EDDIE EYES DERBY REBOOT

Ending dire run against local rivals can breathe new life into toiling Toon

- Simon Bird

EDDIE HOWE is convinced the Tyne-Wear derby will not be his last act as Newcastle head coach.

The 46-year-old says he has support within the club despite losing nine games out of the past 13 during a two-month slump.

Howe says he does not need daily "reassurances" from his bosses as he faces a game today that could reboot Newcastle's season, or send it into crisis.

The Toon need to keep their hopes of a trophy alive against Sunderland, and Howe admits it is a "game like no other" that his side are up for winning for the first time since 2011.

Sunderland have won six out of the past seven derbies and asked if it could be his "last act" " Howe said: "I hope not!

"Obviously I know it's a results-based business - but I do feel the support from the club and that's really important at this moment.