Our disappointing 5-0 loss at White Hart Lane brought back a few memories. Memories of times at Newcastle United where a big or humiliating defeat would terrify me. In the past 5 years, under several managers that failed to fill me with confidence, at times it’s felt like the limited successes we did have were held together by the smallest bit of string, which needed any excuse to break.

Losing 5-0 in those days wouldn’t just be 3 points dropped, it would linger, bringing about a number of lazy, cagey performances. It was quite clear that the likes of Souness, Allardyce and Hughton lacked the respect needed to give the squad a good pasting when it was needed, and didn’t show the sensitivity and inspiration to pick the players up.

I don’t feel that way any more. I’m confident that we will bounce back from this one quickly. Yes it was a bad day out, we didn’t play well and I can’t think of any positives to come from the game, yet I’m chilled out about it. Why?

Well, firstly, we have lost games against teams that were better than us already this season and there has been no hangover. 3-0 away at Man City was followed by an excellent 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. Our uninspiring 3-1 reverse at Anfield was eclipsed, again with an excellent result against the champions, winning 3-0. And ignoring that Fulham are not a better side than us, that infamous collapse at Craven Cottage came before two straight solid league wins.

[ad_pod id=’unruly-video’ align=’right’]

We also have a real hunger in the squad. I’m not Danny Simpson’s biggest fan, but you just need to follow him on Twitter to see how much it means to him when we lose. He and Demba Ba, rather than enjoy the limelight on this week’s “Goals on Sunday” looked humbled and upset. Say what you like about Joey Barton and the like, but you would never have seen him with his tail between his legs in the same manner. I’ve seen interviews with Krul, both Taylors, Cabaye, and Shola too this season and they’ve all given me the same belief about their hunger. I am convinced that the squad will be working extra hard to make up for it every day until the Wolves game.

Another bow that’s been added to our string this year is genuine competition for places. For too long our first team has picked itself but this year the likes of Ryan Taylor, Danny Guthrie and Leon Best have been as solid as a rock for us, and the mercurial Hatem Ben Arfa has shown glimpses of brilliance. I personally think that Guthrie can feel hard done by if he loses his place against Wolves, even with the return of Tiote and Cabaye. We’ve of course had bigger squads in the past, but did anyone have confidence in the likes of Alan Smith, Nile Ranger and Wayne Routledge last year?

And finally we have Pardew himself. He’s already said he doesn’t consider it necessary to read the riot act to the team because of one bad day at the office. I think that shows mutual respect between coach and players. What I know he will be doing is building the confidence back and feeding that hunger, working on a game plan for Wolves and drilling it into them. He won’t be leaving anything to chance on Saturday week.

So it’s only three points dropped, we’ve got one of the league’s bottom teams up next at St. James’ park, we’ve got 2 of our best players returning and we’re still only 1 point off a Champions League spot in February. If the team can prove me right next Saturday then we’ll be in great shape!

Howay the lads!

Happy Valentine’s Day! Click on the beauty below to see some Newcastle lingerie!