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Williamson Expecting "Electric" Atmosphere
Written by Newcastle Utd
Defender Mike Williamson says Newcastle must cope with the "intensity" of the Tyne-Wear derby on Easter Sunday
By Dan King - Newcastle United Digital Editor
When it comes to the Tyne-Wear derby, Mike Williamson has experienced some extreme highs and huge lows.
The 31-year-old defender has made seven appearances for Newcastle against Sunderland, including the famous 5-1 win in October 2010, the Ryan Taylor-inspired victory the following year and last season's 3-0 defeat at St. James' Park.
He was an unused substitute as Adam Johnson's late goal gave the Black Cats a fourth successive victory over the Magpies last December but will have a crucial part to play at the back for John Carver's side at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
Williamson has made more than 160 appearances in all competitions since joining the Magpies from Portsmouth in January 2010 but, unsurprisingly, lists the derby games as among the biggest he's played in.
"They're right at the top," he told nufcTV. "From the training week leading up to it, the atmosphere is building. You can feel it in the city and it means a lot.
"The atmosphere on the matchday is electric - fantastic for both sets of fans and players - and the games that I've played in definitely rank among the most important games.
"I've played in quite a few before and I know what it's all about. I know the meaning behind it.
"I think it affects people differently. It's up to the management whether they feel they have to pump certain players up or calm certain players down because everybody does about it differently but more than anything, it's just about preparation, making sure we're at optimum levels mentally and physically and making sure we all do our jobs."
Sunderland have had the better of the recent meetings between the two sides, but go into the weekend just one point and one place above the Barclays Premier League relegation zone.
Newcastle are nine points better off and five places higher, but Williamson doesn't think that will have much bearing on Sunday's game.
"You can look at history books or the form guide at the minute but I don't think it really matters - nothing really contributes apart from on the day, who turns up, keeps their cool and capitalises on any small margins," he said.
"I think you can rip the form book up when it comes to that game.
"It's a great spectacle and I thoroughly enjoy playing in them; the atmosphere, the pressure and the intensity of it has always been brilliant.
"It's something to relish and hopefully we can get a positive result. It's all about keeping your composure and making sure you can play under that pressure."
Click here to watch the nufcTV interview with Mike Williamson