The overwhelming majority of Newcastle United supporters are ecstatic that safe standing will be installed for next season. A club statement confirmed 1,800 seats will be converted in the South East Corner - the Strawberry Corner - of St James’ Park.
Noise levels dwindled after the famous singing section in the Level 7 Leazes was turned into a family section by Mike Ashley a decade ago. Wor Flags’ efforts have improved the pre-match atmosphere but there have been fervent calls from fans - as well as the Newcastle United Supporters’ Trust (NUST) - to implement safe standing.
A government ruling last year allowed Premier League and Championship clubs to allow standing for the first time since 1994-95. The club asked season ticket holders for their views a month ago, with 75 percent voting in favour of the changes.
New rail “seating” will be trialled for the 2022-23 campaign in the Strawberry Corner, the most vocal section of St James’ Park. The announcement was greeted warmly by Toon supporters, with some hoping for further expansion should the trial prove successful.
@Sanddancer1977: Brilliant. It’s badly needed. The atmosphere is not that great, and a louder SJP crowd helps the team. Too many fans sitting quietly. Hopefully season after we have a bit more of the Gallowgate, the Leazes/East Stand Corner and the Leazes L7 corner also Safe Standing
@LaneHusband1: I'm in it and I'm very happy about it! Excellent decision by the club. There'll be some happy, some not, others fighting to switch their seats to be in it. But as long as it's policed well and it improves the SJP atmosphere, then all good. Personally, I can't wait
@BradNUFC23: About time. After getting letters telling us to sit down
@tynetakes: Great decision by the club and it makes sense! Safe standing works and it’ll help to create a better atmosphere. Glad to see the club listening to supporters and implementing this and hope it can be expanded in years to come
@jackc1: Those letters telling you to sit down will be worth a few quid now
@TFMick1982: I think @NUFC has got this right as a starting point - my personal view is an eventual move to have the whole Gallowgate safe standing but that’s dependent upon demand and how the trial goes - v good news tho
What do you think about the introduction of safe standing at St. James' Park? Have your say in our poll above, and join the conversation in the comments...
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