Newcastle United interim head coach John Carver has banned his players from watching football in the build-up to this crunch Premier League clash with West Ham United - but they can tune in to "the wrestling". Relegation rivals Sunderland travel to Arsenal on Wednesday night, where a point will secure the Black Cats' top-flight future, but Carver will prevent his players from watching the match at the Emirates. He has told the squad they can watch "anything else they like" though, including the wrestling, as he wants their footballing focus to solely be on Sunday's game at St James' Park - one he describes as the Magpies' "biggest game in six years". One of Newcastle, Hull City or Sunderland will be relegated on Sunday - and only a victory will guarantee the Magpies' top-flight future. The Magpies interim boss also asked all of his players if they were not up for the fight this weekend, and if not to less the room - but not a single one walked out, so he believes they will get over the line by claiming all three points against West Ham. Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, Carver said:
"It's come to this and we have to deal with it - but I'm looking forward to the challenge that this week will bring. "I have enough players in that room who realise what this game means. I'm expecting the big players to step up and perform. "We have to win the game. If we win, we take care of our own business. Winning is our only thought. "I've told the players to keep playing and watch wrestling or something - but not football. "This is not about me now, it's about this football club and staying in the Premier League. "(There are) no second chances now. This is the final game of the season and it's all about this one game."
"It's a worthy cause, it didn't interfere. I have a clear conscience. It's important to support local charity in the community. "You're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't."
Sam Allardyce returns to St James' Park this weekend determined to pile more misery on to the club who unceremoniously sacked him after only seven months in charge in January 2008. However, Allardyce is likely to be in the dugout as Hammers boss for the final time - although that will not prevent him from targeting a victory over Newcastle, and Carver believes the Magpies need their supporters full behind them. AshleyOut.com have planned another protest for this weekend, but Carver wants unconditional support from the Toon faithful. The Magpies boss explained:
"We need the supporters this weekend. Put all your differences to one side and get behind the team. "Whatever you think of me, Lee Charnley or Mike Ashley then put it to one side - the post-mortem can come after the game."
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