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Newcastle have endured a difficult summer following the departure of Rafa Benitez and the failure to, as of yet, find a replacement.

Around 12,000 season tickets remained unsold - that is a significant hike on the 5,200 season tickets still available at this point 12 months ago, according to the Shields Gazette.

The Magpies have put season tickets on general sale after the deadline for fans to renew passed.

And the numbers suggest plenty of supporters have decided to bypass the opportunity as hostility grows in the North east.

Newcastle usually sell roughly 42,000 season tickets and even sold out two years ago.

They managed to sell 38,000 season tickets during their season in the Championship three years ago.

There are fears that St. James’ Park could attract the lowest crowd for a Premier League game when the Gunners travel to Tyneside.

Currently the 41,053 that watched Blackburn win 2-1 in 2010 is the lowest number to pack into the 52,000-seater stadium.

(Image: GETTY)

Fans are not overawed at the potential appointment of Steve Bruce and seem to be venting their anger in the only way possible.

The St. James’ Park faithful have joined forces and have encouraged a boycott of the season opener against Arsenal on August 11.

Some groups have also organised a #BoycottSJP where they plan to stay away from home games until Mike Ashley sells the club.

(Image: GETTY)

Speculation persists about whether Bruce will take over following Benitez’s decision to leave the club.

The Premier League winner formerly held the reins at Sunderland and is rumoured to have resigned as Sheffield Wednesday boss to force through a move.

If history is anything to go by he will have his hands largely tied at St.James’ Park when it comes to recruitment.

Difference in how to run the club, particularly in the transfer market, was a major factor being Benitez’s exit.