And Then There Were Three

JUST three people queued to buy Newcastle United’s much – ridiculed new strip as it went on sale yesterday.

Fans stayed away in their droves as the garish yellow and orange away kit went on sale at St James’ Park.

The club took the unusual step of reducing prices by 20 per cent before the kit became available.

Yesterday’s scene was in stark contrast to when rivals Sunderland launched their away kit earlier this month.

Thousands of fans queued to get their hands on a shirt, while big name players signed autographs and chatted to fans.

First in the queue to buy the Newcastle shirt was Stephen Watson, from Gateshead.

The 18-year-old said: “I don’t even like the shirt but I’m a Newcastle fan so I am still happy to buy it.

“Now I’ve actually got my hands on it thought I think I might wear a jumper on top of it.”

A spokesman for Newcastle said although the kit went on sale yesterday, the official launch is today.

Players will be at the St James’ Park store between 1.30pm and 2.30pm to sign autographs and meet fans.

By Mark Tallentire, The Northern Echo