Newcastle United have added almost 10,000 new season-ticket holders in the space of 24 hours.

The club this week offered “loyal” season-ticket holders a free half-season ticket in response to falling attendances at St James’s Park. Steve Bruce, United's head coach, had called on the club to do something after a crowd of 42,303 – around 10,000 under capacity – watched Sunday's 2-1 win over Southampton.

Managing director Lee Charnley said: “We want to move forward together. I hope this gesture is another step towards achieving that.”

The club has now closed the online application portal after almost 10,000 tickets were snapped up. Remaining family tickets are available over the phone.

Newcastle's move was criticised by fan group Toon for Change, which has previously backed boycotts as a means of protesting against owner Mike Ashley. In a statement, they said: “We encourage season ticket holders to claim their free half-season ticket and leave the seat empty.”