"It is an honour to manage Newcastle United Football Club.

The fans here are so passionate about their team and, for me, it is a privilege to be able to lead them into the season.

We just hope to get the best start possible. We were happy enough with a point at West Brom but our aim is definitely all three against Reading.

I think we're expecting a crowd of 30,000 plus on Saturday and that is terrific.

It will be a huge boost for everyone and myself and the players are desperate to give them something to shout about.  We can't thank them enough for their support this summer, they have been magnificent."

Reading boss Brendan Rodgers said
"This is a great game to go and play in. You want to play in big stadia and in a big environment.

There will also be big emotion, it's the first game since Sir Bobby Robson passed away and he was a great man. He was a great role model for British coaches, he travelled around the world, Spain, Portugal, Holland and we respect that, he is a legend in Newcastle.

For us, we have to draw a positive from the atmosphere, and once that whistle goes we obviously want to win the game.

Playing at Newcastle is a great occasion and we have no fear going there. It's great to have the chance to play them early because it's a good marker for us in this division.

Every game in this league is tough and this is no different. We will go there with a positive attitude and look for a positive result.

This game is part of our learning. Whether you're young or old, going to St James's Park can be a tough game but it is part of the learning. Our young lads have experience, they're not 17 and straight out of the Academy. Look at someone like Simon Church, he's a full international."