Newcastle United legend Nobby Solano says the "connection" between the supporters and Eddie Howe's team could prove to be one of the biggest weapons for the Magpies going into the new season.
Toon players will be back at the training ground and in pre-season in the next few days with fans looking forward to the season opener against Aston Villa on August 12. Solano feels that both of the first two home games, as tough as they look on paper, against Unai Emery's Villa and the meeting with Jurgen Klopp's strengthened Liverpool side, are still a big chance to get six points and set the tone for the season.
Solano told Chronicle Live: "I think for all people look at the fixture list in the first four games, there's still a chance to take six points from the first two home games - simply because of the fans.
"Looking back over the years it would have been tough playing Aston Villa and Liverpool. But the connection between the fans, players and owners has never been better.
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"Last season you could see that home and away. Even against Villa away the fans stayed and applauded the players following a loss."
Newcastle played Man City and Liverpool in the first month of last season when they drew 3-3 with Pep Guardiola's side and should have won it after being 3-1 up. They then lost at Anfield in a game they should have at least drawn when a last gasp winner for the Reds broke Toon hearts on Merseyside again.
Solano added: "The good thing when you playing the top sides is to get them at the start of the season. Once those are behind you, you can settle down and focus again.
"They also won't have any momentum building up so you can catch them on a bad day. City finished the season strongly but there is no guarantee that they will start the same way.
"They had a long season last time with the Champions League being played in June then lots of international commitments for a number players. It will still be hard but playing Man City away early is a good in many ways."
When asked how many points Newcastle could post in the first four fixtures before the first international break, Solano is confident in his old team. The Peruvian - who was asked by the owners to do ambassadorial work back in May - shared his optimism with us.
Solano said: "Looking at the first four, Villa, City, Liverpool and Brighton, they could get six or seven points from that or maybe more. It would just be great to see Newcastle go off for the first international break with a decent tally on the board before we start getting into the thick of the Champions League games."
