Newcastle United is backing an independent, supporter-led campaign which aims to enhance the matchday atmosphere at St. James' Park



Newcastle United is backing an independent, supporter-led campaign which aims to enhance the matchday atmosphere at St. James' Park.

Inspired by the incredible support Rafa BenÃ­tez and his team received during the final games of last season, the Gallowgate Flags initiative - organised by fans who sit the the South East Corner and Gallowgate End - aims to continue turning the stadium into a cauldron of black and white.

The group has met with the club to discuss its plans to produce a range of specially-designed flags, banners and orchestrated displays and its opening activity is scheduled to take place before kick-off when the Magpies host Huddersfield Town in the first home league game of the season next month.

The campaign is being entirely funded by Newcastle United supporters and with the concept already capturing the imagination, the group's 'Go Fund Me' page has hit its initial target to

produce its very first display.

Fans can continue to join the movement and help to fund flags and banners for home matches across the 2016/17 season by visiting www.gallowgateflags.co.uk.

Alex Hurst, one of Gallowgate Flags' founding members, said: "Gallowgate Flags is a growing group of season ticket holders who are committed to improving the match atmosphere and better

supporting the team.

"As a 100% pro-United organisation, we are publicly raising money through crowdfunding to pay for the pre-kick off displays at each home fixture. Our ultimate aim is to create a positive, noisy and visual culture at St. James' Park."

Lee Marshall, PR and supporter liaison manager at Newcastle United, said: "This is a campaign which is being organised and fully funded by fans, for fans, and we are very pleased to be offering our support behind the scenes.

"We will continue to assist in communicating the group's aims and plans to the club's wider fan base and we'll be offering assistance and advice with organisation, access, logistics and safety

and security as the project develops. We wish the group the best of luck."

To find out more about Gallowgate Flags, please visit www.gallowgateflags.co.uk. To get involved in the project, including volunteering to set up displays inside the ground, please email

contact@gallowgateflags.co.uk.