‘TOON ARE HALL I’D WISHED FOR’

FORMER Newcastle United chairman Sir John Hall turns 90 on Tuesday – and admits: “It’s like having all my birthdays at once watching Eddie Howe’s side.”

Together with Kevin Keegan, Hall (above) rescued the Toon from the financial precipice and relegation into the third tier.

The club enthralled the Geordie nation – and much of the country – with the 90s side known as ‘The Entertainers’.

‘’I’m going to have an epitaph put on my grave, ‘He never really wanted to own a football team’,” said Hall, laughing.

“I ended up as the catalyst. I like to think what’s happening now is a continuation of what we did as the Magpie Group taking control of the club.

“We were so lucky that we found Kevin Keegan to kick-start the wonderful years in the 90s.”

And he feels that the club are also fortunate to have attracted current owners – the Saudi Arabia backed Public Investment Fund – together with manager Eddie Howe.

“I’m old enough to realise it won’t happen overnight,” said Hall.

“We’re on a journey and as long as Amanda [Staveley, Toon co-owner] and her team stick with us, we will get there.

“If we are going to challenge consistently for the top five, it’s going to be how clever, how good the recruitment is.

“It’s a completely different world now, paying £100million for players and outrageous salaries.

“It’s impossible for most owners to compete. They might call it the most exciting league – but I fear for the game from the majority of fans’ points of view.

“For Newcastle’s owners there is no choice but to join the madness.”

Hall added: “If we stay in the top six, I would be happy. That would be a nice birthday present.

“There is a bond now with the fans and we will have the best facilities and be able to compete with anyone in the world.”