Newcastle United fans urged to show their colours as supporter initiative takes hold

Newcastle United fans have been urged to show their colours when the club's promotion bid gets underway next month.
Support is expected to be high for Newcastle United this season.Support is expected to be high for Newcastle United this season.
Support is expected to be high for Newcastle United this season.

Supporters' group Gallowgate Flags has designated the Magpies' first home game of the season as 'Black & White Day'.

The group has funded almost £5,000 for the purchase of 471 supporter flags, and have decided the match against Huddersfield Town at St James's Park on Saturday, August 13 is the perfect day to launch their campaign to improve the atmosphere in the ground.

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As well arranging a pre-match flag display, the group has urged all match-going supporters to wear black and white, and be in the ground at least 30 minutes before kick-off.

They want the players to run out onto the field to the kind of visual display last seen at Alan Shearer's testimonial against Celtic 10 years ago.

Gallowgate Flags co-founder Alex Hurst said: "For years now, ideas to 'bring back the noise' to St James's Park have been discussed by match going fans at St James's Park.

"As a group we're trying to create something to achieve that goal.

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"Fans arriving early to the game will see the unique flag display we have planned and can be part of a sea of black and white, creating an atmosphere to inspire the players, manager and fellow supporters."

The fan group called publicly for volunteers to help display banners and flags, and say they have received a good response from season ticket holders in the Gallowgate End, where the display will be held.

'Black & White Day' is designed to include all match-going supporters, and the desire is to create an impressive, visual display led by supporters in the 30 minutes before kick-off.

Despite Newcastle's relegation last season, the feeling ahead of the upcoming Championship campaign appears positive following Rafa Benitez's decision to stay on as manager and the arrival of a number of new players.

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More than 33,000 season tickets have already been sold, with the Huddersfield match on target to be a sell-out.

Gallowgate Flags is still seeking volunteers to wave flags in the Gallowgate End, and all those interested in doing so can [email protected] to register their interest.

The group hope 'Black & White Day' is the first of many supporter-led ideas that will improve the atmosphere for home games as Newcastle aim to reclaim their place in the Premier League.

Newcastle United have publicly supported Gallowgate Flags on their social media channels and their website, and the group says the club is "co-operating constructively".

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Supporters who wish to support the future activities of Gallowgate Flags are asked to make donations, with all monies being used in a bid "to help transform the Gallowgate End into one of the most visually striking stands in European football".