CHEIK Tiote says unity can again be Newcastle United’s strength. Tiote and his team-mates fought a grim season-long relegation battle last term. And the club’s domestic form contrasted sharply with the football played in the previous campaign, when Newcastle challenged for a Champions League place. The hope is that United can again compete for a place in the top 10 this season. While much will depend on United’s transfer dealings – the club is yet to sign a senior player – Tiote feels he and his team-mates have learnt the lessons of last term. Late last season he talked of the players “looking at themselves in the mirror” during the summer. The 27-year-old – who hopes to start against Rangers at Ibrox tonight (7.45pm kick-off) – says there has been a period of reflection at the club, out of which has emerged a determination to right the wrongs of last season. “We did that as a group,” Tiote told the Gazette. “Last season we didn’t play together. That was a big mistake for the team. Now we know what we have to do. “I think if we do the right things, we will be OK. It’s very important for everyone to stay together and work hard. “If you do that, you can beat any team. We did that two years ago.” Tiote, embarking on his his fourth season at Newcastle, struggled for form and fitness last term, and he’s determined to rediscover the form of his first two campaigns on Tyneside. “I feel good, and I’m in good form,” said the Ivory Coast international. “I hope I’m not going to be injured. I want to play a lot of games before the start, and have a good season.” United manager Alan Pardew is expected to name his strongest team yet at Ibrox, with the game the club’s penultimate pre-season friendly before the August 19 season opener at Manchester City. “We have to try to win the Rangers game,” added Tiote. “It’s good for us to win every game and get more confidence for the season. “It’s not going to be easy at Manchester City. We need to go there with good confidence.” Meanwhile, Walter Smith has resigned as Rangers chairman amid a bitter struggle for power at Ibrox. Smith has stepped down three days after former chief executive Charles Green returned to the club as a consultant and issued a public warning to manager Ally McCoist over his long-term future. There will be no ticket sales on the night to Newcastle fans. JAMES
Posted on: Tue, 06 Aug 2013 09:05:00 +0000
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