 DANNY Guthrie is almost embarrassed to admit it given the turmoil of the summer but he has never been happier at Newcastle United. Guthrie is well aware of Newcastle’s ongoing problems off the pitch, with the club still up for sale and Chris Hughton still operating as a caretaker manager. But the midfielder is impressed with the way the players and supporters have found strength in adversity as the Magpies moved to the top of the table after five games following the 1-0 win over Leicester City on Monday night. And, having feared disaster after last season’s tempestuous campaign, the former Liverpool prospect is relieved to have something positive to reflect on during the international break as he praised the club’s followers for getting behind the team, despite the fury directed at owner Mike Ashley. “It’s seems a funny thing to say given everything that has happened, but this is probably the happiest I’ve been at Newcastle United,” said Guthrie, who has scored two goals in just four appearances so far this season. “It’s always a happy place when a football team is winning and that is what we’re doing at the moment. I know things have not been ideal, but the dressing room has a completely different atmosphere to last year. We’ve all pulled together and it’s a good place to be. “It’s been a good start to the season. From day one we’ve said we can’t do anything about what is happening upstairs in the boardroom. “We have pulled close together as a group and I think that has shown on the pitch. It was another good win over Leicester and another deserved one as well. “It was a really tough game and we were delighted to get the three points because it meant we can go into the international break top of the league, which is a good achievement given everything that has happened.” When Newcastle’s players returned for pre-season training at the start of July, they feared they would be playing at a deserted St James’s Park if they did not manage to find an escape route. Several did, although Guthrie denies he wanted to be one of them. And the 22-year-old is thrilled so many supporters have decided not to abandon the team even though many are still fuming about the continued presence of Ashley in the stands. He said: “We have found strength in adversity as a football club and I have to say the fans have been brilliant. They have made it really tough for sides to come up here and they have turned up in their thousands. It’s definitely had a big impact on the players. “When we came back for the start of pre-season, with all the turmoil, I didn’t think there would be many coming to watch us this season. We didn’t know how the fans were going to react, but it was predicted that they’d stay away in their droves. But they have been fantastic and as long as we keep putting in performances they will be happy. “They just want to see players giving everything to the team and they are getting that with this bunch of lads.” Newcastle have already gone six games unbeaten this season, although the lack of transfer activity before the close of the window earlier this week is still a worry for Guthrie. He said: “I left Liverpool to get first-team football and despite everything I’ve not regretted it. It was a tough decision to move on in the first place and it was a difficult first season at Newcastle, but I’m really enjoying it again and hopefully we can get this club back to where it belongs. “I think the biggest worry we have is injuries and suspension. The squad is too thin. We need some good luck with injuries and we should just about be okay.” | 
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