Saturday 1 March 2014 11:20, UK
Yohan Cabaye's departure was a massive loss for Newcastle but also great business in terms of how much profit they made. However, it's going to be very difficult to replace a player like that.
There's no chance of Newcastle getting involved in the relegation scrap but there's no chance of them of them threatening near the top of the table and the Champions League places, either - something we were saying they could do towards the beginning of the season. It looks like the season may have just petered out for them and that's disappointing for the supporters and for the manager as well. Newcastle and their North East rivals Sunderland are emotional clubs with very passionate fans - something you could never really criticise but something at times does affect the club. Both clubs are very up and down and I think that comes with the passion from the supporters. Going to St James' Park is one of those games you always look forward to as a player. You always felt you had a chance going up there because you knew Newcastle would come out firing with the crowd behind them and it always made for an exciting game with Liverpool. Players will say they like to play there because of the passionate support, the size of the stadium and they're nearly always a good match, hopefully we'll get that on Sunday.
