TOON BACK ON SONG.

Byline: By LEE RYDER

CHRIS MORT may well be in the twilight of his short career at St James's Park - but today it was a case of "business as usual" for the Toon chief as exciting plans for next season were announced.

The Chronicle confirmed that Mort will be leaving Gallowgate yesterday after an enterprising first year, which seems almost certain to culminate in him being replaced by his deputy Derek Llambias.

Yet Mort is still hard at work behind his desk at St James's.

Since United were promoted to the Premier League in 1993, fans have been crying out for a "singing section" at St James's Park - and today Mort finally delivered it.

Despite United's below-par season last term, the return of freeflowing football under Kevin Keegan also meant that season ticket renewal forms, which will land on Tyneside doormats next week, are now being eagerly anticipated.

And a list of unfolding developments will include:

THE creation of 'Leazes Corner' to house those fans who like to generate a noisy atmosphere, with prices at pounds 390 for adults;

A MUCH larger family enclosure - almost treble the size of the previous area - where season tickets will cost just pounds 300 for adults and pounds 100 for children;

AND a guaranteed price freeze for any fan who signs up to buy their season ticket for the next three seasons.

Mort told the Chronicle: "Over the course of the year I've spoken to lots of fans about how we can improve things at St James's Park.

"Two themes have regularly cropped up in those conversations.

"One was somehow creating a section in the ground where likeminded fans - who enjoy singing - can come together to generate a great atmosphere and get behind the team for 90 minutes."

Mort pulled off a masterstroke when he hired opera singer Graham Danby, whose rousing rendition of the Blaydon Races ahead of the 2-0 win over Sunderland in April whipped the crowd into a frenzy.

But while Mort feels that the current set of fans are vital to the club next season, he also has an eye on the future.

Speaking on the financial packages available for young Magpies, he said: "The other issue was getting more of our younger fans into the ground.

"And I really think with the changes we are making for next season we've been able to deliver on both.

"We want Leazes Corner to be a place where the noise and backing for the team really causes a stir, and we've purposely reduced prices for fans to sit in that section of the ground.

"The larger family enclosure, with reduced prices, furthers our commitment to looking after young supporters, something we started last season with the ticket initiatives for the friendlies, and which we continued with the 10- game season tickets after Christmas."

United will almost treble the family enclosure, and it will also move to Level 7 in the Milburn Stand.

The new Leazes Corner will also see visiting fans now housed at the East Stand end of Level 7 of the Sir John Hall Stand.

And the developments continue with a 'price-freeze' incentive for all fans who commit to buying a season ticket for the next three campaigns.

A club statement said: "Any fan who chooses to pay up front for their next three years' season tickets can also take advantage of the added bonus of a 10% discount.

"Other fans can simply pay for their 2008/09 season ticket now and then pay for the next two in interest-free instalments over two 10-month periods.

Prices are those as set in June 2007."

Other changes see the expansion and relocation of the Press Box in the Milburn Paddock.

The statement continued: "Unfortunately, that will involve the displacement of a small number of fans, but those supporters and others on Level 7 who will also be moving, can call in at St James's Park during June to meet box office staff and look at alternative seats.

"And any fan who is moving as a result of these changes will NOT have to pay a higher price - even if they are moved to a more expensive area."

The deadline for 2008/09 season tickets will be Tuesday, June 17.

CAPTION(S):

IN WITH A SHOUT: Chris Mort (right) has heeded fans' calls for a singing section within St James's Park