Steve Bruce reveals his view on the return of 10,000 Newcastle United fans to St James's Park

Newcastle United supporters have been locked out of the stadium since February 29 last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Up to 10,000 socially-distanced home fans will be allowed inside grounds for the final two rounds of Premier League games, with Covid-19 restrictions set to ease further later this month following a fall in infection rates across the country.

And Bruce was asked about the prospect of supporters attending the May 19 home game against relegated Sheffield United ahead of tomorrow night’s game against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.

“We’ve said for so long the spectacle’s not the same (without fans),” said United’s head coach. “Ten thousand, you would think, in a big, huge stadium like ours won’t make a difference, (but) it will.

“We’ve seen a couple of thousand (fans), semi-finals played in front of 4,000 or 8,000. That will make a difference. I’m delighted we’re edging towards being normal, which I think we all can’t wait for, to get normality back.

"Whether there’ll be a time when there’s 50,000 in, that’s still a debate, but to see supporters back in will be terrific.”

Newcastle are yet to reveal how they will distribute the tickets. The club is consulting fan groups before making public its plans for the return of some supporters.

There will be no away fans allowed inside Craven Cottage for the club’s final game of the season against Fulham on May 23.

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