Newcastle United have won their first Premier League battle without kicking a ball — after they were told they would be allowed to keep away fans up in the gods at St James' Park.

Under new rules set to come in the coming season, top-flight clubs must locate visiting supporters at pitchside level.

League and TV bosses believe such placement leads to a better atmosphere and a better product on the screen.

Away fans visiting Newcastle's St James' Park are currently located up 14 flights of stairs

However, Toon chiefs said that safety issues made such a shift at their home impossible — and Sportsmail understands that the Premier League have now granted them a year's dispensation.

League bosses declined to comment but they are expected to work with the newly-promoted club over the course of the season with a view to making the change next term.

Away fans at St James' currently have to climb 14 flights of stairs to get to their spot in the Leazes End.

Newcastle have been given year's dispensation, while other clubs will have to move away fans

With promotion from the Championship on the cards, Newcastle officials spoke to the Premier League about potential issues. The key problem was that moving away fans down to pitchside would make it difficult to segregate rival supporters at certain exits.

The north east club, who also declined to comment, commissioned independent experts who confirmed that, with the notice period given, there was no viable and safe alternative.

They presented a strong argument to the league who have now decided to give them 12 months' grace.

A costly relocation in a year's time may well be the only resolution.

League chief Richard Scudamore says decision to move fans is to create a better atmosphere

Premier League chief Richard Scudamore explained the reasoning behind the policy when it was announced earlier this year.

'It's about atmosphere,' he said. 'One of the unique things about our game, particularly in England, is the amount of away fans and the noise they create. When an away goal is scored, you want that atmosphere and interaction between the two sets of fans.'

Sportsmail also understands that Manchester United will also not be forced to move away supporters. Visitors to Old Trafford are currently located above pitch level but are in the first row of general admission seats behind a disabled enclosure, which is soon to be expanded.