Friday 19 December 2014 18:56, UK
Alan Pardew is hoping the fans of Newcastle and Sunderland will play their part in this weekend’s Tyne-Wear derby at St James' Park.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Sky Live match, the Newcastle manager paid tribute to the behaviour and respect shown by the visiting supporters in the build-up to the match.
“Sunderland’s conduct has been impeccable, particularly around the time of the tragic incident with the Malaysian flight in which (Newcastle fans) John Alder and Liam Sweeney died (when the plane was shot down over Ukraine in July)," he said.
“So when they come over the bridge it’s important we meet them in the right way.
“All the signals this week have been tremendous and I’m so pleased about that. Not being from the area, I don’t get so emotionally involved like my staff. But I can understand that. It’s an emotional, passionate fixture.
“I know how important it is to our fans. But me and Gus (Poyet, Sunderland boss) will want our teams to put on a show worthy of the occasion, and I hope the fans will conduct themselves in a manner that they’ve done all week.”
It’s an emotional, passionate fixture.
Of the match itself, he added: "It's a great occasion and the best players respond to that. It's the sort of atmosphere you want to play in. We're looking forward to it.
"Jack Colback's been fantastic since he's been here. His conduct has been impeccable and I'm looking forward to seeing him play."
As for injured players in his camp, he added: "Jak Alnwick is fine. Papiss Cisse was in today, Cheick Tiote and Sammy Ameobi will train tomorrow and Steven Taylor trained today.
Watch Newcastle v Sunderland live on Sky Sports 1 HD, starting 1.30pm.
