LASCELLES CALLS ON FURIOUS FANS TO HELP PUT FUN BACK INTO TOON

momentum. It’s fun, nothing better. That’s what we want now.”

A section of Newcastle fans called the Magpie Group believe direct action will force Ashley to sell.

They want to boycott the game against Wolves in December. Seven other demos are planned.

Lascelles respects their right to protest, but wants some unity

– and noise – back in the muted St

James’ Park stands.

The defender, 24, added: “If there are divides, it creates problems. If everyone in Newcastle stopped the negativity, that would help.

“When there are problems off the pitch, it does have an effect on you as players. Everything’s separate. It affects the chemistry inside the changing room.

“I’m speaking honestly and it might not be what everyone wants to hear.

“It’s important everyone is together, especially when we’re down at the bottom of the table.”

Reflecting on Newcastle’s controversial owner, he said: “The meal we had last month with Mike was really positive.

“He’s a nice guy. He seems a normal guy. We talked man to man about stuff.

“I understand the fans’ frustration – they want more. Newcastle has done well over the years and played higher up the table than we’re playing now, so that expectation is still there with the fans.

“All I’d say is as a player, when 52,000 Geordies get behind us at St James’ Park, it gives us such an uplift and that’s exactly what we need right now.”

Lascelles insists he and his teammates do care. He said: “I love being captain here. At the minute, there is a lot of pressure. It’s not even pressure, it’s more me, as a person, wanting to give back to the fans.

“I’ll beat myself up about that, not being able to give them the three points because I genuinely do care.

“It’s about how hard we work, how far they travel, how much money they put into watching us play and I can’t give them anything back – that eats at me more than anything.

“It’s a different feeling to the season we got relegated last time. People care and people want to turn it around. Once we get that first victory, things will turn round.”

On his new deal, he said: “I’m over the moon. It’s all I ever wanted, to be tied to a long-term contract at a massive club like Newcastle.

“It’s my prime years. I’m a centre-half and centrehalves don’t get to their prime until 26 or 27. I’ve got a lot more to offer.”