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Cheick Tiote has revealed he owes it to Newcastle United to help lead the charge next season at St James’ Park – and the battling midfielder has backed his under-fire manager Alan Pardew to get it right.

Tiote, by his own admission, had a poor campaign last time around but is hungry to get back to being the player who rocked the Premier League circuit two years ago.

And although Russian giants Lokomotiv Moscow have been credited with an interest in the battling midfielder he is determined to help turn things around on Tyneside.

Tiote told the Chronicle: “I will be a Newcastle player next season. I want to play here for many years to come. I have a contract here and I am looking forward already to next season.”

Tiote took the criticism he received from fans fairly and squarely on the chin. But despite seeing his manager slammed by some sections of fans he

backed the Londoner and urged his team-mates to believe in the Toon boss.

The Ivory Coast international said: “When you do well, you are the best manager and the best players.

“When the team struggles, you are criticised. That’s football.

“The manager and the players understand this. We have to believe in him and stay together.

“I think he is a very good manager, and I think next season will be different.”

Tiote will return to Tyneside on July 11 after an extended break due to his World Cup commitments with Ivory Coast.

But he is determined to hit back in style following a season in which his contributions were severely questioned by fans.

The 26-year-old said: “I have a good opportunity next season – and I will prepare for that after the two international games.

“The most important thing is to start next season well. Hopefully, it will be a good season.

“I think we can again challenge for Europe. I think it will be different to this season. It was really difficult for us.

“We didn’t have a massive squad, and we played in Europe as well as the Premier League.

“I think next season is going to be much better.

“I’m just thinking about being ready for next season.”

Meanwhile, talk that United were hoping to sign Steeven Langil from Auxerre on a free transfer is inaccurate.

French media have continuously linked the 25-year-old with a move to Tyneside.

But the midfielder was unveiled by Guingamp at a press call yesterday.