Supporters warn they will turn back on Magpies

Jun 9 2009 by Ben Guy, The Journal

MORE than half the Newcastle United supporters who took part in The Journal’s end-of-season survey will not be renewing their season tickets.

And almost as many think that the beleaguered club will be spending more than one season playing Championship football.

Close to 1,000 people took part in the end of season poll on The Journal website, which offered fans the chance to have their say on the state of the club, both on and off the pitch.

And, while the poll delivered the predictable high levels of support for Alan Shearer and disgust at the Mike Ashley regime, it is the number of fans who will not be turning up to support the team every week next season that could cause most concern for St James’s Park bosses.

Just under 55% of those taking part have become so disillusioned with goings-on at the club that they said they won’t be renewing their season tickets.

But Steve Wraith, editor of the Players Inc fanzine, said that figure did not come as a huge surprise.

He said: “It is par for the course when a team gets relegated, and Newcastle United is no different.

“Prices haven’t come down as you would expect them to, and most people will probably pay match by match and then, if it goes well, take up the option of a season ticket.