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Newcastle United know fine well that they can’t afford to stand still in the summer transfer window, and that a large bulk of the money made from last season must be ploughed into the squad.

Value for money on the pitch is what Newcastle fans are craving after a shocking campaign overall.

It was so bad, it cost the Toon Army an expensive £197.62 per away goal according to a survey from musicMagpie.

Former Magpies skipper Rob Lee made his feelings crystal clear recently when he stated that Newcastle need to spend “at least £100million” this summer if they are to stand any chance of making an impact in the top flight.

One of his former team-mates Olivier Bernard also pointed out that £60million wouldn’t be enough, and added: “What does that buy you these days?

“Let’s be honest, if you are rebuilding the full team it’s not enough.”

But either way, the time is now for Newcastle to splash the cash the way they used to.

After all, the Premier League do make it clear that the TV and prize money is there for a reason - to invest on the pitch.

The Premier League’s website states: “The principal objective of the Premier League is to stage the most competitive and compelling league with world-class players and, through the equitable distribution of broadcast and commercial revenues, to enable clubs to develop so that European competition is a realistic aim and, once there, they are playing at a level where they can compete effectively.”

And Newcastle have money to spend.

Remarkably they picked up £77,835,102 in Premier League and TV prize money last season - despite a lowly 15th place finish.

They were one of the top 11 earners in the top flight and even made as much as top 10 Crystal Palace, who finished in the position set by the Newcastle board last summer.

It shows why United are desperate to stay at English football’s top table, and the relief displayed by Mike Ashley and Lee Charnley as the win against West Ham was confirmed on the final day of the season was there for all to see.

(Image: Action Images via Reuters / Lee Smith)

Ashley had said before that game: “I will continue the policy of investing in the football club.

“We have got the club on a very sound financial footing, so we are able to spend and punch above our weight thanks to the current financial situation the club finds itself in.

“We may have the cart, financially, but we now need to bolt the horse on, and we are going to.”

By the way, it’s not exactly cheap to watch Newcastle United week in, week out.

And you can’t exactly say that the loyal fans - the hardcore who go to every away game - got value for money.

The team that spluttered its way to defeat after defeat at times last season made for painful viewing, and Geordie fans paid through the nose for it.

A report by musicMagpie revealed United fans had paid more than any other club.

They said: “The most expensive team to support is Newcastle United (£3,149), followed by Arsenal (£3,117) and Southampton (£3,008). In contrast, Midlands-based clubs West Bromwich Albion (£1,901), Stoke City (£2,006) and Aston Villa (£2,033) are the cheapest.”

The cheapest season ticket at St James’ Park was £383 and the most expensive was £710 with £686 shelled out by fans who went to every away game.

And an estimate of how much Newcastle fans paid in travel came in at £2,082 - something likely to increase next season with southern teams Bournemouth, Norwich and Watford all promoted and northern outfits Burnley and Hull relegated.

The musicMagpie review said: “The long-suffering Newcastle faithful have had a tough time of it this year. John Carver’s Magpies took one point from a possible 30 between March and May.

“But it gets worse for the fans, the club topping the list of the most expensive away support including tickets and travel cost.

“With a whopping £2766.70 for each fan for the season, it’s no wonder the Toon Army are growing a little frustrated.

“To put it in context that’s £197.62 per goal away from home.”

Fans of all clubs will argue they deserve the best but if any set of fans were due a decent team to watch after the season just gone, it’s those long-suffering Newcastle supporters!

Read survey here: http://footballfinancials.musicmagpie.co.uk/