Newcastle handed ‘huge boost’ amid ‘incredible’ Eddie Howe verdict – pundit
Noel Whelan has claimed the “massive support” from Newcastle fans could “get them over the line” in the relegation fight.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the Magpies’ unwavering support for Eddie Howe is “coming to fruition” after a tough start.
Newcastle were backed by a bumper away end yet again as Howe’s side strolled to a 2-0 victory at the Brentford Community Stadium on Saturday (26 February).
As quoted by Chronicle Live (27 February), Howe insisted he has “loved every second of the challenge of managing this club” and hailed the Magpies’ “incredible” fans.
Whelan claimed the raucous atmosphere produced by clubs like Newcastle and Leeds United can be “really intimidating”.
“I think every fan at Newcastle appreciate and love the club,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“When you are in the stadium with that kind of support, fan or player – wow, it can be really intimidating.
“It’s massive support and it will give Newcastle a huge boost – and the same goes for Leeds United.
“The fan base will push and push and probably get teams like Leeds and Newcastle over the line on a number of occasions because of the sheer noise and support they give the players.
“Right now everything is paying dividends, but not least the appointment of Eddie Howe. They were behind him from the very start and it’s all coming to fruition now.
“They’ve just gradually clawed their way out of it and now they could possibly start to look ahead.”
As per Transfermarkt, Newcastle have filled 97.8% of their capacity on average this season – the seventh-highest figure in the Premier League.
The Magpies are four points clear of relegation danger after Saturday’s win.
In other news, “worried” pundit fears Dan Burn injury could relegate Newcastle.