By Nick Raynor
August 10 2005

Newcastle United assistant Manager Alan Murray has told the players they must stay ruthless.

In Newcastle’s last 2 friendlies, they have not held back in anyway, scoring 12 goals in 2 games.

 

And Murray believes this ruthless attitude must continue if Newcastle are going to go anywhere this season.

 

Murray said:

 

"It's good to get some goals,"

 

"We played good attacking football and we broke very quickly. We converted a high ratio of the chances we created and that's why the scoreline ended up as it did. It is something we need to keep doing.

 

"We're just getting that bit of sharpness that four or five matches brings. When you come back from a summer break you are a little bit rusty. You do your fitness work but it takes time for the sharpness to come back. We are looking sharper and we are taking our chances and we have to keep it going. We have to continue to be ruthless.

 

"We played some good football and you can see that the ability is there. The Premier League is a far different ball game but we know what we have to do.

 

"It was an excellent night. Just what the doctor ordered in that it was a good, physical game. We worked at it professionally from the start and treated them with the respect they deserved.

 

"We ran out comfortable winners but that's only to be expected

 

What do you think to Murray’s comments? What do you think to the season ahead? Email the MailBag at tynetalk@gmail.com with your thoughts.