Newcastle United have enjoyed the best home attendance in the Championship this season.
Speaking to the Chronicle, Newcastle United winger Matt Ritchie has hailed the club’s fans as brilliant this season.
The Magpies have been strongly supported again this season despite dropping down into the Championship.
Their average home attendance has been around 50,000, the most managed by any club in the division and 18,000 more than fellow relegated side Aston Villa.
Newcastle United’s Matt Ritchie celebrates scoring their third goal from the penalty spot with Aleksandar Mitrovic and teammates
They have been well rewarded for their support, with Rafa Benitez’s side currently top of the division and three points clear of second-placed Brighton and Hove Albion.
And it seems that support has not gone unnoticed, with Ritchie describing the Magpies faithful as brilliant so far.
“The fans have been brilliant and the support is much appreciated,” he told the Chronicle.
“We will need it throughout the rest of the campaign. Hopefully, they can keep sucking the ball in the back of the net for us.”
Newcastle United’s Jonjo Shelvey celebrates scoring the first goal with the Newcastle fans
It certainly appears that Newcastle’s strong home following is playing its part for them so far this season.
They have picked up 18 points from eight games at St James Park this season, the second-best record in the division so far.
They have managed to put 19 goals past their opponents in that time, the best home record in the Championship.
Maintaining that home form will be key to their promotion hopes, evidenced by the fact that last season’s three promoted teams all enjoyed the best three home records in the league.
Newcastle fans behind manager Rafael Benitez
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
