West Ham defender Ben Johnson is looking forward to his first true matchday experience at St James' Park.
The full-back was a member of the side who suffered a 3-2 defeat on Tyneside in April, with a late Joe Willock header settling the contest.
However, the 21-year-old is yet to sample the atmosphere generated in the 'cathedral on the hill' by thousands of Geordies.
Steve Bruce's side kick-off their Premier League campaign against the Hammers on Sunday afternoon, and welcome fans back without Covid-19 restrictions for the first time since February 2020.
West Ham have followed up their impressive 2020/21 campaign with an unbeaten pre-season, and Johnson is excited at the prospect of the season opener against the Magpies.
He told the club's website: “It’s going to be a great occasion. A lot of the boys have played there before when it’s been it full, but I’ve not had the opportunity to experience that famous atmosphere created by about 50,000 fans.
“So, I’m looking forward to the first game I’ll play up there in front of a full house, including a few thousand Hammers, who I am sure we will hear singing Bubbles up in the stand!"
David Moyes' side defied the odds last season to secure a sixth-placed finish, but lost both league clashes against Newcastle.
Johnson believes all opening-day fixtures are a 'challenge', but remains confident about the Hammers' chance of starting the season with three points.
He added: "It’s going to be a tough one, obviously, as the opening-day fixtures are a challenge for every club because you don’t know exactly what you’re going to get from the opposition.
“It’s going to be a good game for us. We’ve prepared well and as everyone saw we played really well and beat Atalanta last weekend, we’ve got a good squad and everyone here can’t wait to get started.
“It’s exciting times for this club.”
We want to hear your thoughts on this story, so LOG IN and leave your comment below
