Newcastle Fans' Support Holding Firm Despite Crisis.

From the Ronnie.

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/newc...t-holding-firm-despite-crisis-72703-32761862/


NOT many clubs can boast a whopping 45,000 members during the global economic crisis – but for Newcastle United the unwavering support is still there for all to see.

With empty seats the order of the day at several of United’s Premier League counterparts, the passion continues to burn brighter than ever on Tyneside.

And with the Magpies picking up the biggest spender tag in January, their new-look team – now packed with France internationals – has captured the imagination of the Geordie public.

Managing director Derek Llambias hopes that Newcastle are now delivering a team that matches the support in the stands.

That was certainly the case against Chelsea after a last-gasp 3-2 win, and Llambias told the Chronicle: “Our fans love to see players trying hard, and that’s part and parcel of the day out.

“People like Gouffran and Perch – they love to see people trying and proud to be wearing a black-and-white shirt.”

Llambias also feels that it will be the Geordie fans who will help the Magpies secure survival this season – not least in six crunch home games against Southampton, Stoke, Liverpool, Fulham, Arsenal and the auld enemy, Sunderland.

He said: “There will be tough games ahead of us. But when this stadium is like a fortress, anything’s possible. That’s good.

“The idea behind the package is ‘let’s fill the stadium. We’ve got six games left – let’s fill it’.

“We need even more of our fans to get on board. That’s really what this is about – get here, enjoy it, help the team, and come and see we are building for the future.

“You’ll see six games now but then perhaps you might want to come to more games in the future or become a season ticket holder.”

The Magpies could see more than 300,000 fans pour through the turnstiles on Tyneside before the end of the season.

And while other clubs have seen a crippling decline in support, Newcastle fans have turned out in their numbers.

Llambias said: “We have 45,000 members. Hopefully it helps bring more people to the stadium for our remaining games, plus they get to see the Sunderland game and get that experience.

“Fundamentally it’s about filling the stadium and getting the crowd behind the team.

“And then hopefully having a few more experiences like that Chelsea match in the last six games.

“Sunderland, Arsenal and Liverpool are big games, but Southampton is just as huge.

“We haven’t got a great record after we’ve played a midweek Europa League game so it’s massive.

“We will constantly try to make it an experience for our fans. That’s what we are trying to do.”

 

A couple of the people I've sat next to for two years have stopped coming to games... It's sad, but hopefully a revival on the pitch will turn it around.

 

fans should support their team through thick and thin.

 

Not to do with who they used to sit near then?

 

Aren't you a Man Utd fan?


What's "thin" for you? Only winning a league cup?

 

Most of our fans that get shown on TV aren't thin. So does that mean they are thick?

 

Think they prefer the term cuddly.

 

If they saw the Chelsea game on the box they'll probably start coming back.

It'll be like a new experience for them.

 

Are you Alan "it'll be like a new signing" Pardew?

 

no, i wasn't having a go at your fans, its fans in general.

 

we did go without a season of winning a trophy last year and in the 04/05 season.

 

Only jesting.

 

That's my secret away now, I guess I'll be be getting inundated with requests for complimentary tickets.

 

Oh eck, let it all out matth

I think we should hold a minutes silence before the next game for you, poor souls... We'd lend you some silverware, but then we'd have to eat off the floor like the Mackems...

 

I'm coming up for my first game since Keegan's first win in charge in his second spell (2-0 vs Fulham). Nothing to do with form, more to do with money and distance but I'll be there to see the Europa League tie next week! I've got a 100% win record at St James (and a 100% non-win record on away games) so I'm hoping to see my luck continue!

 

there was suppose to be a minute silence on wednesday night because it was the 55th anniversary of the munich air disaster but it fell on deaf ears.

 

i mean the modern fan leaves the ground with 10 minutes to go, , what's the point in doing that.

 

Pleased you're making it up for the game, just hope you can keep away from the away games. You weren't at our first few away games were you? Including the Brighton one?

 

I've never understood this either. Some of the best drama happens at the death, worth getting stuck in traffic for without a doubt!

 

I can't stand it when people do that! Why bother going?