Will a packed out St James’ Park increase the chances of a Newcastle sale?

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There was a mixed reaction to Newcastle’s announcement of free season tickets for the second half of the season, but as of Wednesday morning, there were very few left available.

Due to the huge demand, the club had to withdraw online applications, with just a small number of Family Area seats left for fans to get.

So whether fans agreed with the decision or not, it seems certain that St James’ Park will be full for the rest of the season. And with that, could there yet be a silver lining?

There is no doubt a vibrant, packed stadium is intimidating for opposing teams, and while Steve Bruce’s side may reap the rewards from that, it is off the field that the real benefit could be felt.

With there still reportedly interest from groups hoping to buy the club from Mike Ashley, surely a full St James’ Park can only help convince them that this is where they want to be.

There is always a concern that visibly empty seats could put off any potential investors, as they worry that a club in decline will not bring them any return on their outlay.

Many interested parties are aware of the hostility at Newcastle

Of course, it is a slightly different scenario at Newcastle, with most of the interested parties currently mentioned in connection with a future deal for the club, fully aware of the situation and animosity between boycotting fans and the current owner.

But with stories always circling about groups and tycoons looking to but into the Premier League’s success, there could yet be a possible owner who is not as clued up on what is going on at Gallowgate, than those other groups.

If that is the case, and they see a full, raucous St James’ Park, they may decide they want to be part of that.

If that does become the case, and Ashley is ousted from the club, we could then see a bouncing packed stadium every week, without the need to give tickets away, as all the protesting fans return to their rightful place in the stands under new stewardship.

Maybe it is wishful thinking in the extreme, but if that longed-for scenario does eventually come to fruition, this will all have started with those fans standing behind their principles, and staying away from the thing they are most passionate about in the first place.