Newcastle’s interim boss and Geordie hero Alan Shearer opened St. James’ Park on Tuesday and his Premier League side trained in front of 7,500 fans.
It could prove to be a masterstroke. As the sun shone down and school kids on half-term flocked to the stadium, it had the city buzzing again just two days after the disappointing loss to Chelsea.
But the Geordie faithful are precisely that, and rarely do they turn their backs in disgust when things aren’t going well, just ask Habib Beye.
If the Magpies don’t escape relegation, it will be horribly sad to see St. James’ Park half-full at best for Championship games.
Newcastle’s run-in however is a tough one, and with just seven games remaining I fear for the club and their most loyal fans.
Seeing the optimism that abounded on Tuesday among the young faces was uplifting, but the effect Shearer’s return has had could turn to heartbreaking scenes come the season’s end.
PHOTO: Newcastle United’s interim coach Alan Shearer gestures during their training session at St James’ Park in Newcastle April 7, 2009. REUTERS/Nigel Roddis
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I don’t think this gives Newcastle fans ‘false hope’ but I do think it gives them something to get excited about - unfortunately its in the situation they’re in.
As for the ground half empty, they won’t sell out in the championship but with the amount of seasons tickets that would have been renewed in January/February they’ll have a big turnout.
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