Ireland and Tiote on the magnificent Magpie fans.

Cheik Tiote v Blackburn — Tiote loves the fans.

Cheik Tiote and Stephen Ireland have been having their say on the Newcastle supporters today, and both of them levelled nothing but praise towards the Toon Army faithful.

Of course we are well known for backing our team through thick and thin, even to the point where it can be a bad thing (Jenas and his fishbowl spring to mind), but our unwavering loyalty and willingness to get behind the lads when they need it is something that shines through repeatedly, much to the annoyance of the Southern press! Long may that continue.

Tiote has established himself as a firm crowd favourite now and seems to have taken to playing in front of the St James’ Park crowd like a proverbial duck to water. Tiote is a willing worker, and people love that. He also has the skills to match his physical presence.

Tiote had this to say about the Newcastle support:

“I have never experienced anything like it,” Tiote told The Chronicle. “The noise is incredible. The fans just keep going and going, supporting us. It gives us such inspiration. It was what kept us going after our first goal against Arsenal. We couldn’t have completed the comeback without our supporters.”

“I could have gone to Fulham, West Ham or West Bromwich when I left Holland, but I knew I had made the right choice. Nothing could top this. I like the city, it is not too big, and the people are so warm. I have been made to feel very much at home.”

“What I want to do is repay everyone by helping Newcastle to win a trophy at long last.”

Does somebody want to tell Cheik just how long we have been waiting for a trophy? I’m unsure whether or not he knows how long it’s been! Mind you, if he could be part of the team that ends that trophy drought he would go down in Tyneside folklore.

Meanwhile, new-boy Stephen Ireland could be fit to play some part against Everton at the weekend, and he has also praised the people of the North-East for their welcome and has insisted that he wants to repay that faith and feels reinvigorated by his move to Newcastle.

“I’ve always been a massive admirer of the fans and the stadium,” Ireland told The Chronicle. “I always thought it was a brilliant place to come, and that the fans were appreciative of the players.”

“That’s what I need as a person and as a player – to invigorate the fans. You get back what you give, and vice-versa.”

If Ireland can get back to the kind of for that he showed at Manchester City then we could have a real asset on our hands, and I would imagine that the move would be made permanent in the summer especially now that Aston Villa are trying to cut their wage bill. If Ireland can find his feet quickly we could reap the benefit of his presence from here until the run in. Ireland continued:

“Hopefully, we can cap off a strong season for Newcastle. Alan Pardew has worked hard, and I’m definitely going to repay him for his efforts in getting me here. I don’t want to let him or my team-mates down if I get my chance.”

“First and foremost, I want to work hard for my team-mates. Hopefully, I can go from strength to strength personally, and with the team.”

Great words from both of them!