Exclusive: Newcastle boss Eddie Howe says atmosphere during Paris Saint-Germain win 'will always live long in my memory’

Eddie Howe has praised Newcastle fans for their “unique” support, recalling his team’s 4-1 victory against Paris Saint-Germain at St James’ Park as a particular highlight.

Newcastle stunned French champions PSG in the UEFA Champions League group stage in October.

It was their first Champions League home game for 20 years, and although the team ended up finishing bottom of their group, the match will likely end up being the highlight of the season for Newcastle fans.

The victory also made a lasting impression on Howe, who spoke to Lynsey Hipgrave for the TNT Sports' show 'In My Blood'.

“I think most home games to be honest,” Howe said, when asked when he had felt the power of the St James’ Park crowd.

“Of course that's where you feel the full power of a crowd. I think the PSG game will always live long in my memory in terms of what we delivered, but it's not just what we delivered. It's what the crowd helped us deliver that day.

“I think right from minute one, they were in the game, they were backing the players, and the players responded brilliantly. That was everyone coming together, probably for as close as we could get to being our best.”

Two life-long Newcastle fans – Dan Burn and Sean Longstaff – were on the scoresheet during the 4-1 win.

Although Newcastle now have the financial power to bring in overseas superstars, Howe insisted that it was still important to have local players within the club.

“We always say we absolutely love our local players,” he said. “We know how important they are to us and to the football club. I see every day what they give the club, and their love for the club is visible.

“You can see they are absolutely committed – if there's a reserve game, under-23s, a women's game, they are usually there supporting, just the club in general. So I think they've got a real affinity that goes very deep.”

Howe, who has previously managed Bournemouth and Burnley, praised Newcastle fans for their passion for the club.

“Passion for the game, passion for the football club,” he explained. “It is unique. I've never experienced anything quite like this, where you have generational support.

“In one family, you'll have a small kid, you'll have the adult, then you'll have the grandparents all going to the game together. Absolutely Newcastle through and through, and such loyalty and dedication to their club.

“For me, it's epitomised by what happens here at the training ground, when you can't arrive without seeing supporters no matter what time you get here, and you can't leave without seeing supporters, again, no matter what time you leave. It’s in the blood here.”

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