After Rafa Benitez was forced out at Newcastle before the start of the 19/20 Premier League season, fans were set to boycott the stadium for the opening games. But after the memo seemed to be lost on a large portion of the fan base and St James’ park was nowhere near empty over the first few games, December seems to be the time bosses are seemingly worried by reduced numbers.
After a dismal attendance of 42,303 in Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Southampton, a record low level of attendance for the magpies since November 2010, season ticket holder are now being offered a free additional half-season ticket to gift to their friends and family in an attempt to fill empty seats and possibly inspire a new generation of fans to boost the club’s regular attendance.
Tickets will only be available on a first come served basis and will mean fans will get to see home games against Everton, Leicester, Chelsea, West Ham, Spurs and five more top-flight games starting on the 28th December.
Owner Mike Ashley has constantly been the centre of attention across the media and fans as many disagree with his style of running Newcastle and his lack of investment in players, as well as his dealings with past managers including Alan Pardew, who was singed onto an eight year contract in 2012, after leading Newcastle to fifth, before being sacked in 2014.
Protests were held during Newcastles opening Premier League fixture against Arsenal in at attempt to force Mike Ashley into selling the club, which fans believe should be back competing for trophies more regularly.
If attendances don’t pick up at St James’ then Mike Ashley, who also own retailers Sports Direct and more recently, House of Fraser, may very well look at selling his shares in the club and cutting ties for good.