NEWCASTLE United will trial safe standing at St James' Park from next season.

A section for 1,800 Newcastle home fans will be installed in the South East Corner of the stadium, which will include the lower section of block B and upper sections of blocks C, D, E and F.

There will also be a safe standing area installed on level 7 of the Leazes End for away fans.

The decision comes after a lengthy consultation process, with the club taking on board the thoughts of more than 4,000 fans who responded to an online survey. Of those who took part, 75% were in favour of safe standing, with the club saying the South East Corner and Gallowgate End were identified as preferred location by more than 70% of voting supporters.

The safe standing areas will be introduced as part of an initial trial period at the start of the 2023/24 season.

Newcastle say: "The club has continued to monitor existing trials at other stadiums in England, with licensed standing areas successfully installed and safely managed at Wembley and a number of Premier League grounds with the support of the Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA)."

Supporters who currently sit in the affected areas will now be contacted by the club and given the opportunity to be part of the trial or to opt out.

Newcastle say they will let fans know if tickets become available for season ticket holders in other areas of the ground to move to the licensed standing area.

The club say: "In the meantime, we kindly ask supporters not to contact the Box Office to register their interest in moving seats from other areas of the stadium."