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Aaron Stokes

Newcastle have unique weapon rivals can't compete with in race for Champions League football

Newcastle United have a secret weapon in their pursuit of Champions League football that is no doubt making rival Premier League clubs very jealous. Being able to boast a 52,000+ strong crowd for four of their remaining seven top flight fixtures means the Magpies' European destiny is firmly in their own hands.

Tottenham fans witnessed first-hand just how intimidating a raucous St James' Park can be as they were blown away inside 21 astonishing minutes on Sunday afternoon. Alternatively, Spurs' last home game saw the club's fans openly boo one of their own players as he was hauled off in the second-half.

Newcastle's cauldron of noise has significantly aided Eddie Howe's side on multiple occasions in recent seasons, with demand for tickets at an all-time high. Sunday was another reminder of how St James' can really act as the cliched 12th man at times.

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"I think in part we have to mention the supporters," Howe said after the 6-1 Tottenham win. "At home, with how we want to play, it's a two-way relationship. We need to give the supporters something to get into the game with. They give us so much back.

"They give us energy, they give us the ability to maintain our high physical output and they also unsettle the opposition. I have to pay a big thank you to them."

Wor Flags have also had a huge impact on Newcastle's success on Tyneside of late. Starting with a small budget and a solitary flag display during Newcastle's Championship season, the fan-funded organisation is now producing stunning matchday unveilings which adds to the fiery pre-match atmosphere so often seen before Premier League matches.

With Southampton, Arsenal, Brighton and Leicester still to play at home, Wor Flags is again calling on Newcastle supporters to play their part at the business end of the campaign.

"The support we have received from Newcastle fans across the globe has been nothing of outstanding. For 7 years, we have all come together and helped bring some magic back to St James' Park," the group said after Sunday's thrashing.

"When we had our display in the Championship in 2016, not many of us would have imagined that Newcastle United would be going into the set of fixtures in the race for Champions League football.

"Whatever happens this season, it has been one to remember. A trip to Wembley, some sensational football and results to match. European football, and the prospect of Geordies travelling the continent once again, is within our grasp.

"We have four games to go. We're calling on that support once again. St James' Park needs to be at the top of its game, and we want our displays to be amongst the best we have produced."

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