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.”
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.”
, what's the point in doing that.