Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has dismissed criticism of how he runs the club.

Ashley has responded to a Parliamentary petition criticising his ownership, tabled by Newcastle Central MP Chi Onwurah, by hitting back.

He said: "Our training facilities have greatly improved during my tenure.

"They are fit for purpose, and very clearly do not have a negative impact on performance, given we secured a place in the top 10 of the Premier League last season."

Ashley also accused Onwurah of presenting a "wholly inaccurate" picture of his ownership.

Ashley says his cash continues to support Newcastle - with his current loan to the club standing at £144million.

He points to clubs like Sunderland and Leeds, who failed to bounce back after relegation, as examples of how his support has aided the club.