Massive upgrades predicted at Newcastle United under Saudi-funded consortium who are 'not coming in to make money'

Former Chelsea defender Cundy believes the PIF, Reuben Brothers and PCP Capital Partners takeover of the Magpies is a game-changer at St James's Park – and he thinks the days of Ashley’s penny-pinching are long gone.

“This guy rocking up at Newcastle, he is not there to make money, he is not there to be a Mike Ashley,” he said.

“He is not going in there to watch every penny - they are going to throw money at it.

“They won't mind how much money they spend but it has to spent right. And that means getting the right people, in the right jobs, making the right decisions. That isn't always easy.”

One of the key errors of Ashley first few months in charge was exactly that – not employing the right people to do the right jobs.

It is for that reason, Cundy thinks things will be different on Tyneside this time.

“This is a game-changer. Steve Bruce has done a very good job, but they are moving to the next level – they will not stick with some of the players they have there,” he said.

“Everyone knows they are going to upgrade everywhere - on the pitch, in the dugout, scouting, everything is going to be upgraded.

“You have seen what has happened at Manchester City, the infrastructure, it is magnificent.

“They have done that because they are there for the right reasons.”