HOWE: IT'S SO TOUGH

NEWCASTLE UNITED boss Eddie Howe insisted he will not walk away from St James' Park - despite a "painful" double derby defeat and the club now in danger of a bottom-half finish.

- BY LEE RYDER

The Magpies were thrashed 7-2 by Barcelona last midweek and followed that up with a 2-1 home defeat to bitter rivals Sunderland after conceding a 90th-minute winner.

Toon boss Howe, below, said: "I am committed, fully committed. I'm disappointed in myself and my delivery over the last week.

"The Barcelona game was very tough. Today is even tougher. I always absorb myself and don't look to deflect it to my players. I protect my players to my last breath.