A message to every NUFC fan heading to St. James' Park today
Heading to St. James' Park today for Newcastle's crucial game against Wigan? This one's for you.
When asked this week about the recent atmosphere inside St. James' Park, Rafa Benitez responded with this powerful message to the fans:
“We are together in this race, we are at our strongest when we are united. The fans, the players, the staff – all of us helping to achieve our shared goal. Now is the time to stick together”
Benitez hits the nail on the head here, and his words this week suggest he is fully aware of just how big of a role the fans have to play.
In light of this, we need every single person inside St.James’ Park to be nothing but a positive influence on the team today, in a bid to help our club achieve its 'shared goal' - promotion back to the Premier League.
Admittedly, Newcastle’s last two home performances against Bristol City and Fulham haven't been good enough, justifying frustration amongst the fans. From hereon-in however, that must be put aside. The team needs every ounce of support it can get.
It's simple. Players have a duty to perform on the pitch and as fans it is our duty to support from the stands. On several occasions this season we've warned our players against complacent performances, but I would question whether we, as fans, have ourselves become complacent from the terraces?
Moans and groans at the slightest mistake or backwards passes are not needed at this stage of the season. Negativity breeds negativity and this only serves to disrupt the team, intensifying anxieties on the pitch and contribute to a bad result.
We all have moments when we get lost in the heat of the game, that is to be expected, but we must make every effort to create a positive atmosphere and contribute towards a positive result.
There is no room now for negativity inside St. James' Park. We’ve reached the final stretch of a long hard season – a hive of anxiety & hostility will only make this harder, but support will see us through as we enter what could be a defining moment in our club's future over the coming weeks.
As fanatical fans of Newcastle United, we know the impact we can make when the players step out onto the pitch at St.James’ Park, so today, take your manager's advice and stay behind your team from first whistle to last. Be the 12th man & do your bit to get our great club back where it belongs.
Let's stay United! For Rafa, for our team, for promotion and for the future of our beloved football club.
Together we are stronger - WE can be the difference.
