Journalist Liam Kennedy has been speaking on the latest edition of the NUFC Matters podcast about all things related to Newcastle United.
Kennedy was discussing how the Tyneside club are preparing for the expected return of fans towards the end of the 2020/21 Premier League campaign.
Steve Bruce’s side have boosted their hopes of Premier League survival with a nine-point advantage over 18th-placed Fulham who they play at Craven Cottage on the final day of the season.
On the day after the podcast was released, the Premier League confirmed the final two game weeks of the Premier League campaign will host up to 10,000 home fans only.
However, Kennedy issued a worrying claim surrounding the Toon’s plans to welcome fans back to St. James’ Park.
He said: “Do you really think Newcastle United are going to want all those fans in? I don’t, I don’t think they want them in. I don’t think they’re making any particular preparations for the fans to come in either. (40:20)
“I think it will be limited. As I said, they’re not going to bring press back. I think if this is something that some Premier League clubs could avoid for this season and kick it into the long grass until August, I think a lot of them would. I think it’s a little bit of a headache that they don’t really need so late in the game.”
TIF Thoughts on Kennedy’s comments…
Kennedy’s comments may disappoint some Newcastle fans, however, after the way they feel they have been treated over the years by the current ownership they probably won’t be shocked.
Given the Toon have been without fans since last season, you would expect them to be welcoming the Geordies back with open arms especially given they are not safe from relegation yet, but that seems not to be the case.
Depending on how the next two games pan out, the Newcastle fans could have a huge part to play in their final home game of the season if their side needs an added boost to secure their Premier League status.
In other news: ‘That could be happening now’ – Liam Kennedy drops Newcastle claim amid takeover saga