St James’ Park has always been a special place to be - but it’s even more so now after hope was restored following the change of ownership in October.
These days, getting a ticket to watch Newcastle United’s home matches is like gold dust. Every supporter is desperate to cheer their team into a new era after a soulless 14 years under Mike Ashley.
The return of Wor Flags is one of a number of examples of the vast change in mood on Tyneside, with a spine-tingling flag display each week setting the tone for an electric atmosphere.
And clearly, the fans, often referred to as the 12th-man, are having a big impact, with Newcastle losing just once on home turf since Eddie Howe arrived as head coach in November.
“The atmosphere inside the stadium has been hugely important – I can’t stress that enough,” Howe said earlier this month.
“I know I’m repeating myself, but, from my first game, when I saw the flags inside the stadium, the effort and detail Wor Flags go into, it’s remarkable.
“That plays its part, the atmosphere plays its part, the feeling it gives the players when they walk on to the pitch, you cannot underestimate how important that is.”
Here’s how Newcastle United’s average home attendance in 2021/22 compare to the rest of the Premier League.