‘Geordies are mad’ - Arsenal legend gives verdict on Newcastle United atmosphere

Lee Dixon has claimed playing at St James’ Park is a “one-off experience” and he “loves” commentating on Newcastle United home games.

Through thick and thin, Toon supporters have backed the Magpies in their thousands despite being bereft of silverware for generations. Demand for tickets has reached an all-time high following the Saudi-backed takeover as belief emanates around Tyneside that success is coming.

Not even a mid-season slump can dampen the appetite, with club chiefs reworking the model for home and away tickets this season. A controversial subject revolves around St James' Park’s future, with a survey last month provoking fan anger about the possibility of moving home.

For now, Newcastle play at the location they have done since 1892 and hosted another raucous occasion last weekend. Manchester City dealt last-minute heartbreak to the Magpies but the Toon faithful remained behind their team throughout.

Speaking on the Seaman Says podcast, former Arsenal defender Dixon, who beat Newcastle 12 times out of 21 in his career, ranked St James’ Park as a “special” place to play football. He said: “There’s nowhere like St James’ Park. I think it’s a one-off experience playing there. They’ve got something special with the fans.

“It’s full of Geordies and they’re just mad. It’s a one-team city. Because it’s up north and a little bit out of the way, it’s an experience that you don’t get anywhere else in the UK. You get different experiences at different grounds but, when you go to St James’ Park, it doesn’t matter where they are in the league, you get the same thing.

“I love going up there to commentate. They’re so friendly. They weren’t so friendly when we were playing when I’m booting (David) Ginola all over the place, but it’s just a brilliant place to watch football.”