A better up and go

away from achieving something like that.

In fact, where the Magpies are currently perched in the Premier League table is probably the best they will achieve under Ashley’s guidance and with the limited resources available.

Yes, there is Premier League TV money to come but given Newcastle’s cautious approach in the windows, watching on as United are outbid for players by the likes of Burnley and AFC Bournemouth moving forward is not fans’ idea of fun (remember that is what football is meant to be about!).

With Amanda Staveley and PCP Capital Partners prepared to take the club off Ashley’s hands and even offer an eventual deal which could see the owner walk away with a profit, this is the best chance for everybody to wipe the slate clean.

The alternative is a gloomy one for the Magpies.

If Rafa Benitez is prepared to stay on and scrape funds together for another disappointing January window, a relegation scrap could be the only thing on the horizon.

Were Newcastle to end up in turmoil again, Ashley would be left with a club he does not want and an organisation about to see its value drop significantly.

The current price being bandied around could be as a good as it gets for Ashley and he would not be walking away after chants for him to go by disgruntled fans.

Newcastle United’s relationship with Ashley feels like it has run its course.

There has surely never been a better opportunity for him to sell up with the club in reasonable shape.