Newcastle United No2 John Carver admits he's the club's link to the city.

With owner Mike Ashley, managing director Derek Llambias and manager Alan Pardew all from the south, Carver's presence is invaluable.

"I'm Alan's link with the city," Carver told the Telegraph.

"I listen to everything, my friends, my family. I go out in the town, I can't ignore what people are saying. It's like being on the coal face, I know what's going on, what the buzz is, what people are thinking, what they're disappointed with.

"Other clubs have passion and huge support, but Newcastle is unique. I don't care what anybody says. It dominates people's lives up here in a way it doesn't anywhere else. Even if people don't like football they know how Newcastle are doing."