Former Newcastle United director Denis Cassidy has urged fans to give club owner Mike Ashley a chance.
Cassidy was a director and later chairman of Newcastle United's plc board.
He told the Evening Chronicle: "Newcastle could make massive strides in the next couple of years. They are doing the right thing by not indulging in trophy signings.
"I can see no reason why, after this season, we should not be in the top six if judicious signings are made, if a proper management team is put in place to run the club, the lines of command are appropriate and if they share with the fans their plans for making Newcastle United successful again.
"If the people and the city of Newcastle can be brought into the fold the club have every chance.
"Yes, there are a lot of ifs, but Mike Ashley has everything he needs to make it happen. It's down to him."