VIEW FROM THE STANDS

Last season was not as secure as 12th made it look. Despite beating the drop with games to spare, it was a miserable campaign… until Joe Willock started doing Joe Willock things every week. The big talking point among the

fans is Schrödinger’s Takeover, once again. Despite it categorically, 100 per cent being off more than a year ago, “fresh” developments have emerged every day since and we’re still no closer to it happening.

I’ve really missed the buzz in the city. Newcastle fans get pelters for insisting that there’s a uniqueness to the club, but the ground being so centralised does genuinely bring the whole place to life on a matchday.

I won’t be happy unless owner Mike Ashley finally sells. His recent rebranding as a man standing up to the Premier League to get what’s best for his football club is a laugh.

Our key player will be Callum Wilson. While Allan Saint- Maximin makes me feel things I didn’t think were possible to feel, ultimately it’s Wilson’s goals that make or break this Magpies team. Our most underrated player is

Jacob Murphy. He initially looked like a spectacular waste of money, but his development last season was one of the few bright spots. The fans’ opinion of the gaffer is not good. There’s a perception that we’ve had it in for Steve Bruce from day one, but in reality he’s had more than a fair chance. Dire displays and air- brained comments to the press have eroded most of his support.

We’ll finish talking about the new takeover. In the league? We’d snap your hand off for 14th right now.