Monday 25 May 2015 18:50, UK
Mike Ashley has been praised for publicly addressing Newcastle’s supporters in a rare interview on Sky Sports.
Niall Quinn accepts the supporters will want success on all fronts and not just a healthy bank balance, but he feels Ashley has started to build bridges with the fans.
Ashley has not been a popular figure on Tyneside in recent seasons but Quinn feels he can still salvage his relationship with the supporters.
Quinn acknowledges there is more work to do but believes the tide is slowly turning back in the Newcastle owner's favour.
“In the cold light of day that man has done a great job of turning around a basket-case scenario that Newcastle’s finances were in," Quinn told The Morning View.
"That’s not enough for the fans. It means very little to the fans but they thrive on the success.
“They want to see the club advancing at all stages. So to do that and at this stage and to understand they need to hear a bit more, that’s a great way to go. He’s obviously a little cautious on what he says. I think the dial turned a little this morning and they will feel in a better place.
“What he has to do is maintain that communication - and they will forgive. They questioned his ambition and why he bought the club. This is the first part of his answer back.”
