After staging 23 league games, four cup matches and several under-23 and FA Youth Cup fixtures last season, then hosting the Dacia Magic Weekend last month, the hallowed turf has been dug up.

It will be replaced with a brand new pitch for the 2017/18 season and seeding will take place later this week.

Last season, the Magpies were highly commended in the EFL Grounds Team of the Season awards, which recognise the importance of the quality of pitches for professional football and acknowledge the clubs and their ground staff who consistently produce the best playing surfaces in the EFL.

And stadium manager Eddie Rutherford said: "We're confident that the pitch will be even better next season."

On Wednesday morning, the fixtures for next season's top flight campaign were revealed, and Newcastle are at home to Tottenham Hotspur on the opening day.

Season tickets go on general sale next week. You can renew your seat here.