Ashley had been linked with a quick sale after buying the club in a £133m deal this summer.

But the billionaire did his best to show his commitment by turning up to Newcastle's last three games wearing a replica shirt, a move which both raised eyebrows in the directors' box and endeared him to fans on the terraces.

The move, however, did not surprise his long-time associate Mort, who has been tasked with the day-to-day running of United by Ashley.

Mort said: "Mike's enjoying the games after coming to a few in the last few weeks.

"It was a surprise to some people that Mike wore the shirt at the games, but Mike's nature - and I've said this all along - is one of a football supporter.

"He asked me to run the club – he just wants to support the club.

"I'll continue to run the club and he'll continue supporting the team, which he's thoroughly enjoying doing."

Ashley is delighted with Newcastle's unbeaten start to the season under new manager Sam Allardyce.

Mort added: "Everything's going very well, and we're still working hard at the club.

"The transfer window was a busy time, and we spent time focusing on getting the squad right, but we are delighted with the signings we brought in.

"We're now focusing on making sure the squad is kept in good shape, but we are also working on other aspects of the club.

"The unbeaten run has been very good for us so far.

"Clearly, we'll have our moments when it doesn't go so well, but at the moment the unbeaten run's still going.

"And we'll be delighted to keep it going as long as we can."

Meanwhile, the closing of the transfer window at the end of last month has not dampened all the speculation surrounding United's players.

Emre was linked with a January return to his native Turkey over the weekend.

But Mort says outgoing transfers are the last thing on everyone's mind as Allardyce looks to settle in the nine players he signed over the summer.

"The work now is to bed those players into the squad and make sure they gel together," said Mort.

"There's obviously a lot of work to be done in order to do that.

"We won't think about new signings until we get the current squad working together.

"There is competition for places all over the pitch, which is healthy for Newcastle United."

Mort is expected to speak to personally re-open contract talks with Steven Taylor and his father Alf later this week, with the defender having turned down a new five-year contract.