Eddie Howe has spoken about Newcastle United's "biggest danger" going into the second half of the season - and underline the importance of the fans in what he sees as a pivotal night against AFC Bournemouth.
The Magpies sit proudly in third place after leaving the rest of their top-flight rivals stunned by a tremendous opening 15 matches. The aim will be to replicate that type of form again in the next 15 games in order to set up an intriguing finale in the eight-match run-in next spring.
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Howe himself has picked up manager of the month awards while his players have also earned individual gongs for their superb efforts. But he has warned players that any previous glory will have evaporated the moment they step out on to the field during chillier climes for the Bournemouth League Cup clash and the encounter against Leicester on Boxing Day.
Howe told Chronicle Live: "I think it is very difficult because this season - as we've said - is so unlike any other. The season almost starts again. When we restart the form we previously had there is no guarantee we will continue. We have to earn the right and start all over again.
"I think the biggest danger we can have is to think how well we have done over this current break. We can't relax and be in that mood."
Howe is asking for his troops to hit the reset button for two crunch matches against Bournemouth and Leicester in the top-flight. He said: "We have to be really determined to come back and earn it all again. That starts in the first game against Bournemouth - it is a really important game for us."
Howe's side will face Rayo Vallecano at St James' Park on Saturday lunchtime in a winter friendly. And by the time the Cherries come to town he hopes that his players give the fans something to feed off.
The Newcastle boss said: "It is a pivotal game because we must keep our positive energy and keep the crowd like they were against Chelsea. That was a brilliant atmosphere and the Bournemouth game goes to reset that all again."
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