THERE was something in the Tyneside air before this match kicked off: hope.

Off the pitch, the fans, who have long had an antagonistic relationship with club owner Mike Ashley, are increasingly optimistic that they’ll soon see the back of him following the news that several interested parties are circling the club since he put it up for sale.

On the pitch, Rafa Benitez’s team sits in sixth place, just two points outside the Champions League places.