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Chris Knight

Newcastle United fans to takeover the River Thames ahead of final-day Fulham clash

The Toon Army are set to takeover the River Thames for Newcastle United's final game of the season.

More than a thousand fans will enjoy a "booze cruise" in the capital on Sunday ahead of the afternoon fixture at Fulham.

Six boats - complete with DJs and licenced bars for a party atmosphere - will make the scenic four-hour ride before arriving at Craven Cottage.

An estimated 1,400 Newcastle United fans young and old will board at Temple Pier and Waterloo Pier ahead of the final-day clash.

Darren Curry, from North Shields , has helped organise the event and says interest in the cruise has just "snowballed".

He said: "We're not interested in making money. We wanted to give fans something to look forward to and it's just snowballed.

"This is the biggest one that's ever been done. Other clubs have had one boat - Arsenal tried two - but we sold six instantly.

"It's turned into a massive thing. The North Shields boat for the lads sold out in three hours.

"I'm expecting everyone to have fun and a bit of a laugh. It looks like the weather is going to be nice, and we're going to have a party."

For Darren, 51, along with best friend Keith Heads, the occasion will be an emotional one.

The idea for the "booze cruise" began in October last year together with season-ticket holder Simon Jones.

Devastated friends raise thousands to give Newcastle fan Simon Jones "send-off he deserves"

RAF veteran and father-of-three Simon was tragically found fatally wounded in a Derbyshire car park on April 20.

Simon Jones was season-ticket holder at Newcastle United and a regular at England matches (Darren Curry)

Darren believes the recent loss of the popular Newcastle United fan will be felt strongly on the day.

He said: "We're missing Simon. I think it will hit home a lot more this weekend, especially on the North Shields boat.

"It's a shame he is not here with us."

Many Newcastle United fans fear this could be Rafa Benitez's last game in charge of the club, with the manager's contract due to expire in the summer.

Benitez has secured Premier League survival in the last two seasons, and Darren remains hopeful the popular boss can be convinced to stay.

Darren finished: "It's the last game of the season, anything can happen. We're hoping to end the day with a win.

"When you watch his [Benitez's] interviews it's been up and down.

"I'm quite hopeful, I don't see why he would want to leave given how much love he gets from the fanbase.

"Is there a bigger club for him to go to at this moment? I don't think so." 

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