Are we the best in the Country (at the mo?)

MAGPIE gaffer Joe Kinnear says that he is “knocked out” by the vociferous support afforded to his Newcastle United side by the Geordie faithful.

The Toon Army have long been labelled the nation’s No.1 fans with a fanatical reputation which stretches beyond the borders of the United Kingdom.

Indeed, foreign imports upon their arrival on Tyneside often cite the black-and-white masses which they’ve heard so much about as one of the key factors in joining the club.

And, while interim Toon chief Kinnear made similar noises upon his landing at St.James’, the Dublin-born boss admits he’d never bargained on just how much of an impact the supporters have upon their United heroes.

“I’m absolutely knocked out by the support that we’ve got,” he told nufcTV after Tuesday’s 2-1 win over West Brom at Gallowgate.

“I don’t think you can beat Newcastle, I don’t think there’s any comparison.

“They play their part and are just a fantastic crowd, they really are.

“It’s something that I’d never witnessed before.

“They carried us through against Man City and again they were fantastic.”

It was a tense second half for the home crowd against the Baggies with the visitors applying heavy pressure late in the game in search of a leveller.

But Joe was delighted as his rearguard held strong to collect what was a much-needed three points.

“I know the fans got edgy, I got edgy as well because I was desperate for my first victory,” he added.

“But I’m delighted for them and they deserve the win more than anybody and long may it continue.”