Former Newcastle United midfielder John Barnes believes they stayed up last season helped by the absence of fans.
Barnes feels his former side 'didn't really suffer without fans in the stadium' because it meant they 'weren't there to boo them'.
"Newcastle didn't really suffer without fans in the stadium because it meant they weren't there to boo them," Barnes told Bonus Code Bets.
"Most of the criticism was on social media and the general atmosphere. If the fans were there booing them it would make a bigger impact. When they were close to the bottom three and looked like they might go down, had the fans been there it could have worked against them.
"The fans not being there, while the disharmony was going on, actually helped Newcastle to stay up and finish the season strongly.
"I think Newcastle are in good shape. I don't know about the harmony in the group, within the club and the fans. I know the fans are upset but they have to support the team until the man they don't like is not there anymore.
"Them not supporting the club and booing the players and the manager isn't going to help on the pitch. Booing the owners isn't going to get rid of them. I've had a bit of stick from Newcastle fans as if I'm supporting Mike Ashley - I'm not.
"It doesn't matter to me, I support the players and want the team to do well. How well they do depends on the fans If they don't support the team it could be another relegation battle.
"They've got enough quality to look for a mid table position. I can't say how the season will go because I don't know how the fans will respond. If they respond well, maybe they can finish in the top half."
