Ritchie joined Championship side Newcastle from Bournemouth in the summer transfer window for £12m.
In an interview with The Chronicle, Newcastle United winger Matt Ritchie praised the support he and his teammates have received in the Championship so far this season.
Ritchie joined the Magpies from Bournemouth for £12m in the summer and has settled quickly, notching two goals and four assists in eight starts for his new club.
And the Scottish international has became somewhat of favourite on Tyneside with fans already singing his name from the stands.
“It’s fantastic to hear the fans singing my name and to realise you’re appreciated,” the 27-year-old told The Chronicle.
“Derby away was the first time I really heard (fans signing my name) and it makes you feel brilliant on the pitch – it’s much appreciated.”
St. James’ Park also boasts the biggest home crowds Ritchie has played in front of during his club career by far and he admits he has been blown away by the support.
“Seriously, to get more than 52,000 at St James’ Park for a Championship match is unbelievable,” he continued.
“I’ve worked my way up the leagues over the last few years after starting at Portsmouth, when we drew in 20,000 crowds.
“Everyone knows that Fratton Park, when Pompey were in the Premier League, it was absolutely rocking but when you’re winning at St James’ I have never had such a buzz and a feeling like it.”
Ritchie will currently be preparing to take on Aston Villa at Villa Park this Saturday (5.30pm kick-off) just days before United return to St. James’ Park to take on promotion contenders Norwich City on the Wednesday (7.45pm kick-off).
The Magpies sit two points behind the Canaries in third following defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers in their previous league match, whilst struggling Villa are 18th with just one win from their opening eight matches.
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