‘Where is rocking?’ - Ally McCoist doubles down on Newcastle United atmosphere claim

Ally McCoist believes St James’ Park is home to the best atmosphere in English football.

Debates can sometimes rage for hours between supporters about which set of fans make the most racket. Traditionally, Newcastle United have been regarded as boasting vocal support at home and on the road.

But questions about the atmosphere have been a hot topic among Newcastle circles since the Saudi-backed takeover. Fans were surveyed last month about how the matchday experience can improve while Peter Silverstone, the club’s Chief Commercial Officer, stood in the away end during the 4-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur to gauge opinion about ticketing.

The fear is that Newcastle could lose their unique selling point should post-takeover success come further down the track. But former Rangers and Sunderland striker McCoist has claimed Toon fans are still the loudest in England - while questioning if other Premier League stadiums produce noise.

“I want somebody to tell me in England where does (have a good atmosphere ) outside of Newcastle,’ he told talkSPORT. “Where is there a rocking atmosphere? I tell you what, some of the games I’ve been to are quiet man, honestly.”

McCoist was previously left stunned by St James’ Park while working as a co-commentator during the 2-1 victory over Southampton. A Sean Longstaff brace that day booked Newcastle their first Wembley final for 23 years.

"The atmosphere was brilliant,” McCoist said last January. “They had a DJ. I'm getting him for my next birthday party. He was different class. He'd fill the village hall in Bridge of Weir, DJ Schak, for my birthday.

"I'm going to write to him. Me and Ian Crocker (Sky Sports commentator) were tapping our feet to DJ Schak, there you are! As if the place couldn't get any more atmospheric, they started playing AC/DC. It was brilliant."