Revealed! What impact playing without a crowd at St James' Park has had on Newcastle United's points tally

Steve Bruce’s side take on already-relegated Sheffield United in the Premier League – and around 10,000 fans will be present.

Indeed, the Geordie-faithful haven’t stepped foot inside their second home since February 2020, where they witnessed a bore 0-0 draw with Burnley.

And a look back at the Magpies’ points tally on Tyneside since going behind closed doors highlights just how much the crowd has been missed.

Bruce’s men have claimed just 25 points from a possible 69 – six of those ending in victories and seven in draws.

Defeat has been inflicted on United 10 times and conceding goals has become a big issue too – 42 in total compared to 33 goals scored.

That amounts to a goal difference of -9.

Meanwhile, in the 23 games before supporters were locked out of St James’s, Newcastle recorded a points tally of 39.

United were four wins and four defeats better off.

Staggeringly, while Bruce’s side have scored four more goals behind closed doors, they’ve also conceded an extra 20.

Without NUFC fans at SJP: P23 W6 D7 L10 GF33 GA42 GD-9

With NUFC fans at SJP: P23 W11 D6 L6 GF29 GA22 GD+7

On the return of supporters, Bruce said: "(I’m) delighted they are back in, whatever kind of reception I get.

“I know how much it means. It has been a really long time since we played with supporters. I see the play-off game and the FA Cup final, it makes it a different spectacle.”

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Newcastle United coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription; sign up here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor