North Stand Loyal have long preached the importance of improving atmosphere - particularly at home games.

The group's flag displays at Huddersfield Town matches, particularly when the home supporters are allowed into the South Stand behind the goal, look impressive and are continually improving.

David Wagner and Mark Hudson have repeatedly spoken of the importance and their desire to support the iniatitive.

Now Newcastle United are following their lead, aiming to fund flags and banners in time for Town's visit to St James' Park in the second week of the 2016/17 season.

Gallowgate Flags have already raised £3,500 in advance of the new season and are encouraging supporters to get into their seats 10 minutes ahead of kick off to help build atmosphere at what will be the first home game of the year for Rafa Benitez's Newcastle.

Season ticket holder Alex Hurst, one of the supporters behind the plans, said: “What other clubs do - particularly Liverpool, Celtic and Glasgow Rangers - they all have a dedicated flag section. It’s the next logical step for how we are going to make the atmosphere even better.”

He added: “We are aiming to get as many flags as possible done, we’re probably going to go for handheld at first, for people to wave and to get as many people involved as possible.

“If it’s successful and more people are up for it we could do something bigger further down the line. We just want to get going and make sure the atmosphere is positive in the ground.”

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