Newcastle United 1 Sheffield United 0: Post-match reaction as Blades equal unwanted record
Here’s how the game unfolded as Joe Willock scored the winner in first-half injury time.
While you're here, please consider taking out a subscription to our new discounted sports-only package. You'll find all the details HERE. Your support is much appreciated. Chris Holt Football Editor
Newcastle v Blades LIVE
Good afternoon Blades
and welcome back to our live blog for today, covering Paul Heckingbottom’s press conference ahead of Sunday’s clash with Burnley at Bramall Lane - we’ll have some highlights of what he had to say as soon as he’s finished, but in the meantime here’s a recap of the day’s stories so far - including the sad death of a true Lane legend
Bruce on some boos during Newcastle’s post-match lap of honour
I’m never going to be everyone’s cup of tea, unfortunately. I accept that, it’s just the way it is. Everyone’s entitled to their opinion, that’s the way it is unfortunately.
Bruce on Newcastle’s goal
It was real quality, we had some good opportunities and didn’t take them but the goal was the bit of real quality. A good pass a great cross and it had to be Joe again. Six in six is some achievement.
Bruce on normality getting closer
A bit more normal, that’s hopefully what we’re edging towards. It made it a different atmosphere to what we’ve been witnessing.
Steve Bruce’s post-match reaction
How great it was to see supporters back in. When I watched the cup final and the games yesterday it’s a different spectacle and it was great to see them back. Let’s hope it’s the footsteps to having full houses again.
Heckingbottom on playing in front of fans
It was totally different, we pulled up at the hotel and there were people at the bar. People were walking about, it just felt totally different. I can’t believe it’s been 15 months, over a season without fans. It’s crazy, it’s had its effect on a lot of people and I hope we never have to do it again.
Heckingbottom on what he’s learned as interim boss
It’s been tough for lots of reasons, stepping in, but I’ve enjoyed it and been pleased with the players and staff. Everyone’s dug in and fought and we’ve got one game left in the PL and so we should leave everything out on the pitch.
Heckingbottom continued
We were in control of the game for the first half hour or so and when you fall behind it’s a tough game. We huffed and puffed in the second half, had a lot of the ball and were leaving gaps at the back. But we had to try and win the game.
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.