Reid looking to preserve record

Last updated : 20 September 2002 By Black Cat
"I've got a decent record as a manager there but you don't like saying it. I just want to keep it going," he said.

And, Reid has challenged his under-performing side to show their true worth in the St. James's Park clash.

"It's a great game for us. The rivalry between the two clubs is fantastic and it goes back a long way," he told the club's official website

"We need to go out there and compete. We were not strong enough mentally or physically against Fulham and to play at the highest level you have to be.

"At St. James's Park on a derby day there is no place to hide - you have got to be strong and hard to beat.

"I've changed the side around since last season and there are no excuses.

"We've got good players and we've got to deliver the goods, score goals and play well.

"I've had sixth months of stick but to be fair the manager's the man in charge and he should shoulder it.

"I can fully understand the supporters' frustration. If we have a right go, are strong mentally and are unlucky in games, our crowd will have it but we weren't against Fulham.

"When we caved in like we did it ain't good enough and I can understand the supporters having a go."