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Carver: "No Second Chances"
Written by Newcastle Utd
John Carver has emphasised the importance of Sunday's crunch Premier League clash against West Ham
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
Newcastle United head coach John Carver has emphasised the importance of Sunday's fixture against West Ham, and says relegation "doesn't bear thinking about."
Failure to win in ten games means the Magpies' fate will be decided on the final day of the Barclays Premier League season as they face the Hammers at St James' Park (3pm kick-off).
Three points would secure a spot in the top flight for next season and Carver is focussed on avoiding a repeat of 2009's heartbreak.
"I can't believe it's come to this, but it has and we've got to deal with it," said the 50-year-old.
"I've told the guys to try and stay off social media and keep away from watching other football because that can mentally fatigue you and add more pressure.
"We have four or five players who were here the last time this team was relegated and so they know what it feels like - I know what it feels like.
"It was hard to take and that's stayed with me. I'll use that in my head and I'll use it as a motivational tool to try and get a reaction out of the players.
"To be honest, it doesn't even bear thinking about for me how unbearable it would be if this Club dropped down, I don't know how long it would take to get over it.
"In the last ten games we have had some big performances from big players, but we have been inconsistent that's for sure.
"There are no second chances now, it won't do next week or the week after. It's the last game of the season and it's all about this one cup final. It's a case of winner takes it all."