Roeder vows to stand tall
Roeder was criticised by fans last night
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Danny Webber's second-half header was enough to give Sheffield United a 1-0 win at a bitterly cold St James' Park as Newcastle's season took a further turn for the worse. |  |
Sunday, 05, Nov 2006 11:08
Glenn Roeder remained defiant last night in the face of prolonged protests by Newcastle fans after his side's 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United that saw them slip into the relegation zone.
Roeder said: "I do not feel under pressure, no. I have been around too long. I do not feel under pressure whatsoever."
He maintained that he was not fearful for his job although he did admit that it was the team's worst display since he took over in February.
Roeder suffered a brain tumour when in charge of West Ham three and a half years ago but won his fight with the illness.
He said that having been on his back at that time, today he was standing tall, and vowed to stay standing whatever happened to him.
Speaking about the protest he said: "I would be a liar if I said I did not hear them. Of course I heard them - and the players heard them as well."
Chairman Freddie Shepherd is currently out of the country and the fans were also vocal in their displeasure about his role.
Roeder said that he could not comment on the fans disappointment towards the board but said that he was equally as unhappy about the team's current situation.
He concluded last night by saying that he must shoulder the bulk of the responsibility and that he was strong enough to do that but also encouraged his players to stand along side him and not behind him.
The loss yesterday left Newcastle above bottom place on goal difference alone and the pressure is mounting despite recent success in the Uefa cup.