NUFC Forum

"I have got fond memories of being [at Sunderland] but I wouldn't say that I have fondness for the club, no. I am at Newcastle that long now that I have no feelings whatsoever for Sunderland. I just remember it as a stepping stone in my career really, great experience. But this is my ninth season at Newcastle, this club means a lot to me and my son is a born and bred Geordie. This is where I have spent most of my life since I left home at 16. I've a lot of friends here and the club have been great to me. I'd love to win a medal with Newcastle obviously. I've got runners-up medals from the FA Cup."

Sadly for Given Newcastle and winners' medals go together like fish and bicycles. At times, such as the end of last season, it has left him demoralised. That was when he publicly, bravely for a player, questioned the "direction" of the club. Since then Scott Parker, Emre and Michael Owen have arrived but Newcastle continue to stagger, with just two wins in nine games.

There will be no medals on offer at St James' tomorrow, moreover, just stress and three points. But were it not for Given, Newcastle's outstanding performer, this jarring season could have been even more uncomfortable. Until Jason Roberts scored for Wigan Athletic last Saturday Given had not been beaten in 387 minutes, including a formidable solo display at Portsmouth.

Graeme Souness has correctly pointed out that Newcastle have conceded two goals in their past five games. But performances have been worse than results. That is why this derby has acquired the feel of the tumultuous one in August 1999 which spelt the end for Ruud Gullit.

"I didn't play in that game, Steve Harper didn't either," said Given. "It was Tommy Wright. I was injured. I was there, got soaked. That was a low time for the club. We were struggling for results. But we weren't going out to lose the game or anything, we were desperate to win and it'll be the same on Sunday. Whatever's happening, it doesn't matter, it's about winning the game.

"I don't know if it's as significant as that [Gullit match]. It is difficult for me to comment on that because there are assumptions [in that comparison]. We need a run of wins to get confidence and then build from that. Individually we have a squad of some talent, I'd love to see our best XI on the pitch. That's frustrating but then it's the same for other clubs. So we can't use that as an excuse, we have to knuckle down and work with what we have.

"Every time a derby comes around people say it's a must-win game but this really is a must-win game. We have got to win the game, especially after such a disappointing result against Wigan. That was a really bad result for us and it's one we have got to put right. There can be no better way to do that than to beat your arch-rivals at home; I don't think anything else would keep people happy. Three points."

exactly. i'd just love - seriously, it'd mean to much to me - to see Shay and Shearer in particular pick up winner's medals for anything really. they deserve one so much.