Mike Ashey's surprise pledge to Newcastle United's players

Ashley spent time with head coach Bruce and his squad after landing on Tyneside in midweek, and the club’s owner – who is considering legal action against the Premier League over its unwillingness to approve the Amanda Staveley-led takeover in its current form – revealed that he intends to watch more matches this season.

Bruce and his players went out for a team meal on Wednesday night ahead of Saturday’s season-opener against West Ham United at the London Stadium.

Midfielder Jonjo Shelvey told Sky Sports: “We had some steak and chips. It was good to get everyone in the same room for team bonding. The owner told us he’s going to go to more matches this year. He picked up the bill too, which was nice.”

Ashley’s visits to St James's Park have been few and far between in recent seasons.