Richard Masters has positive news for locked-out Newcastle United fans

The Premier League is planning for the return of supporters for the final two rounds of matches this season, according to chief executive Richard Masters

Up to 10,000 supporters will be allowed back inside stadiums from May 17 under the proposed roadmap out of coronavirus lockdown published by last month.

However, the ensure competitive balance, there are plans to move the penultimate round of games, scheduled for the third weekend of May, to May 18-20, meaning some Newcastle supporters could be back inside St James’s Park, which last hosted fans on February 29 last year, for the home game against Sheffield United.

"Hopefully the final two fixtures of our season will have up to 10,000 supporters in them all," said Masters. "We've got to go past those first initial steps in the government's roadmap to get there, so hopefully that’ll be a fantastic finale to end the season."

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