Way back in February 2015 (or is that just me?), Newcastle United joined with other Premier League member clubs and agreed to make significant changes in facilities for disabled supporters who wished to attend live matches.
The Accessible Stadia Guide framework was a while in formulation and it has often been criticised based on the lack of progress made by some clubs and in how far it actually went.
❤️ St. James’ Park.
Open for everyone.Contact #NUFC's disability support team:
📞 0191 201 8457
📧 disabilitysupport@nufc.co.uk pic.twitter.com/2LbqWNFVUQ— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) November 20, 2018
Some clubs though had been more speedy in making changes and for anyone following the progress, they will have noted a number of other clubs have made announcements in recent seasons about their own progress towards compliance.
A lot of press was garnered the other year given the number of clubs who were set to miss out on what was a Premier League self-set deadline for compliance, but this week Newcastle United made an announcement of their own on the topic.
Given how important this is for a number of our fans, plenty were more than happy to take to social media to praise the club, as it was a much-needed step in football and plenty of other issues obviously remain.
I'm shocked. Credit where it's due, this is quality.
— lean rock one (@phillherring) November 20, 2018
Not one bad comment. Has to be a first. Great work by everyone at the club ⚫️⚪️⚫️⚪️
— Chris Haggerty (@chrishaggerty82) November 20, 2018
Well done to all involved????
— David Vose (@DavidVose2) November 20, 2018
Fantastic NUFC ????????????
— Sean Adams ⚒ (@SeanyAdamsWHU) November 20, 2018
At last there’s something positive at St James. Well done everyone who made this happen.
— Pauline Fanning (@paulinefanning) November 20, 2018