Magpies announce Remembrance plans

The Magpies will host AFC Bournemouth at St. James’ Park in the Premier League on Saturday (kick-off 3pm GMT) and the day will be dedicated to those who have served and given their lives in conflicts around the world.

Supporters are asked to be in their seats a little earlier than usual on Saturday in order to pay their respects.

Woodland Trust trees

Newcastle United is one of more than 60 clubs that will be planting trees across a number of sites to commemorate footballers who lost their lives in the First World War.

The trees, part of a ‘For Club and Country’ partnership between the Woodland Trust and a number of football bodies including the Premier League, will be planted at St. James’ Park, the club’s training ground and academy, and the Foundation’s Lemington Football Centre on Friday.

War memorial unveiled

The official unveiling of a new War Memorial at St. James’ Park will take place at lunchtime on Saturday.

Situated opposite the Alder Sweeney Memorial Garden at the Milburn Stand, the new War Memorial - bearing the words 'Lest We Forget' - will carry the names of all 23 former United players who passed away during the First World War, as well as those who died during the Second World War.

The unveiling ceremony will be attended by guests including current and former members of the armed forces, as well as descendants of those who passed during the Great War.

The 23 players will also be honoured in the matchday programme, with club historian, Paul Joannou, paying tribute in his ‘Serving Club & Country’ feature.

Before the match

In the build-up to kick-off, members of the 5th Battalion of the Regiment of Royal Fusiliers, which has its headquarters in Newcastle upon Tyne, will lead the teams out.

They will be met by standard bearers from the Fusilier Veterans Association, RAF Association and Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps.

Following the teams’ handshakes and the coin toss, which the referee will complete with a commemorative coin, the team captains will each lay a wreath alongside serving army officers.

Minute’s silence

Both sets of players and all supporters, staff and officials will observe a minute’s silence.

During this period, five buglers will play the Last Post as the country prepares to mark 100 years since Armistice Day.

Wor Flags display

Supporter-led group Wor Flags will pay a stunning visual tribute during the minute’s silence and fans at the Gallowgate End are asked to play their part.

Individual foils, which have been funded by fans, will be left on seats across the middle of the stand and when held aloft at the start of the minute’s silence, they will depict a sea of poppies.

Supporters with foils are asked by Wor Flags to raise them only during the minute's silence.

Poppy shirts

The players will also be wearing special commemorative shirts adorned with a poppy.

The shirts will be auctioned following the match, with all proceeds going to the Royal British Legion.

To find out more, please visit premierleague.com/poppy.