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NEWCASTLE United have arranged an open training session for fans who got locked-out of the club’s new kit launch.

Despite staying longer than was planned, players say they were overwhelmed by the number of supporters who turned out to get their hands on the new black and white home strip.

Hundreds queued for hours at St James’ Park but many were left disappointed when organisers had to call time on the event just after 4pm.

Touched by the support of their loyal fans, the first team squad, led by Kevin Nolan, said they were determined to do something to say thank-you.

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That led to them organising the open session, which will be at St James’ on Wednesday and will see manager Chris Hughton take to the microphone and talk the crowd through his routines.

Nolan told the Chronicle: “Me and the lads were amazed by the number of fans who turned up at the shirt signing today. It was disappointing not to get the chance to meet everyone who had come along to see us.

“We’ve got such passionate, loyal fans and it’s a shame to let any of them down. So as a thank you to them all, we wanted to do something special.

“Hopefully Wednesday’s open training session will be a great chance for supporters to watch us in action before the season starts and see how we’re preparing for life back in the Premier League.”

Fans from all over the country travelled to St James’ to catch a glimpse of the new home strip and get the chance to meet players including news signing Sol Campbell, Peter Lovenkrands and Jonas Gutierrez.

Some waited for hours and even then were not near the front of the queue.

Michael Flynn, 37, follows Newcastle because of Kevin Keegan and drove for three-and-a-half hours from Watford before queuing for another three hours.

Security stopped people joining the queue and then closed the doors before more fans were able to enter shortly after 4pm and even though many of the players stuck around to sign autographs, they were still determined to do something more for those left disappointed.

Chris Barnes, 16, from Prudhoe, Northumberland, held his shirt up against the window, and that prompted Lovenkrands to wait for him in the club shop.

Chris said: “He’s a fantastic human being. That’s the nicest thing anyone’s done for me. It brings a tear to my eye.”

Ray and Jackie Young, from Stakeford, went along with grandsons Evan Jordan, 12, and Rhys and Cole Brunton, 10, and nine respectively, and had queued for hours before being turned away just one yard from the door.

He said: “There were too many in the queue. It’s really hard for them.”

But he was pleased some of the players stayed behind to sign shirts. Evan said: “My favourite players have made my day.”

Hazel Hebron, the club’s head of retail, said: “We’re used to welcoming huge numbers of fans on occasions like this, but the turnout for today’s shirt signing was far greater than expected.”

At Wednesday’s session, supporters will be able to watch Hughton and first team coach Colin Calderwood put the players through their paces. The pair will also take to the microphone to describe to the crowd how their training sessions are structured and how each activity helps prepare the players, ahead of the team’s Old Trafford clash a week on Monday.

There will be entertainment for the crowd, discount vouchers for everyone who attends, and dozens of Puma goodie bags to give away. Entrance is free. Gates will open at 10am, with training starting at 11am.