Lovenkrands thanks Magpies supporters for their backing

08 February 2010 09:48
PETER LOVENKRANDS is revelling in his role as Newcastle United's latest cult hero, and claims the support of the club's fans has helped him get over the recent death of his father, Bent.[LNB] Lovenkrands was cheered to the rafters when he was introduced as a second-half substitute in Friday's 5-1 win over Cardiff City, and the applause grew even louder when he grabbed two goals to extend his recent scoring spree to six in his last four games.[LNB] Those games included last month's 2-2 draw with promotion rivals West Brom, a match that saw Lovenkrands make the brave decision to play for the Magpies less than a week after his father lost a lengthy battle against cancer.[LNB] That decision was well received by the St James' Park faithful, and after joining as free agent in the summer following a successful shortterm spell on Tyneside last season, the Denmark international is rapidly establishing a reputation as a firm fans' favourite.[LNB] I feel like I've got a good relationship with the fans, said Lovenkrands, who has scored eight goals in total this season.[LNB] Even when you are going for a warm up it feels amazing to have the fans clapping and cheering you. When I get on, the backing means so much.[LNB] It's been a hard couple of months for me with the death of my father, and they have been a massive help.[LNB] I really appreciate the support they have given me, and I can't thank them enough.[LNB] Playing for Newcastle has given me something to take my mind off things. It helps going out there and trying to focus on other things, even going into training helps.[LNB] But it's still very hard, you still get moments when it all gets on top of you. It can be really tough and that's when it's great to have the players and the fans behind you.[LNB] It was a really difficult decision to play against West Brom, but I want to help Newcastle get up. When I did what I did, it just felt like the right thing to do. I thought about it for a long time but I think I made the right choice. It's what my dad would have wanted and it was what I needed to help me get my head around things.[LNB] Lovenkrands' recent goal glut has helped Newcastle maintain their lead at the top of the Championship table.[LNB] Friday's win over the Bluebirds briefly enabled them to establish a six-point advantage at the head of affairs, and while weekend wins for West Brom and Nottingham Forest pegged their lead back to three, the manner of Friday's victory augurs well.[LNB] We've been waiting for a performance like that and the boys were outstanding, said Lovenkrands.[LNB] To be three goals up so early in the game against a team like Cardiff shows we did really well.[LNB] They are promotion contenders as well, and we have sent out a message to everyone else in the division I'm sure.[LNB] There was a real buzz about the place and the new boys have got a taste of what this place can be like when it's really rocking. I'm sure they've enjoyed it and are looking forward to staying here.[LNB] Lovenkrands was one of two Newcastle players to grab a double on Friday, with Andy Carroll also claiming his seventh and eighth goals of the season.[LNB] Carroll's barnstorming display enabled him to claim the man-of-the-match honours, and while Magpies manager Chris Hughton will continue to chop and change his centre-forwards, Lovenkrands expects the Gateshead-born striker to be an extremely influential figure in the rest of Newcastle's promotion push.[LNB] Andy is a joy to play with,[LNB] he said. He is pretty much unbeatable in the air and that really helps me. He is coming along really well. He is so mature on the pitch.[LNB] He still acts like a young boy in training, but he doesn't on the pitch. He's matured a lot and it's really good for the club because he's going to be a great asset.[LNB] Newcastle are expected to appoint Graham Carr, the father of television comedian, Alan, as their new chief scout later this week.[LNB] Carr, 65, recently left his previous position as part of Sven-Goran Eriksson's scouting team at Notts County.[LNB]

Source: Northern_Echo