Alan Shearer: “I found it sad when they came out last year and said that the league was their priority.
“I get that and I understand that but that meant they weren’t focused on cup competitions and, realistically, Newcastle can win only the Capital One Cup or the FA Cup.
“So to put out a weakened team against Cardiff in the FA Cup in January and lose left me annoyed, angry and surprised.
“The FA Cup is one hell of a huge trophy to Newcastle fans. What they hope for is a great day out at the final.
“There have been threats of season-ticket strikes and not buying tickets but if the club sign three or four players, in fact get ONE top player, 50,000 fans will turn out at St James’ Park because they love their football.
“I just hope that this season we can kick on. We are not going to win the league and we are probably not going to finish in the top six.
“So we have to aim to finish between sixth and tenth and have a good cup run.
“We need to get off to a good start because we had a dreadful back end to last season. It was hard work watching them. For the first time last year in the box in which I have a share, we couldn’t fill it for one game.
“I pay my share with nine other guys. I always pay my way, pay for my ticket.
“It’s a ten-seater box and we could not give tickets away. Only three or four wanted to go – I hope that doesn’t happen again this season. I’d love Newcastle to be up there in the top three or four but realistically we are not going to be there.
“So we’ve got to look at other ways to entertain the fans. We want a brand of football to excite fans and keep them there week in and week out.
"I’m hopeful because the club has spent a lot of money in the summer. They have signed some decent players and they needed to do that.
“But the proof will always be in the pudding. It’s important they try to win a cup and give the fans something to shout about.”