Scunthorpe United defender James Perch feels he had a good relationship with Newcastle United fans.

Arriving from Nottingham Forest for £1million in July 2010, Perch struggled to endear himself to supporters.

He notched up five yellow cards in his first five games - a Premier League record - and scored an own goal as Stoke City beat United 2-1 in only his sixth game.

"I didn't start well," Perch told the Evening Chronicle.

"But, once they saw me shift from right-back, to left-back to centre-half, to midfielder - putting in a shift, putting in 110 per cent every time - they really appreciated it, and that's how I turned them around in the end.

"That is what I say to anyone who asks about Newcastle fans - they just want effort, and I probably realise that more than most."