Saturday 9 May 2015 14:55, UK
John Carver has admitted Saturday's showdown at home to West Brom is Newcastle's biggest match in six years.
The Magpies take on the Baggies at St James' Park desperate to end a run of eight successive Premier League defeats, which has left them just two points clear of the relegation zone.
Some pundits, including former Newcastle striker Michael Owen, have suggested Carver's side will not collect another point this season, which would put them at severe risk of the drop if so.
Despite the problems he faces - injury and suspension will severely limit his options once again - Carver is confident that will not be the case, but he admits Saturday is as big as the day in May 2009 when they lost 1-0 at Aston Villa and dropped out of the top flight.
"It's probably the biggest one, in my opinion, since Aston Villa the year we went down. That was the biggest for a long, long time and this is up there with it,” said Carver.
"What we do have is two more cracks at the whip after this one. But it is in our hands. There has to be a response. We have to put all our differences aside.
"We know there are people not happy with the hierarchy. I know there are people not happy with me and with the players. We all know that, but let us put that aside.
"Get it out of the way, get safe, stay in the Premier League and then you can come for us - well, come for me."
Follow the unfolding Premier League drama by watching Soccer Saturday on Sky Sports 5 HD from 12pm.
