Toon Fans Looking Beyond Wednesday?

Last updated : 17 August 2009 By Footy Mad - Editor

NU

It sets Newcastle up perfectly for Wednesday night's visit of Sheffield Wednesday, although the fans who left St James' on Saturday evening could be forgiven for looking a little further ahead.

Prospective buyer Barry Moat sat inbetween current owner Mike Ashley and Derek Llambias, and could be seen smiling as Ashley was increasingly uncomfortable trying to ignore the repeated abuse from the fans during the game.

Press Association Sport understands Ashley will decide by the end of this week whether or not he is prepared to accept one of the offers currently on the table - one British consortium and an overseas group are the leading contenders - or stay put for another season.

Ashley has spoken to a series of managers - although not fans' favourite Alan Shearer - about the possibility of taking over from caretaker Chris Hughton, and Joe Kinnear could yet return to the hotseat if the club is not sold.