Aside from looking at the statistics, Newcastle United clearly demonstrated that they were the better fanbase back in March 2025. After their historic win in the Carabao Cup final, Eddie Howe and his players hosted a trophy parade leading from St. James’ Park, through the city centre and ending at the Town Moor.
When it came to showing their support, the Magpies didn’t disappoint. An estimated over 300,000 people lined the streets. They all cheered as they caught a glimpse of silverware that belonged to them, as much as it did the players. It was a momentous occasion that gave a multimillion-pound boost to the local economy.
when the takeover turned things around, the supporters were given a new lease of life, as they finally had something to hope for.
The Mike Ashley years were a difficult period for Newcastle United fans, many of whom gave up their season tickets out of despair. However, when the takeover turned things around, the supporters were given a new lease of life, as they finally had something to hope for.
Flash-forward nearly five years later, Newcastle United will face Qarabag (based in Baku, Azerbaijan) in the play-off of the Champions League. This is the furthest city any English club has ever had to travel to in a club competition, covering 3,254 miles. Will the Magpies be making the lengthy journey? Of course they will – they’re the best!
The title for ‘best football fans in the North East’ doesn’t have to belong to the club with the biggest stadium or the most global reach. For many, it belongs to Sunderland AFC — a fanbase defined not by glory, but by loyalty.
The Stadium of Light may not sell out on Champions League nights, but it has remained one of the best-supported grounds outside the Premier League. Even through relegations, ownership turmoil and seasons spent far from the top flight, Sunderland fans continued to turn up in their tens of thousands. League One crowds regularly rivalled , and often surpassed , those of clubs playing two divisions above.
Statistics alone don’t explain it. What sets Sunderland supporters apart is their refusal to disappear when success does. Years of false dawns would have emptied many stadiums, yet Wearside remained defiant. Away ends were packed on cold Tuesday nights in places few Premier League fans could point to on a map. Also, passion, importantly, stayed in the stands (we don’t hit horses).
Sunderland fans didn’t wait for silverware or a takeover to believe ,they stayed regardless.
Recent revival has brought hope back to the club, but the support never depended on it. Sunderland fans didn’t wait for silverware or a takeover to believe ,they stayed regardless.
In a region defined by rivalry, Newcastle may boast trophies and prestige. Sunderland fans boast something rarer: unwavering commitment when football gives them very little in return.