Newcastle's Steven Taylor apologises to fans after Carling Cup exit

23 September 2009 13:34
Taylor spoke out after captaining an inexperienced Newcastle side that was knocked out of the competition by lowly Championship rivals Peterborough, despite being cheered on by an estimated 2,500 fans at London Road. "We have to thank them, they were first class and we're sorry forthem," Taylor said. "They were fantastic, and at no point did they turn on us. There were a lot of young lads out there. "Big credit goes to the fans, they supported them on a night when it was a big occasion for them. It's difficult, and even more so against a physical side in a Carling Cup tie. "You have to raise your standards, and the lads who played know that. We're going to need them again at some stage. "The Championship is a long season and they've had a little taste, they can go away and think about what's needed in league games. It will stand them in good stead." Taylor, whose side lost 2-0 at Peterborough, added: "It was a tight game, but we just couldn't get our passing game going. We risked a few balls and we were punished for that. "At this level you have to be careful or you will be punished, especially the youngsters. "You might get away with it at reserve level, but now you are in the first team, you can't do it. "For every team it will be a cup final playing against us, and that was proved again by the way Peterborough's fans went on at the end." Now Taylor and his colleagues are setting their sights on facing Roy Keane's Ipswich at Portman Road on Saturday. "It was a nightmare, but we have to put it behind us and regroup for Ipswich. That's all we can look forward to," he said. Newcastle caretaker manager Chris Hughton is optimistic Aston Villa striker Marlon Harewood will move to Tyneside on loan this week after recovering from injury. "At the moment there's an interest, and it's something we're trying to push through. It's work in progress," said Hughton, who defended his decision to field a weakened side at Peterborough. "The performance was a disappointment," Hughton said. "It was a big experience and learning curve for the youngsters, but we understand how our fans are feeling. "It was my decision to do it, and it was a difficult one. It was difficult because we have so many fans who travel with us, but what we have at the moment is a small squad, and I think most of them understand that the league is a priority. "It was a long way for them to travel, and what the ones who did travel saw were some of the players they won't have seen too much of. "We're disappointed, but it was my decision to go with a young side. They were supported by some senior players in the two Taylors (Steven and Ryan), Danny Guthrie and Peter Lovenkrands, but it wasn't to be. "The squad we have at the moment is one we need to protect, and the most important thing is that we regroup. We must make sure we bounce back at Ipswich."

Source: Telegraph