't be. We all know the importance of it. Now we just need to go out and do it. We have to go at it and grab those three points.

I think nine points could just be enough, looking other teams' fixtures. I might be wrong, but I'm asking the players to win their three home games, starting with Monday against Portsmouth. What I am aiming for is my first win as a manager.'

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