Toon Fan Looking To Spoil Geordie Christmas!

Last updated : 23 December 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

The rock-bottom Rams go into the game knowing defeat to the Magpies would equal a club record of eight consecutive losses set 20 years ago.

Sunday's trip gives them chance to do the double over United, although Derby are 15/2 to get a result at St James' Park.

Howard was once a season ticket holder in the Milburn Stand.

Howard: "When I started playing professionally I wanted to play at Wembley and at St James' Park and now it looks like I'm going to have done the two.

"Newcastle United was definitely the team I had my first love for. All my dad's side of the family are Newcastle daft and I was as a kid. It's just a way of life up there.

"There's a few family and friends coming and I'm sure they won't be talking to me if we get a result!

"If we play like we did at our place we have a good chance.

"It's not going to be easy going up there in front of 50,000 screaming Geordies but I'm sure we'll give it a good go.

"We played well that day, really well. We created a lot and we were solid at the back so hopefully we can do that again.

"It's not going to be easy going there anyway, it never is. But they are going to be out to get us. They won't want us to do the double over them.

"We need to focus on our job and try and get some points on the board and we can do that over the Christmas period.

"There are games coming thick and fast, people in the league will be changing positions and hopefully we can do the same.

"While we have got a chance of playing in the Premier League, we owe it to the supporters and ourselves to have a good go at it.

"We are going to have to show European form between now and the end of the season to stand any chance of staying up. I know that and the supporters know that.

"But while there is hope, while there's an opportunity there, we are not going to give up. I won't and I'm pretty sure the players won't either."