Newcastle train in front of 12,000 fans at St James' Park open day... with new signing Joselu joining team-mates and scoring impressive volley

  • Newcastle trained under bright sunshine at St James' Park on Thursday
  • Thousands of supporters got a first glimpse of new signing Joselu
  • The striker completed his £5million move from Stoke on Wednesday
  • Jonjo Shelvey also took part despite his three-game suspension 

Rafa Benitez put his Newcastle players through their paces in front thousands of fans as the club staged an open day at St James' Park.

Around 12,000 supporters attended the event under bright sunshine on Thursday and got a first look at new signing Joselu, who scored an impressive volley which would have got fans of the Toon Army off their seat.


The 27-year-old striker, who completed his £5million move from Stoke on Wednesday, trained with his team-mates, as did Jonjo Shelvey, who will not play again until September 10 because of suspension after being sent off in Sunday's 2-0 home defeat by Tottenham.

Newcastle trained under bright sunshine during an open day at St James' Park on Thursday

Newcastle trained under bright sunshine during an open day at St James' Park on Thursday

Magpies fans got a first glimpse of new £5million signing Joselu from Stoke

Magpies fans got a first glimpse of new £5million signing Joselu from Stoke

Rafa Benitez puts his side through their paces ahead of the weekend trip to Huddersfield

Rafa Benitez puts his side through their paces ahead of the weekend trip to Huddersfield

Skipper Jamaal Lascelles admitted the open day crowd underlined the size of the club.

He said: 'It's massive. I can't thank them (the fans) enough because as players it does mean a lot when you travel down to London, you have got a massive following and sell-outs everywhere.

'It means the world the fans. I get disappointed when we can't perform on the pitch because I feel like we're not giving them anything back.

Jonjo Shelvey trained despite picking up a three match ban for his red card on Sunday

Jonjo Shelvey trained despite picking up a three match ban for his red card on Sunday

Thousands of fans gathered at St James' Park to take part in the open training day

Thousands of fans gathered at St James' Park to take part in the open training day

'That's why I always try to give my all. They deserve everything.'

Defenders Florian Lejeune and Paul Dummett were conspicuous by their absence as they continued their recoveries from ankle ligament and hamstring injuries respectively.

Benitez needs to find replacements for both - as well as Shelvey - ahead of Sunday's visit to Huddersfield, who announced their arrival in the top flight with a stunning 3-0 victory at Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Midfielder Mo Diame attempts some acrobatics during Thursday's training session

Midfielder Mo Diame attempts some acrobatics during Thursday's training session