Thousands Of Toon Fans To Be Turned Down

Last updated : 18 December 2006 By Footy Mad - Editor

...  it could be a bitter-sweet fixture for the travelling Toon Army. Newcastle are expecting around 8,000 applications for tickets as the trip is just over the water, but the ground only holds 8,500.

Some 7,000 are expected to be knocked back.

But regardless how many travel, Waregem coach Francky Dury will be delighted to welcome Newcastle to his club.

Dury: "This is really great. Commercially speaking this is also a direct hit.

"I asked the chairman if it wouldn't be better if we drew a smaller team but there was not another Zulte Waregem in the bowl. We knew it would be tough, but this is also nice for the fans.

"Zulte Waregem and the fans can now taste the English football atmosphere. I must say that I do not know Newcastle that well yet, but in the coming months we will collect as much information as possible. Zulte Waregem now need to show that we are good enough to make the last 16.

"We played against Ajax and that was not our cup of tea, but Newcastle will be a great experience. I promise that we will not put Belgium football to shame - we will sell our skin for the highest possible price. 2006 is a year that we will remember for a long time. This is something we will not do again soon."