Thursday 21 May 2015 15:31, UK
Newcastle United boss John Carver has called on the club's fans to get behind the team as they battle relegation in their final game of the season against West Ham on Sunday.
A group of Newcastle fans have organised a protest, which will include occupying the ground after the game, but Carver is looking for them to put their differences to one side for what he labelled the 'most important match for the club in six years'.
A win against the Hammers would ensure Newcastle's Premier League safety with either Sunderland or Hull City dropping into the Sky Bet Championship.
Speaking at his final press briefing before the match he said: "I'm pleading for the fans to forget about what they think of me, Mike Ashley (owner) or Lee Charnley (chief executive) - let's win the game and the inquest will begin afterwards.
There's no second chances. This is the final game of the season and it's all about this one game. We have to win the game.
"The fans are entitled to protest after the game, but please get behind us for the 90 minutes. We need the supporters this weekend. Put all your differences to one side and get behind the team.
"There's no second chances. This is the final game of the season and it's all about this one game. We have to win the game. If we win, we take care of our own business. Winning is our only thought.
"I have enough players in that room who realise what this game means. I'm expecting the big players to step up and perform. I feel we have to win. I said a few weeks ago we needed four points and I expect Hull to win so we must do our bit.
"We had a meeting with players yesterday and brought staff into the meeting; many of their workmates lost their jobs when the club was relegated in 2009 and I gave the players the opportunity to leave the meeting if they weren't up for the fight. None of them left.
'Challenge'
"It's come to this and we have to deal with it. But I'm looking forward to the challenge that this week will bring."
Carver also revealed that he has told his players to avoid television and social media as they focus on the vital game with West Ham.
He said: "I can't believe it's come to this, but we have to deal with it, I have told the players to stay off Twitter, internet and television so they're not distracted.
"I've actually thought about turning my own phone off. You get so many messages - good messages - but it can actually wear you down the amount you get and that is why I don't have a Twitter account.
"If you have one of them all of a sudden someone starts giving you abuse then that can affect your mental status and I can't afford to have that.
"People are saying this is the biggest game in six years at this club, and let's be honest, it is. I remember when we went down six years ago, I remember the feeling well. It will stay with me and we can't have that again this Sunday."
Watch Newcastle v West Ham live on Sky Sports 1 from 2pm on Sunday.
