THE wait for news on Newcastle United’s prospective takeover has been long and painful, but Liverpool’s 3-1 victory at St James’ Park was all the evidence needed to show why the Mike Ashley era simply must come to an end soon.

It all started so well, but as the game went on, the Magpies’ lack of attacking potency allowed the Reds to ease to victory without stepping out of third gear.

In their final game of the season, Newcastle scored their fastest goal. Just 26 seconds were on the clock when a quick free-kick from Jonjo Shelvey played in Dwight Gayle, who broke the offside trap to finish well past Allison.