I live in Newcastle and don't think their fans are always as passionate as they make out. There's a bit of context to this in my opinion. For a start it's a one-club city so there's the Leeds scenario where there's noone else to divide the support.
Re the recent games at the Lane, away fans usually try and outsing the home fans in any football match as they're outnumbered so overcompensate. Also TV studios often turn up the volume on the pitchside mics next to away fans.
Where were all their fans when they went down to the first division in 2009 or the 90s? Just look at the attendances. A Fairs Cup (UEFA) in the 60's and a few FA Cups is the extent of their success too. I see blokes with Geordie accents wearing City, Woolwich and Chelsea shirts here walking around town or at 5-aside games, anecdotal but whatever.
I love the Geordies, they're friendly and lively people (my fairer half is one) but not when it comes to football.
Cheers....not sure I would fault their attendances for 2009 though..
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/spor...wcastle-fans-smash-attendance-records-1413207