Jonas Gutiérrez: “The spirit which many people talked about last season, and in our promotion season, is still there and indeed, may even be stronger, and that has served us well too.
“We have shown that in all our games this season, particularly in the two Cup ties, the game at QPR where we fought really hard for a draw and at Aston Villa where we had to come from behind.
“On Tuesday we all went paint-balling up at Slaley Hall. All the players and coaching staff went, and for some of us it was a brand new experience. And it was a super day, too. Cheick (Tioté) was the star, he was great, but it was just one of those days that everyone enjoyed.
“This team has such a good spirit, we’re all really good friends and love each other’s company.
“It certainly helped all the new lads settle in even more, not that they needed to really, but also those type of things just help bring fun to the team and bring everyone closer together.
“The contract I signed means that I will be playing at Newcastle United until 2015 when I will be 32 years old.
“That is terrific for me, I am 28 now, so will have four more seasons at St James’ Park where I hope to give my best to the team, the manager and the supporters.
“Physically I am in very good condition so over the next few seasons I aim to perform to my absolute maximum potential.
“I love playing for this football club. Ever since I joined in 2008 I have felt a special bond with the city and its supporters.
“They are like nothing I have experienced before and it is honestly a pleasure to play for the fans.
“I think the rest of the players think that, too. I know Colo very well of course and he thinks the same, he was so proud to be made captain and in my view, I think he is playing the best football of his career – we both have a lot to thank the manager and board for.
“Last season it was a very hard game at Wolves but we deservedly got a point.
“Seriously though, all away games are very tough.
“I know they started well but have slipped recently and have lost their last two home games – but that’s maybe makes them even more dangerous, and so we will need to be extra careful.
“However, we go there in a confident mood, and know that a win, regardless of what anyone else does, keeps us at least fourth in the table and that makes us all very proud.
“The team has had a great start to the season and maybe has surprised a few people.
“As players we really believe in ourselves and so it is maybe not so much of a surprise to us that we have not lost a game yet.
“Of course we realise it is very early in the season, and there are a lot of very hard games ahead, but so far we have done well and won the games we would have expected to.
“We have a lot of talent in the squad, Yohan had done very well and the other new lads who have been brought in by the manager look very good players too.
“And of course having Hatem (Ben Arfa) back is a great boost for us all too.”
Source: FOOTYMAD
