For 130 years, Newcastle United supporters have flocked to the 'cathedral on the hill'.
It was on this day in 1892 that Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End merged to form the mighty club that we now know.
But it's not just about those three points on the pitch, the club's impact on the city is far-reaching.
Match days at St James' Park give businesses a boost that has become even more vital as they juggle the impacts of the pandemic and the cost of living crisis. And the generosity of the fans who donate to the NUFC Fans Foodbank at home games is helping to feed thousands of struggling families across Newcastle.
Newcastle United's legendary former manager, Sir Bobby Robson, perfectly summed up how the club is so much more than football when he once said: "What is a club in any case? Not the buildings or the directors or the people who are paid to represent it.
"It’s not the television contracts, get-out clauses, marketing departments or executive boxes. It’s the noise, the passion, the feeling of belonging, the pride in your city."
With that in mind, we spoke to businesses, city leaders, and, of, course, NUFC Fans Foodbank, as Newcastle United celebrates its milestone anniversary.
Feeding families
Bill Corcoran sees first-hand how the club helps to provide a vital lifeline to some of the most vulnerable people in the city. He collects donations from fans outside of the ground on match days for the Newcastle West End Foodbank on behalf of the NUFC Fans Foodbank arm of the organisation, which was set up in 2016.
"Newcastle fans have been utterly magnificent in their generosity and kindness," he said.
"They are the most magnificent thing about this magnificent city and region. Right now, in the teeth of a recession, austerity, and a rotten winter, they’re keeping food on the tables of families all over our city and beyond.
"We all feel better when Newcastle is united and that response has never been more needed than right now. We were worried because donations to the food bank are 50% down because of austerity, but the contributions of the fans have actually increased since the takeover.
"Those contributions, matched by funding from the Jamie Reuben Foundation, are vital in ensuring everyone gets fed."
In November, ChronicleLive reported how the Newcastle foodbank is handing out more than 2,000 food parcels each month as it sees demand soar during the cost of living crisis.
Bill continued: "The 130th anniversary of NUFC is on December 9. The number 9 that’s so legendary as the number of Newcastle’s famous centre forwards but it’s also another number on a day that 580 kids at the foodbank opened their advent calendars and had a bit of chocolate and smiled at their mams.
"Those calendars and more were all donated by Newcastle fans - and 24 by a Sunderland fan, bless her! They symbolise their care for each other. How friends and family unite into communities and a great society.
"We hope the foodbank is abolished soon but we’ll never forget the generosity and the immense heart and soul of our mighty people who have made the words Newcastle United means so much more than football. We owe them so much and if we last another 130 years without winning anything, these fans will always be the greatest ever in our book."
Heart of the city
While Newcastle United has experienced its fair share of highs and lows over the last 130 years, the support from dedicated Geordies has never wavered.
Newcastle Central MP Chi Onwurah said the club is at the heart of the city and as well s being a cultural asset it plays a key role in the city's economy.
"For 130 years Newcastle United have inspired Geordies to joy and heartbreak and every emotion in between," she said.
"Newcastle United will always be more than just a football club; St James’ Park always more than a stadium. The club is at the heart of our city, an economic asset as well as a cultural one.
"As our late Sir Bobby said: 'It’s the noise, the passion, the feeling of belonging, the pride in your city.' So let’s look forward together to the next one."
Boost for businesses
Newcastle's pubs and bars have always appreciated the boost they receive from match day drinkers but the support from fans means all the more as they battle soaring bills just after the challenges of pandemic restrictions.
Despite the cost of living crisis, Newcastle Labour Club said it is seeing more drinkers than ever before following the takeover last year. So many, in fact, that it is even having to turn fans away at the door.
Steven Dodd, who has been the manager of Newcastle Labour Club for the last six years, said having Newcastle United's ground in the city gives local businesses a vital boost in trading.
"Ever since the club has been sold it is getting more and more important [to local businesses like ours] because we are getting a lot more customers," he said.
"It is a really good thing to have the club right in the city centre as it brings life to the town at a time when we are coming out of a pandemic and in the middle of a recession. Every business really needs that extra boost.
"Our capacity is for 950 people in total and we are getting completely full and having to turn people away on match days."
Sense of community
Newcastle City Council confirmed that having the club in the city centre is "immensely valuable" to the local economy. However, the impact it has on the city's culture and creating a sense of community is equally as important.
Pam Smith, chief executive at Newcastle City Council, said: “This is an impressive milestone for the club and we are extremely fortunate to have them at the heart of our city. The contribution the club makes to the city, in terms of culture, a sense of community and the value to the local economy is immense.
“When Newcastle United play at home the city comes alive with passionate home supporters and visiting fans who all love the fantastic experience this city has to offer. This not only helps to create a vibrant city but gives a big boost to our local economy.
“We wish the club many more successful years – both on and off the pitch.”
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