THE sight of the Toon Army in tears - whether it's joy or despair - is becoming a regular feature of the battle for the Premiership's heavyweight title contest, writes Peter White.

And everyone at Ewood knows exactly what the Newcastle United fans are going through as they endure the nerve-jangling battle with Manchester United to try to claim Blackburn Rovers' crown.

Ray Harford's assistant Tony Parkes has been there, bought the video and understands the trauma of the title chase.

"It can get a little scary," said the Ewood stalwart, casting his mind back nearly a year to when Rovers were suddenly - almost - on the ropes.

"Some of our players certainly felt the pressure and you can see people change when the pressure builds.

"They start looking a little paler, become quiet and performances can be affected.

"It's as though they use all their nervous energy waiting for and worrying about the next match.

"But at least the players and staff can have a little say in what is going to happen.

"It's worse for the fans. I think they must be more nervous and frightened than anybody." "But a team and its supporters usually only cry once, when it's over and you have won or lost it, not with half a dozen games to go.

"Television now seems to have picked up on the theme and the cameras are always monitoring the Newcastle crowd throughout the game."

Why does the championship chase seem more tense these days than in the past?

"It's down to television and, in particular, Sky," said Parkes.

"They just won't let you escape from it. Wherever you turn, they are talking about the title race and who is going to lose it.

"I deliberately say 'lose' it, not win it, because the downside is usually the better story!

"But TV will be quite happy now that it looks like going down to the last day.

"And that will put even more pressure on the players.

"It's big, big news these days."

Newcastle fans have long been known for readily showing their emotions in times of success and failure.

Will they be all cried out by Sunday, May 5?

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