Newcastle United can seal Champions League qualification with a win against Everton and Wor Flags have something special planned for the final home game of the campaign at St James’ Park

There is a lot at stake this weekend – and not just because of the enormity of Newcastle United’s final-day clash against Everton. Wor Flags also need the weather to hold up. Now more than ever as volunteer Thomas Concannon explained.

“Sunday will involve doing something we have never done before,” he told ChronicleLive. “There are complications with it and things have to go right. The weather has to be right.

“There are a few challenges yet before it goes ahead, but it will be absolutely amazing if it does. Hopefully it’s a display that sends a message about how proud we are of this season – regardless of where we finish in the league. It’s in the hands of God!”

The fact that Wor Flags have planned something ‘pretty exciting’ should not come as a surprise, of course, given how the 60-strong fan group always go big for the final home game of the campaign. Think back to the blue star and that night in 2022 when St James’ Park was so ferocious that one volunteer felt Arsenal were ‘beaten in the tunnel’.

Or how about the last time Newcastle sealed Champions League qualification? That was an occasion when some of the players were visibly moved by the huge surfer in the East Stand depicting Eddie Howe’s side alongside a banner reading: “Hard work pays off. Dreams come true. Bad times don’t last but legends do.”

The huge surfer in the East Stand before Newcastle United’s clash against Leicester City in 2023

Pundit Gabby Agbonlahor bizarrely took aim at them, but the individual displays have also left their mark. Anthony Gordon was ‘almost crying on the pitch’ after Wor Flags paid homage to the England international while the usually ice-cool Alexander Isak was ‘humbled’ following his own tribute.

“That’s exactly what we’re going for in terms of wanting the players to feel like they’re at home,” Concannon explained. “It’s just trying to set the tone that you’re absolutely loved here and you won’t be this loved anywhere else.

“One of my favourites was for Sandro Tonali against Tottenham. It was going to be his first game back and we did a massive display in the Gallowgate.

“That was the one that really stood out to me where you are giving a huge message of support. At other clubs, it might have turned quite sour but it didn’t here. It had the opposite effect. Everyone was behind him throughout.”

It is just not the players who have felt that support. Howe, for instance, was ‘very emotional’ after seeing a giant tifo in his honour unfurled down the side of a hotel across from St James’ a couple of months ago.

Wor Flags meeting Newcastle United players and staff in 2022

Howe has long praised Wor Flag’s efforts – declaring that they are ‘very special and a big part of what we are here’ – and the Newcastle boss even invited volunteers to the training ground a few years back to give a presentation. Players and staff quickly learnt about the long hours the unpaid group members spend away from their families and the time some individuals even take off work to bring the displays to life. It was Howe’s way of keeping his players inspired during the run-in.

“It was surreal,” Concannon recalled. “You’re looking at the people you idolise and they’re listening to you talk about some flag displays. It was just incredible.

“What that did highlight was the change in culture at the club and the relationship that was building with the supporters. Not just Wor Flags, but the entire fan base. We were just a small part of it. It was great to see.

“He really took some time to talk to us as a whole group and to give us the opportunity to meet some of the players and have a chat with them. That stood us in good stead in the years that followed because we still get good support from the players when they post it on their social media and the odd one might make a donation. Hopefully it’s something they really appreciate.”

The displays, in truth, set the tone as the ‘get into them’ banner so often has this season and few visiting sides have relished coming to St James’ of late. In fact, Newcastle are bidding to win 13 Premier League games at home in a season for the first time since Sir Bobby Robson was at the helm.

Eddie Howe and assistant Jason Tindall celebrate after Newcastle United score against Chelsea at St James’ Park earlier this month

The Magpies have defeated Arsenal and Chelsea twice apiece at St James’ in all competitions; beaten Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, Spurs and Manchester United; and taken a deserved point off both Liverpool and Manchester City. Digging deeper, since Howe took charge of a relegation-threatened side, in 2021, Newcastle have only lost 11 of a possible 70 top-flight fixtures at home.

“It feels like we have got something back at St James’ again that is a huge advantage,” Concannon reflected. “It’s started to win us points again.

“I think we saw that in multiple games throughout the season where the atmosphere has been brilliant and it’s helped. We flew out of the blocks against Chelsea and got the early goal.

“Something has definitely changed in that sense. Without wanting to sound too corny, it feels like a fortress again.”

Newcastle certainly need St James’ to be at its febrile best on Sunday to get the win they need to qualify for the Champions League and Concannon revealed the fan-funded group already have ‘some ideas’ for next season if the Magpies manage to secure a seat at Europe’s top table. There also remains the possibility of a first Tyne-Wear derby at St James’ since Wor Flags first came together nearly a decade ago.

“We’re keeping an eye on the result on Saturday,” Concannon smiled ahead of the Championship play-off final. “I’ll be honest and say that I hope it doesn’t happen.”