Steve Bruce: Newcastle United fans 'enjoyed' seeing this at St James's Park
Steve Bruce felt that the first full house of the season at St James's Park “enjoyed” seeing Newcastle United give their all against Everton – despite the result.
The club gave away 10,000 half-season tickets earlier this month in response to dwindling attendances at the stadium.
Thousands of fans had stayed away in protest after Rafa Benitez left the club in the summer.
United supporters saw a spirited recovery from the home side.
“There’s nothing better than this place full and rocking the way it was,” said head coach Bruce. “I didn’t think we deserved to get beat. I didn’t think there was much in it, but then again, I think Everton are a very good side with some very good players.”
Newcastle fans got behind the team, which went behind to an early Dominic Calvert-Lewin goal. Fabian Schar equalised after the break, but Calvert-Lewin got a second goal for Everton in the 64th minute.
“We’ve all been in it long enough – we know a full St James’s Park is like no other,” said Bruce. “It was great to see it. Unfortunately, we didn’t give them the victory, but I think they’ve enjoyed seeing their team give it everything they’ve got.
“They were very tired towards the end, the ones that played on Boxing Day in particular. It wasn’t to be – it wasn’t our day.”