Newcastle United boss Joe Kinnear admits he has sensed a new determination in owner Mike Ashley to address the problems which have blighted the club since his original masterplan went up in smoke.

He said: "He [Ashley] is very keen to get on an even keel, and the only we can do that is to start getting results.

"It's about bringing Michael down and looking at the situation and him saying, 'I am prepared to back the club back again' as he has done in the past.

"Hopefully, I can forge a future friendship with him."