The statement from the Newcastle United Supporters' Club (NUSC) comes after months of unrest following Kevin Keegan's resignation in September.

Most disgruntled fans blamed Ashley for Keegan's departure, and called for the billionaire businessman to sell the club immediately.

But Ashley has been struggling to find a buyer, and NUSC says fans are now willing to give Ashley a second chance, as they fear the state of limbo could harm the club.

NUSC chairman Malcolm Shiels said: "He has made mistakes and he probably knows it.

"If he were to actually come out and admit those mistakes, and express a desire to look forward rather than back, I think most fans would be OK with that."

Ashley appointed Joe Kinnear as interim manager after Keegan's departure, and, much to the surprise of the fans, Kinnear has picked up 10 points from a possible 24 and guided the Magpies out of the bottom three,

* Fans are being 'ripped-off' by the sky-high price of lager at St James's Park and the Stadium of Light, it has been claimed.
The Liberal Democrats slammed Newcastle United and Sunderland AFC for charging £3.20 a pint – 44p more than an average pub.

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