We are in this position because of shocking management and well-paid players giving five-bob performances.
But don't expect skipper Michael Owen, Obafemi Martins or Sebastien Bassong to play Championship football should we go down, because all three have already been linked with moves away from Tyneside.
But don't expect skipper Michael Owen, Obafemi Martins or Sebastien Bassong to play Championship football should we go down, because all three have already been linked with moves away from Tyneside.
Chris Hughton: "The fear of this club not being in this division next season supercedes absolutely everything.
"I don't think at this moment players are thinking anywhere near about their futures.
"What they are thinking about is making sure we win enough games, get enough points, to stay in this division.
"Any thoughts of the future come at the end of the season.
"From our point of view, there are two things: one is the result, and the other is the performance, and you can gain something from both.
"I can always say the most important thing for us is the result, which it is, but very quickly after that, we have got to make sure we get a performance because it is about having a run of games and building confidence.
"When you are playing the top four, it's always going to be tough because they are all great sides.
"But it's down to us now. We know what we have got to do. We will be positive."