Tonight's game against Leeds United could see the lowest St James's Park crowd in years after a summer of turmoil at Newcastle United.
And there are reports the club is 'giving away' tickets to schools to boost the attendance to something that looks a decent turn out (not a bad thing).
With Leeds United having been given more tickets after selling out their initial 2,000-seat allocation, the club are expecting a gate well in excess of the 6,151 which saw Newcastle, then managed by Graeme Souness, beat non-league Yeading 5-0 four years ago.
Chris Hughton: "We know how important they are to us, irrespective of what's happening at the club.
"The players very much believe that the support we have is very important to them.
"It's very important to get behind the team, and not one player underestimates the part they have to play.
"That being the case, we want them to turn up. Leeds will be well supported, and this should be a good test, and of course we're hoping for a good atmosphere.
"We're in the final stages of our preparations, and the players are aware of what needs to be done.
"They're very keen to put what happened at Leyton Orient behind them, and I'm confident we can put in a good performance and a good result."