Hall aims to make most of Mike's misfortune
FITZ Hall today thanked Newcastle United fans for sticking with them in the Tees-Tyne derby.
Hall and his team-mates were backed by 3,743 supporters at the Riverside Stadium, and thanks to Andy Carroll's late equaliser, they returned from Middlesbrough on Saturday in high spirits.
However, they had to endure a largely frustrating game dominated by Gordon Strachan's side.
Still, they never let up in their backing, and defender Hall – who returned to Chris Hughton's side after Mike Williamson was ruled out on the eve of the game – was just happy they had something to celebrate at the final whistle, the game ending 2-2.
Follow Gazette Newcastle United writer Miles Starforth on Twitter here
"When we got the equaliser it was the first thing I thought about – I was happy for the supporters," Hall told the Gazette.
"They were there throughout the game. They kept their heads up, and that helped us keep going.
"I felt the atmosphere before the game. The crowd were loud. Wherever we've been this season, the fans have made it a good atmosphere, but it was a little bit different.
"The travelling support have been tremendous. I didn't expect any less with the atmosphere."
Hall – who has for the most part been confined to the bench since joining on loan from Queens Park Rangers – is now set for an extended run in the team, with Williamson set for a month on the sidelines with a hand injury.
And 29-year-old Hall is hoping to take advantage of Williamson's misfortune by cementing his place in the heart of Chris Hughton's back four, having had to wait for his chance.
"Mike got an injury, so I was happy to play – I felt I did all right." added Hall.
"I hadn't played for a few games, so it was just a matter of fitness, and having to go again after the last run of games. Hopefully, I can stick in the team a little longer this time.
"Obviously, you always want to play, but there's a job to be done here at Newcastle – getting promoted – and if the team are playing as well as they have been, you can't really change the team, especially the back four when they're keeping clean sheets.
"Mike's been unlucky and got an injury, and I just want to take advantage of his misfortune and maybe stick in there as long as I can."
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for South Shields
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light sleet
Temperature: 0 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: -3 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South
