The Fans Are With Us, Says Ayoze

By Tom Easterby - Newcastle United Club Reporter

Newcastle United forward Ayoze Perez says the Club's open day on Monday was a success - and showed that the Magpies faithful are firmly behind Rafa Benitez and his side.

Perez and the rest of the United first team took part in a training session in front of around 10,000 supporters at St. James' Park as fans took the chance to have a final look at how the team are shaping up ahead of Friday's Sky Bet Championship opener at Fulham.

Outside the stadium, the fan park also proved popular, and 23-year-old Perez says it was important for players and supporters to display that unity ahead of what he predicts will be an "interesting" season.

"It was really nice to train in front of the fans. It was a different day, but we all enjoyed it and we were all together, so it was a nice day," Perez told nufc.co.uk.

"I think for the fans it must be something really nice, and for the kids too. I think it's a good thing for the Club, and we can see that even though we are in the Championship, the fans are still behind us.

"We need that support, after last year, which wasn't the best one. But we need the support and to have the fans with us, and they are - they definitely are. It's going to be an interesting season."

The trip to Craven Cottage on Friday night kicks off the 2016/17 campaign, with Benitez's side's first home game coming eight days later against Huddersfield Town.

And Perez says he can't wait for the season to start after a positive period of preparation came to an end with the 3-2 friendly victory over Vitesse on Saturday.

"We've felt really good all the way through pre-season and the important thing now is the season," he said.

"We think we are ready. We're looking forward to starting now."