‘Huge’ - Newcastle United reaction to key update and exciting Wor Flags response

Jubilant Newcastle United fans have celebrated 'huge' news with safe standing set to be implemented at St James' Park.

The club confirmed that a designated licensed standing section with space for approximately 1,800 home supporters will be installed in the South East Corner of the stadium prior to the 2023/24 season. There will also be a similar provision for away supporters on Level 7 of the Leazes End.

Safe standing had been a long time coming to St James' Park with 85% of Newcastle United Supporters Trust members voting in favour of its introduction in a recent survey run by the group.

A Newcastle United statement read: "The trial follows a supporter consultation process, during which more than 4,000 fans responded to an online survey - with 70 fans attending a subsequent working group session at St. James' Park to provide more detailed feedback.

"Of those surveyed online, 75 per cent were in favour of licensed standing being introduced at St. James' Park - with the South East Corner and Gallowgate End identified as the preferred location by more than 70 per cent of respondents.

"The club has also continued to monitor existing trials at other stadiums in England, with licensed standing areas successfully installed and safely managed at Wembley and a number of Premier League grounds with the support of the Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA)."

Fans whose tickets are affected by the change have already been contacted by the club and should extra seats become available they will be offered to season ticket holders in due course.

Newcastle supporters online celebrated the news on Monday with an overwhelming number sharing messages of support for the safe standing section.

Wor Flags, the group responsible for St James' Park displays, welcomed the news.

A group statement said: "Everyone at Wor Flags is pleased to see the progress the club is making on introducing a safe standing section. Now it's up to us, as fans, to make it work.

"This section has the potential to be a place of constant noise and passion, a lightning rod for the cauldron atmosphere that is St James' Park at its very best.

"We'll continue to try to do our small part in contributing to that atmosphere. We encourage anyone who wants to be part of leading the way in making a standing section work to consider moving if and when the opportunity arises.

"For those who choose to move away from new standing sections, we thank you for the part you will play in making this a success."

Fans also shared comments praising the "fantastic" and "super" announcement.

One wrote: "Fantastic news. As ever our club is getting it spot on again."

Another added: "Impressed how the club handled the entire process, great to see such a swift response to the workshop a couple of weeks ago."