Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor admits home truths were said two years ago when they were relegated at Aston Villa.
Taylor says it was the worst moment of his career.
He said: "A few people stood up afterwards.
"There were a few things said, a few questions asked about whether certain people really wanted to play for Newcastle United. But the main thing is you look at the lads who stuck with it. Look where it's got us now.
"I am pleased that I stayed. Championship football and injuries may not have helped my England hopes, but we are now on the right road.
"Relegation was the best thing to happen to us.
"Things have changed, the team spirit was there under Chris Hughton and now under Alan Pardew. We won't let relegation happen.
"We still need to kick on, we can get the result at Villa - and do it for our fans who remember the day when we went down there and got relegated."
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