The Entertained: The Toon Army on film.

Words: George Dixon/ FloodlightsOn

Images: George Dixon/ FloodlightsOn

At the start of last season, Eddie Howe spoke about his ambition for the style of play he wanted to produce at Newcastle: “If you want to call it sexy, I’ve got no problem saying that. I want to play attractive football. I want the supporters to be entertained.”

We certainly were, Eddie. And then some.

I’m sure I’m speaking on behalf of every toon supporter here when I say that not a single one of us was prepared for what unfolded last season. Sure enough, after our incredible turnaround during the second half of the previous campaign, there was more optimism in the air than usual last summer. A push for a top 8 finish, and, for once, hopefully a bit of a cup run would’ve done nicely. Baby steps etc. The lads on the pitch thought otherwise…

Fast-forward to now, and every so often I’m reminiscing what could have been at Wembley in our first cup final for 24 years, while the club shop churns out black and white shirts with Champions League badges attached to sleeves for the first time in 20 years. Some transformation.

I was lucky enough to be a part of the ride, coincidentally with a camera in my pocket, and now I find myself releasing ‘The Entertained’, a 268-page photo book documenting match-day moments as I saw them throughout our incredible 2022-23 season. From lively concourses to late-winner pandemonium in the stands to pyro and cans at Trafalgar Square to sun-swept Geordies on Thames boats. ‘The Entertained’ features snapshots of the party - both on and off the pitch.

©George Dixon/ Terrace Edition. Newcastle United.

I never planned to make anything like this, but in the latter months of the season I was encouraged by a surprising number of followers to turn the photos I’d been posting on my socials into print format so they could have a keepsake to look back on. I’ve always loved keeping physical photo albums myself, so I loved the idea and thought it could be a fun project to make one for others.

I originally created my social account, @FloodlightsOn, as a place to share my experiences captured on 35mm film, a hobby I discovered in late 2019 when a friend let me borrow one of his camera’s for a trip to St. James’ Park for the Man United game in October 2019. Steve Bruce was the manager. Mike Ashley the owner. Matty Longstaff the match-winner (on his Premier League debut no less). Worlds away from the situation the club is in today. I eventually got the photos back and fell in love with the grainy, nostalgic look they carried, and couldn’t wait to load my next roll.

FloodlightsOn was born a bit later in January 2021, when lockdown restrictions were still firmly in place. Based in London, my content initially revolved around visits to stadiums on match days, photographing the atmosphere and mood with fans banished from grounds. Supporters far and wide felt the same void, so the return through the turnstiles - hopefully for good - was always going to be special.

As soon I could go to Newcastle matches again, I knew was never going to leave my camera at home. I wanted to showcase what it’s like being part of one of the most passionate fanbases in the world, and to capture moments of whatever unfolded for the team on the pitch.

The rest is a whirlwind history, and ‘The Entertained’ is the result of my experiences following the lads, our entertainers, during the 2022-23 season, available to order during a limited pre-sale window from 20th July to 17th August 2023.

Howay the lads!