Get the latest NUFC transfer and takeover news straight to your inbox for FREE by signing up to our newsletter Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Enthusiasm for Rafa Benitez has seen Newcastle United on course to break the Championship attendance record this season – but the St James’ Park crowd has been bolstered by some superb away followings this term.

While United have sold out all but two of their away games this season – with games at Brighton and Huddersfield completely sold out despite the games being on TV – they have also proved a formidable draw for some of their divisional rivals.

We’ve obtained figures for every fixture so far this season – and it makes for slightly surprising reading. While the midweek scheduling of games against QPR and Norwich obviously dented the size of those followings, the team at the top of the table only get 9,816 on average for their home games.

United have been committed to working with rivals in the Premier League on reciprocal ticket deals and have offered big allocations to all of their opponents this season. Most have responded.

Here are the biggest away followings at St James’ Park so far this season.

(Image: Newcastle United)

1. Rotherham United 3,229

The Millers might have lost 4-0, but they made some noise at St James’ Park. Impressively, this is a third of their normal home gate.

2. Derby County 3,220

The Rams have a big support so it’s no surprise to see them up there. United won on Steve McClaren’s return.

3. Wolves 3,197

A day United would rather forget. Wolves are one of the best supported sides in the division.

4. Huddersfield Town 3,179

Town were riding the crest of a wave when they arrived at St James’ Park to inflict what was then a shock 2-0 defeat on Rafa Benitez’s side.

5. Birmingham City 3,110

Impressive following from the Second City club. United on 4-1.

poll loading Who have been the best away supporters at SJP this season? 0+ VOTES SO FAR Derby County Rotherham Sheffield Wednesday Nottingham Forest Birmingham Huddersfield Norwich QPR Reading Brentford Cardiff Brighton QPR Wolves Aston Villa Ipswich

6. Sheff Wed 3,076

The game was on TV but it didn’t deter the Owls fans from attending this festive fixture.

7. Brentford 2,778

Their average gate is 10,427 but they were backed by a big following from West London.

8. Ipswich Town 2,673

A long way from East Anglia but Ipswich are another club with a big and loyal following. They made plenty of noise.

9. Nottingham Forest 2,261

(Image: The Chronicle)

Forest were seen off in this festive fixture – but only after seeing a player sent off.

10. Brighton 1,893

Early season fixture went United’s way.

11. Aston Villa 1,707

Villa’s following was no doubt dulled by their woeful recent form – and the fact the game was on TV.

poll loading Who have been the worst away supporters at SJP this season? 0+ VOTES SO FAR Derby County Rotherham Sheffield Wednesday Nottingham Forest Birmingham Huddersfield Norwich QPR Reading Brentford Cardiff Brighton QPR Wolves Aston Villa Ipswich

12. Blackburn Rovers 1,467

Rovers inflicted a shock defeat – but their fans are currently in dispute with owners Venky’s.

13. Norwich City 816

Midweek match hardly aided the crowd here.

14. Cardiff City 803

It’s a long way to South Wales.

15. Reading 639

Another midweek game, which probably explains the size of the following.

16. QPR 610

Midweek and on TV. But it wasn’t a big following for a side who have played Premier League football fairly recently.