Newcastle United manager Steve McClaren has attempted to rally further support ahead of Sunday's crucial Tyne-Wear derby by emailing the club's fanbase asking them to "stand up and be counted".
The Magpies have endured a turbulent start to life under the former England chief, but they finally picked up a first win of the campaign at home to Norwich City last time out.
McClaren is now targeting successive victories in the hope of widening the gap between themselves and local rivals Sunderland, promising the Toon Army faithful that each player will give it their all.
"It's derby day on Sunday and the importance of this match is not lost on me or any of our players," he said. "Quite simply it is one of the most important days of the season. We travel to the Stadium of Light at the weekend delighted to have our first win under our belts and looking to make it back-to-back victories.
"Needless to say it was imperative that we won last week and whilst we all said beforehand that we would have taken a scrappy one-nil win, the bonus for everyone at the club and, in particular, you the supporters, was that it was an exciting, entertaining game with some fantastic periods of play and of course terrific goals.
"I don't need reminding that we have lost the last five derbies and for everyone associated with the club that is simply unbearable. It wasn't so long ago that we won five in row and we are desperately keen and hugely motivated to turn the tide and bring the points back to Tyneside. The atmosphere is always incredible and I think unique to the North East and we have to go there, stand up and be counted.
"There's no question that our players understand what it means to win the derby. My message to the players is simple. Win every personal battle, handle the occasion and be disciplined. If we can do all that and put one or two of our chances away then we can come away with the positive result we all crave."
Sunderland have won the last five Tyne-Wear derby meetings in the Premier League.
Daniel Lewis
