THE impact of Newcastle United’s 2009 relegation was revealed last night as the club’s financial contribution to top-flight football was laid bare.

When the Tyneside outfit dropped from the Premier League, the Championship experienced a boost in crowds and revenue as Newcastle blazed their way to the top of the league.

Clubs in the second tier of English football saw revenues increase by 9% to exceed £400m for the first time in history.

And when the Magpies returned to the echelons of England’s best teams, they boosted the average attendances and saw revenues soar.

The report, compiled by accountancy firm Deloitte, states: “Average attendances for the Premier League in 2010/11 was up 3% to 35,363 per match, aided by the return of Newcastle United, with St James’ Park remaining the third largest stadium in English club football.”

Detailed analysis of the country’s top-performing clubs show their revenue reached a record £2,030m in 2009/10.

New broadcast deals mean their coffers swelled to more than £2.2bn over the last 12 months as they reaped the benefits of lucrative broadcast contracts.

And the report also shows that revenue for the St James’ Park club remained stable despite playing a season in the Championship.