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.

9. Leicester City - 32,007 (12th)
P14 W7 D3 L4 GF24 GA19 GD+5 = 24 points. 8th in the Premier League for home record. | Getty Images

10. Leeds United - 36,257 (11th)
P15 W4 D4 L7 GF17 GA29 GD-12 = 16 pints. 16th in the Premier League for home record. | Getty Images

11. Everton - 38,777 (10th)
P14 W6 D1 L7 GF19 GA19 GD-1 = 19 points. 12th in the Premier League for home record. | Getty Images

12. Chelsea - 39,932 (9th)
P13 W7 D5 L1 GF28 GA10 GD+18 = 26 points. 7th in the Premier League for home record. | AFP via Getty Images


