He has not been welcome on Tyneside for three and a half years, when he clashed with then manager Kevin Keegan over transfer policy.
Keegan resigned and vociferous demonstrations followed ... not least his attempts at selling naming rights for St James' Park.
However, things have gone quiet with supporters, following United's charge for a Champions League place.
The billionaire was spotted by Toon fans in the Tup Tup Palace nightclub in the city centre after Newcastle's victory against Liverpool at the start of the month.
Ashley was also seen with Newcastle fans in a casino in Swansea before a 2-0 victory there.