Top tier just the ticket for Magpies

NEWCASTLE United have boosted season-ticket sales for the second successive year as the club announce they have sold “nearly 40,000” for their Premier League return.

Regular sell-outs are expected at St James’ Park next season and the Spurs opener has been sold out “for several weeks,” the club announced last night.

It is another example of the Rafa Benitez effect that a summer of recruitment which has been modest by comparison to some of their Premier League rivals has not dimmed enthusiasm to watch the Spaniard’s team back in the big time.

The club have sold “well in excess” of last year’s figures of around 37,000 – which was an EFL record and the first time for several years the club had actually recorded an upturn in sales.

Before Benitez, the club had seen sales drop by around six per cent in successive seasons.

That culminated with season ticket deadlines being extended and letters being sent out to existing season ticket holders promising investment in the team.

It says much about trust in the Spaniard that no such tactics have been required this time, despite a transfer window which has seen United frustrated in their bids for Benitez’s “priority” targets.

This year’s sales put them among the top sellers in the top flight – despite the fact the club’s ambitions are not as lofty as Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, West Ham and Arsenal – who have sold more.

For a comparison, Aston Villa have just announced a huge spike in their season tickets - but only to 25,000 sales.

United’s final pre-season friendly is at St James’ Park tomorrow afternoon (3.00), when they take on Hellas Verona.

Tickets are still available, priced at £10 for adults and £5 for juniors but will go up to £20 and £10 respectively on matchday.

You can obtain them through the box office at tickets.nufc.co.uk or by calling 0844 372 1892.