 RYAN TAYLOR feels Newcastle United can benefit from any external negativity that comes their way this summer. The Magpies were handed the toughest of starts, with a trip to Manchester United, when the Premier League kicks off in mid-August. However, after United endured some painful results during pre-season just under 12 months ago – not least the 6-1 reverse at Leyton Orient – Newcastle still recovered to prove their doubters wrong after several pundits had tipped them to slip into League One. United’s friendlies will build up in class from Carlisle United away on July 11 to clashes with European outfits Deportivo La Coruna and PSV Eindhoven, but Taylor is only concerned about working on Newcastle’s tally as they bid to reach the magic 40-point mark as quickly as possible next season. Taylor told the Chronicle: “It’s really about what happens from the first day of the season until the last. “That’s where you show your worth. “It is nice to go out and prove people wrong like last season, because there were a lot of people doubting us. “That was mainly because of pre-season results, but it just shows what pre-season is all about. “It isn’t just about getting results, it’s about getting ready, and it doesn’t matter if you win every pre-season game. “It’s about fitness, and you will probably have a few little blips in terms of results.” Taylor is a strong candidate to start the season at right-back for the Magpies – his favoured position. And, looking ahead to the challenge of next season and the regrouping of the title winning side, he says: “I missed a lot of football in the last few months and for me it’s all about getting games. “The togetherness is here and it was there all last season. “Nobody has ever doubted the spirit.” Taylor feels that last season’s winning feeling can also be transferred into the new campaign – albeit at a higher level. He added: “We had some tough times and a few away games when we didn’t win, but in the next game we always bounced back. “That’s what champions are made of – you always look to the next game and see if the character or spirit is there. “And we’ve got that in abundance.” “We had the unbeaten home record too and it’s a big credit to all of the lads and the staff. “It’s something that we planned out early. “You need to have a foundation if you are going to have a solid season and we really couldn’t have done any better at home. “We had a few draws, but that unbeaten run helps you along and gives you confidence.” | 
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