Season ticket sales highlight stupendous support.

Newcastle United have actually commented on club matters today by telling us all how well season ticket sales are going.

Apparently sales of season tickets are at their highest level for five years at the moment, and of those that have chosen to renew a staggering 90% of them have opted for the ten-year 'price freeze' that was launched a couple of months back.

The fact that season ticket sales seem to be on the up is a good thing as it gives the club a guaranteed income for the season. Of course people can opt-out of the ten year deal at any time, but at least it gives the club an idea of what it can expect in ticket revenue.

Hopefully this will translate into effective spending over the summer! The fans have done their part and will continue to do their part, but now it's time for the club to do it's piece and to start assembling a team that the punters will be happy watching.

Away from finances though, nothing surprises me about our support. We are a one-club city, in a city that happens to be extremely passionate about football. We've pretty much always backed the team in large numbers and will more than likely continue to do so whichever league we are in.

It's certainly one in the eye for those who claimed that numbers would start to drift away from St James' Park and goes to show, despite the worst recession in living memory, that people are still willing to part with some of their hard-earned dough to go and support United. Head of Customer Operations Simon Esland spoke to The Chronicle and had this to say:

“We are really pleased with the season ticket sales so far. We haven’t sold so many season tickets at this stage of April for five years."

“The response from our fans has been excellent and 90% of them have taken up the option of the 10-year package. So far it has only been existing season ticket holders who have renewed, and if they want to guarantee their seats for next season they have until the end of the month.”

“We’re really pleased with how our fans have stuck by the club once again this season. At a time when people are keeping money in their pocket they have came back in such great numbers and this has been a massive boost for us."

“It just shows the strength of support at Newcastle United. We thank them once again for their phenomenal support and loyalty."

Fair play to those have renewed out of loyalty and have not waited to see who we sign first before committing to a season ticket. They have chosen to support the team without strings attached and for that they cannot be faulted.

Hopefully we'll see our average gate rise a bit more next season!