Steve Bruce is hoping his side can help lift the gloom on Tyneside by continuing their 100% start to the season.
The Newcastle United boss watched on as news filtered through this week on Chronicle Live as the majority of our region was plunged into a second lockdown as the government announced restrictions caused by the pandemic.
United's season will go on but it remains to be seen when supporters will get the pleasure of returning to their seats at St James' Park with this weekend against Brighton the ninth competitive fixture to be played at the famous old ground without fans.
Bruce told the Chronicle: "When the news broke in the North East my thought straight away was: 'We always seem to have it tougher up here'.
"It seems to have hit the North East.
"It's sad for the region to be locked down and you feel for all the people, whether Newcastle supporters or not, you feel for them. It is a testing time for all of us.
"If we ever needed reminding what a football match is without our supporters we've had it as it's just not the same spectacle that we all enjoy."
Newcastle are fighting to win their third match in a row in all competitions but a second successive Premier League win would represent the best start since 1997 in the top-flight.
Bruce knows that the fans would have played a massive part this weekend.
The Toon chief said: "We know it would be great to have 50,000 against Brighton - what an advantage that we be for us.
"Especially after the good start we've had.
"I am sure the supporters would have been bouncing through the doors to see the new lads perform.
"It's frustrating and disappointing for the whole of the area. I feel for them.
"Unfortunately, the North East always seems to suffer worse than anywhere else in the country."
