Newcastle made record profits in 2013-2014 but this has not been reflected in performances on the pitch according to one of their supporters. Norman Watson, chairman of the Newcastle United Supporters' Trust, told BBC Sport: "None of this profit is being reflected on the pitch. The club went nearly 18 months without signing a full-time professional player on a permanent deal.

"Fans want to see money invested in the playing staff. Before the Arsenal match we had only 13 fully fit first-team players - the squad is extremely thin on the ground."