Former Newcastle United boss Graeme Souness was happy to see Mike Ashley break his silence yesterday.

Souness said Ashley should have acted to try and win over the fans much earlier.

He said: "He should have done that years ago. I think he's come across really well there, he's shown a bit of passion.

"It's not what the majority here want to hear - that he's going to stay here and won't sell the club for any price. 'I think he should have had that interview a long time ago and got a few of these people onside. That's a positive interview he's given there."