Alan Shearer says Newcastle fans can "dare to dream again".

The Magpies are now owned by a mega-rich Saudi-backed consortium, who completed a 305m takeover from previous owner Mike Ashley on Thursday.

New club director Amanda Staveley has already promised that the club wants to compete for titles, and Toon great Shearer couldn't be happier.

"I tweeted maybe a couple of hours ago when the deal was done we can dare to hope again," Shearer told the Chronicle.

"That's exactly what it is because all we've done is tick along and survive for 14 years. We've had no real ambition other than to survive, cup competitions have just been non-existent for Newcastle United.

"This city, this football club and particularly our fans deserve better because they're so loyal, they love their football club and their life is Newcastle United.

"It all depends on whether Newcastle United win on a Saturday, that means fans will have a good week. They work hard all week and spend their money to have a good time, and having a good time is spending money on Newcastle United.

"I understand totally why there is so much happiness in the city today and I'm exactly the same.

"I understand also that questions have to be asked with the human rights issues, it's really important we don't brush it under the carpet. We have to educate ourselves and this I think this will only highlight it even more.

"Our fans need to know they matter. For 14 years, they haven't and that's why it's such a special day for them today."
Asked what the dream was for him, Shearer added: "The dream is that we have an owner that wants to try and give us a little bit of hope. There is this assumption about Newcastle fans that they are demanding and want too much.

"There isn't, they just want a little bit of hope and excitement. They want to know they are going into a season trying - not just trying to survive, but trying to achieve what their football club can be.

"There is no harm in that, and I really understand our excitement because of that."