The Magpies secured their first win at St James Park earlier this week.
Newcastle’s Dwight Gayle celebrates scoring their fourth goal with Isaac Hayden
Newcastle United winger Matt Ritchie has hailed the club’s fans as fantastic, speaking to the Chronicle.
The Scotland international is a new signing at St. James’ Park this summer, arriving as part of a major overhaul by manager Rafa Benitez.
His move to the North-East came as something of a surprise, having firmly established himself as a fan favourite during his time with Bournemouth.
Newcastle’s Dwight Gayle celebrates scoring their third goal with team mates
Despite dropping down a division to join the Magpies, this move is arguably a step up for him, especially when you compare the two sides’ stadiums.
Ritchie got to witness a celebratory St. James’ Park for the first time this week as they beat Reading, and he says the players are keen to match the supporters’ passion on the pitch.
“It’s fantastic support and we need them because it’s a joy to play in front of the fans,” he told the Chronicle.
“They’re passionate and we want to be passionate on the pitch as well; hopefully this win was an inkling of that.”
Newcastle fans behind manager Rafael Benitez
It now remains to be seen if St. James’ Park is a happy place for Newcastle United this season.
They have already been shown that sides will up their game when travelling to the stadium, with Huddersfield already coming away with all three points from their recent clash.
If the Magpies are to be successful this season they will need to make their home ground a fortress, and they will be hoping that there are more days like the one against Reading than against the Terriers to come.
Huddersfield Town’s Jack Payne celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates
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