Our reporter Ewan Wishart will be uniting Tyne Valley Toon supporters for the 25/26 season with his column, The Toon Crier.
A HUGE week for Newcastle United, with the club announcing season ticket price increases, the Toon crashing out of the FA Cup, and preparations for FC Barcelona's visit commence.
Last week's column on Newcastle's rising ticket and merchandise price increases was swiftly followed by NUFC's Friday (March 6) announcement that 26/27 season ticket prices would rise by a further 5% for the fourth consecutive season.
Every full season following the October 2021 Saudi Arabian-backed PIF takeover, prices have increased, with the club claiming they have to generate more revenue to "remain competitive".
Those sitting in standard seats in categories one to three will be hit with a 5% increase, while those sitting in Bar 1892 or the Platinum Club will be slapped with a 15% increase.
The board has also announced accessibility changes; the disability ticket discount has been slashed from 50% to 25%.
They added that for those who are eligible, free personal assistant tickets remain, and a dedicated matchday support has been introduced.
New club chief executive officer, David Hopkinson, thanked supporters for their "remarkable commitment", while adding that although he understands "it won't be a popular decision", Newcastle "cannot continue progressing or competing" without making "responsible increases" to season tickets.
"In the current financial landscape, we must balance affordability for our fans with the need to generate the revenue required to remain competitive," he said.
"After this adjustment, our general admission ticket prices will remain competitive in terms of value against other Premier League clubs, and we will also be offering the second-lowest price for a standard adult season ticket in the league.
"I also want to be clear about how we spend our revenue. The ultimate aim is to reinvest it directly into the areas that matter most: building a successful team, enhancing your matchday experience, and strengthening the infrastructure that supports long‑term success.
"At the same time, we're working hard behind the scenes to secure new commercial opportunities and operate more efficiently so we don't place unnecessary pressure on supporters."
The CEO added that the "passion", "unity", and "unwavering backing" of Newcastle fans are moving the club forward, and that supporters are "at the heart of every decision that is made".
In the wake of the announcement, a small portion of Newcastle fans have shown support for the decision, but the overwhelming majority have criticised the move.
Newcastle United media have echoed my sentiment from last week's column; many local, working-class fans are beginning to be priced out of St James' Park - or if they aren't currently, it will inevitably happen in the next decade.
Once the extra costs are factored in, Newcastle's latest season ticket hike is expected to bring in around £2 million extra a year in matchday income, a relative pittance in terms of the average expenditure of a Premier League club.
For what, in the backdrop of a cost-of-living crisis, takes valuable pounds out of the pockets of supporters, Newcastle will generate just 0.8% of the £250 million they outlaid last summer through the ticket price increases.
Newcastle have been making remarkable steps forward on the football pitch - most importantly, winning their first domestic trophy in almost 70 years last March. However, if prices continue to skyrocket, the club and Hopkinson risk isolating the fans that are supposedly "at the heart of every decision that is made".
Manchester City to Barcelona
The Toon are currently in the midst of one of the hardest fixture schedules of their history; what began towards the end of January has proven to be somewhat relentless.
Now in the crux of the challenging period, after a disappointing yet expected FA Cup exit to Manchester City, Newcastle, at the time of writing, are preparing to welcome world football giants FC Barcelona to St James' Park on March 10.
The Catalonians, staying at Matfen Hall during their trip, visit St James's Park after 10 wins in their last 12 games, and a squad packed with superstars like Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Marcus Rashford.
The Magpies, already this season having surpassed their furthest Champions League finish in their history, will have to be at their very best - channelling their inner Tino Asprilla - if they are to surpass Barcelona and make the quarter finals.
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