Tottenham defender Jonathan Woodgate is desperate to see former club Newcastle United lift themselves out of their current crisis.

Reflecting on the 16-year low crowd for this week's Carling Cup clash, Woodgate told the Evening Chronicle: "I am from Middlesbrough and I know how expensive it is for families in the North East to attend every football match their club plays.

"The Newcastle fans will be back in great numbers again on Saturday as they are for every Premier League game and they are still some of the best supporters in the country.

"As a former player who had some great times here, obviously I am concerned at what is happening to United.

"Hopefully they will soon get it all sorted out and get the man back all the fans want to see in charge again."