The extraordinary crowd statistic that won't surprise Newcastle United fans

Newcastle United were the most-watched team in the 1948-49 season with an average gate at St James’s Park of 53,839. The average across the First Division that season was 38,776 – and the highest crowd on Tyneside was 67,362.

However, the Mail On Sunday report that the Premier League’s average attendance this season is set to be more than 39,000 – despite falling gates at St James’s Park.

The average attendance at St James’s Park, which stands at 46,124, will rise after the club gave away 10,000 half-season tickets in response to last weekend's 42,303 crowd, the lowest in nine years.

Attendance figures in the Premier League have been boosted by new and expanded stadiums. United owner Mike Ashley controversially sold a parcel of land next to St James’s Park which some fans believe will prevent any future expansion of the stadium.