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Pardew Praises Fan-Tastic Supporters
Written by Newcastle Utd
Alan Pardew says the conduct of United and Sunderland fans has been 'high class' in the build-up to the derby
By Steven Back
With anticipation levels continuing to rise ahead of Sunday's Tyne-Wear derby clash with Sunderland, Alan Pardew hopes fans from both sides continue to behave in the same exemplary manner that has preceded the Barclays Premier League fixture.
Pardew praised the relationship between supporters of United and the Black Cats, especially in their reaction to the tragic deaths of Magpies fans John Alder and Liam Sweeney this summer.
"I think Sunderland's conduct has been impeccable, particularly around the incident with the Malaysian flight with John Alder and Liam Sweeney," said the boss.
"So for them to come across the bridge like that, so to speak, it is important that we meet them the right way and I think we have.
"All the signals this week have been tremendous and I'm so pleased about that.
"Not being from the area, I don't get so emotionally involved as some of my staff but I can understand that it is an emotional and passionate fixture and I grasp that."
Despite the magnitude of the occasion on Tyneside and Wearside, Pardew revealed United will be treating the game like any other Premier League match.
"We normally arrive at a hotel beforehand and on a bus with security," said the boss, of their regular derby preparations.
"But we are going to treat this as a normal game and all turn up in our vehicles as normal to the ground, and treat it as such for the occasion.
"I know how important it is to our fans. We are desperate to win, as Sunderland are too, so me and Gus (Poyet) are going to set our teams up and I just hope we can put on a show that is worthy of the occasion.
"I hope the best team wins and the fans conduct themselves in the same manner they have done all week, which has been of the highest class."