Mick Martin: “Let’s not forget just how big this club is and the fact it is the heart and soul of the city.
“Other than the football club there is not a great deal going on, the city thrives on the football club and it has always been like that.
"That is why when there is no voice from the top coming from the chairman or the owner it becomes so awkward and frustrations start to build up.
“I have plenty of people asking me what is going on at the club because they know I used to play for the team.
“It starts in the butchers with people asking me if they should renew their season ticket and then it continues in the supermarket with people asking me why Kevin Nolan left and who Yohan Cabaye is!
“This happens on a daily basis now, but I have to say I don’t know the answers to some of their questions about the club. There are some things football clubs cannot talk about, which is understandable.
“However, if the punters had a better idea of which direction they are moving in it would be better for everybody.
“I think it is great Mike Ashley has balanced the sheets out.
“However, for the supporter in general, they want to see players coming in who excite them. Now is the time to do it.
“August traditionally is the time of year when fans want to spend their money and get their season ticket, but they will not if they do not see players who excite them coming in.
"This is the chance to get the feel-good factor started and then it goes on from there into the new season.
“The dynamics of life on Tyneside are that Saturdays are all about the game and a win makes your weekend and you go out and celebrate.
“That carries over to Monday morning in work and it makes your week.
“If you lose you analyse the game and then you start looking ahead to the next fixture.
“The fans need positive vibes to feed from and when they get it St James’ Park is a great place to be, but they are not getting them at the moment.”