Archive
We'll Keep Working Hard, Vows Matt
Written by Newcastle Utd
Matt Ritchie says Newcastle United have "a lot to work on" ahead of Wednesday night's visit of Reading
By Tom Easterby - Newcastle United Club Reporter
Matt Ritchie says Newcastle United have "a lot to work on" ahead of Wednesday night's visit of Reading, after they were beaten 2-1 by Huddersfield Town on Saturday.
Substitute Jack Payne grabbed the winner for the Terriers, after Dwight Gayle had levelled the scores following Nakhi Wells' opener.
The result means the Magpies are yet to get off the mark in the Championship this season.
But Ritchie - who replaced Rolando Aarons at half time at St. James' Park - says that Rafa Benitez's side have got the "bit between their teeth" as attentions turn to the clash with Jaap Stam's Royals in midweek.
"It wasn't the result we were looking for, but there's a lot to work on and there's a lot to analyse, and we'll go again on Wednesday," he told nufc.co.uk.
"It's not the start we intended, but we'll work hard. I think it could be a blessing in disguise - we could look back on these two games and think they really made us, because we've got the bit between our teeth and we need to make sure that we really do continue to work hard, continue to get better and build relationships on the pitch.
"I think we'll be OK. Obviously it's been a tough start, but we've got another game on Wednesday, we'll go again, we'll work hard and we look forward to it.
"There's new players, a new team, and we need to make sure that we stick together with the fans. I just don't think there's any reason to panic. We're a new team, we've got probably seven or eight new players in the door in the summer, so we just to relax, and we will get better, we will get stronger and we will start winning games."
Over 52,000 fans packed St. James' Park on Saturday, and Ritchie says that they'll need that outstanding support to help push them on this term.
The 26-year-old also welcomes Reading arrival on Tyneside on Wednesday, saying it gives United a chance to get back to winning ways.
"It's what we need. We need the fans behind us, and we need the fans to stay onside. I understand it's frustrating for them, but we will start winning games, I'm sure," he said.
"I'm not sure whether (Reading) getting beaten today has anything to do with it, but it's going to be a tough game. They're a good team, but I look forward to the game.
"That's the good thing about the Championship - games come in quick succession, and you can put your losses right."