Mike Williamson: "I don't think many players would have turned down the chance to be taking on the likes of Arsenal and Man United in the Premier League.
"They are all big occasions for a player. So it is very much living the dream.
"I had difficult times last year at Portsmouth but I was told if I keep working hard good things can happen.
"That's what I did, it is a big contrast to this time last year.
"It is great playing in front of packed houses at home and seeing so many fans travelling on away games.
"The atmosphere up here is a reminder of what the rivalry is like and when everybody is talking about it.
"When we beat Sunderland last time a lot of people were coming up to me in the street and thanking me.
"Even the guy who helped me move house was saying that we probably didn't realise what we'd done for the city.
"It was nice but the aim is to keep pushing on for the highest position possible."
