By Matthew Jones
October 23 2003

Lee Clark, former Newcastle United star, has tippied his former club to continue their climb up the Premiership league and regain their place in the Premiership's top four. Lee Clark, former Newcastle United star, has tippied his former club to continue their climb up the Premiership league and regain their place in the Premiership's top four.

Clark said: "Everyone knows my feelings for Newcastle because it was the same last season when I scored the winner and nothing has changed.

"I didn't celebrate the goal then, and i didn't celebrate it on Tuesday night. Had it been against any other side I'd have been running round like a lunatic, but it's different when it's against Newcastle.

"The Fulham fans know my feelings, and there's no question of me not giving my all for the club because I'm paid to do a job for them and that's what I tried to do on Tuesday night.

"I couldn't have predicted scoring the goal again, and I doubt whether my family would have had a few quid on because they would have all been supoorting Newcastle and wouldn't bet against them!

"That was my first goal of the season - and the first time I've found the net since we played Newcastle at home last season!

"We got of to fantastic start with two early goals, but Newcastle didn't roll over and they came back at us straight away and got back into it with Robert's goal.

"To be honest at half time I thought we had been pushed about and bullied, and there's no doubt they were the stronger side on the night.

"They rolled their sleeves up and dug in and got the rewards in the end. If they continue to play like that then they'll soon be back up challenging the sides at the top of the table.

"They had a bad start and that surprised me when you consider the quality they have throughout the squad. Going out of the Champions League to Belgrade was a big blow for them, and I think it took time to get over that.

"But they've won their last four games on the bounce, and they're making progress up the league. After the start they had I'd question whether they can challenge for the title because they've dropped a few points, but there's no reason why they can't get into the top four and get back in the Champions League again for next season.

"I think I had about 250 of my family in the away end, so I'm not surprised the reception was better. I had people hammering me for tickets leading up the game, so i'd have had a few words if they'd booed me!"

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