Newcastle United midfielder Jonas Gutierrez has dedicated their success to the club's supporters after several "difficult" seasons.

The Magpies, who were relegated to the Championship in 2008-09, have been in competition for a place in the Champions League for much of the current campaign after finishing last season in the bottom half of the table.

"We know that the fans are with us," he told the club's official website.

"What we're doing now, this is for them after the last three seasons, which were difficult at times.

"Even when we got relegated to the Championship, most of the games at home were sold out."

Gutierrez and company host league leaders Manchester City this afternoon.