It's don't watch alone as Magpies hope for help from dogfight rivals

As we wait for Monday's deadbeat derby between Newcastle and Middlesbrough, both locked in the relegation cellar, Geordies will once again scour earlier results for some necessary help.

Hull City and Sunderland are the death row inhabitants who are directly in Geordie sights.

However, this is the weekend of last-ditch hope for all - Hull probably have their best remaining chance of securing three points when they entertain Stoke City tomorrow, just as Sunderland have at Bolton and, for that matter, Newcastle against Boro 48 hours later.

But for their early-season form, when adrenalin and a freshness made them punch way above their weight, Hull would be down already. Then again if they hadn't taken four precious points off Newcastle the current league table would be very different.

Hull are staggering from game to game like a drunk attempting to negotiate the Bigg Market on a Saturday night.

Ironic, perhaps, that they should be praying for a win against Stoke, the only promoted side looking safe on the back of their uncompromising long-ball game and Rory Delap's rocket launcher, while the supposed silky football of West Brom is doomed and the Tigers are rendered toothless.

Sunderland have been dragged back into the mire through two bad results against West Brom and Everton.

Many are their problems, not least a twin strike force of Kenwyne Jones and Djibril Cisse that carries plenty of ego and strutting reputation but blend together not one bit.

Ricky Sbragia appeared to be somewhat reluctant to take the manager's job and gives the impression of a decent man squirming in the hottest of seats. If he walked away at the season's end, wherever Sunderland are playing come August, then I doubt if anyone would be surprised.

The Bolton game gives his under-achievers a chance of collecting the points required to see off arch-rivals Newcastle, because what follows is Portsmouth away and a final home match against Chelsea. Where once United were hailed as The Entertainers by the rest of the country for their swashbuckling, winning football they are now viewed by neutrals as fully deserving to go down, such have been the slapstick antics of a club under the control of a leader, Mike Ashley, who doesn't know whether to stick or twist.

There is no sympathy for Geordies nationwide. Just a shake of the head and a chortle at the latest escapade. Thanks Joey Barton, our serial offender, we knew we could rely on you!

At least the Mags had a manager of jutting jaw and steely eyes when Barton went off the high dive board this time. He's getting his comeuppance at long last.

The trouble with Barton is that he believes he's God's gift when in reality he's a ton weight around the neck.

There have also been disciplinary matters beyond Barton, but they have been addressed and pros used to good standards at their previous clubs have welcomed the change in policy.

At the very least Barton's stupidity afforded an opportunity for Shearer to show that words will be backed up by firm decisive action. He has been able to make a statement.

Nevertheless it has been a distraction Shearer could have done without when he wanted to concentrate solely on what really matters - Monday night - rather than nobody's Pal Joey.

What is required right now is not just help from others but helping ourselves. Survival will only be fashioned and southern voices silenced if Newcastle start winning.

Whatever happens over the weekend - and help IS needed - Monday evening is when United must face up to reality.