Much has been made - me included - of Newcastle United's lowest Premier League crowd for almost a decade against Bolton Wanderers, but I should stress that a crowd of 47,711 is still a damn sight more than most other clubs in the top flight are able to enjoy.
Certainly, considering the fact Newcastle have been a mid-table Premier League side, at best, since Sir Bobby Robson prematurely departed four years ago thanks to the stupidity of a certain former chairman, a crowd of that size is a remarkable achievement.
However, this does not mean the alarm bells should not be ringing in the boardroom because, dare I say it, there has been a certain amount of complacency shown.
The fact remains at least 4,000 supporters did not turn up against Bolton. I can't possibly speak for all of them, but my suggestion would be that, although the economic downturn and summer holidays played a part, there is a growing ambivalence after years of under-achievement.
Couple this with the increase in season-ticket prices - unless you committed yourself to another three years - the lack of communication between the club and supporters through the media (an obvious complaint of mine!), the constant uncertainty surrounding Ashley's plans for the club because of the steady trickle (often inadequately answered by the club) of stories claiming he wants to sell and the lack of signings in the transfer market, you can see why this atmosphere has been created.
It is far too early to start saying the fans are deserting their club or that football's bubble has burst, but it is clear there are a rising number of followers who still need to be convinced the team is worth their considerable time, money and energy again this season.
I've never seen cash turnstiles in operation for a league game at SJP and let's not forget the club also had a number of other incentives running to try and get the punters in like a £10 ticket with the new silver shirt and a free pint before kick-off.
The club were pushing tickets frantically in the days leading up to the game and even the independent fanzine website NUFC.com was used to try and persuade more people to part with their wedge. There is obviously concern within the United hierarchy about the situation.
It isn't a crisis yet, by any means, and it is disappointing to see some people in the media reporting it as such, but it is an interesting issue nonetheless and one which deserves to be highlighted because it is so unusual to see at SJP.
As Kevin Keegan admitted after the 1-0 win, it is up to him and the players to persuade people to return with results and performances on the pitch, but a couple of exciting signings before the close of the transfer window next Monday might also add to the sense of optimism at the start of another campaign.
On a brighter note, Newcastle's start to the season has been encouraging. They didn't play particularly well against Bolton, but they ground out the win and that isn't something that would have happened last term.
Four points from the first two games is a good return and they will travel to Arsenal in decent spirits next weekend, presuming that is, they don't suffer another Carling Cup disaster against Coventry on Tuesday night.
It is ridiculous Newcastle have only reached one League Cup Final, back in 1976 and that clubs like Swindon and Oxford United have been to more semi-finals in that competition.
Once again, the League Cup will be seen as United's most realistic chance of silverware, but given their dubious track record - and their propensity to draw either Arsenal or Chelsea away from home in cup competitions - you wouldn't put your money on anything changing would you?
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