ECSTATIC Alan Shearer is “daring to hope again” as Newcastle stars past and present hailed Newcastle’s £300million Saudi Arabian takeover.
The Toon legend, ex-England team-mate Michael Owen and even Ant ‘n Dec celebrated controversial club owner Mike Ashley being bought out.
The Premier League approved a takeover that could transform Newcastle into one of European football’s mega-spenders after receiving “legally binding assurances” that the Saudi state would not control the club.
And BBC pundit Shearer posted: “Yesssssssss. We can dare to hope again.”
But the response from fans of the second-bottom Magpies was mixed.
Some welcomed the buyout as it should mean a huge cash injection.
But others bemoaned Newcastle becoming associated with a country much criticised for its human rights record.
Nonetheless, former Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle striker Owen led a string of optimistic posts from big-name followers.
He wrote: “Such good news for everyone associated with @NUFC. New ownership is exactly what the club needed. Renewed optimism, it could be a game changer for the club.”
And Toon midfielder Isaac Hayden, 26, tweeted: “Exciting times for the club and the city of Newcastle. Enjoy your cans #NUFC fans.”
Geordie TV presenters Ant and Dec posted: “Oh what a beautiful day.”
Hayden and the Georgie duo were responding to Newcastle’s official confirmation of the deal on Thursday evening.
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The Toon stated: “An investment group led by the Public Investment Fund, and also comprising PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media, has completed the acquisition of 100% of Newcastle United Limited and Newcastle United Football Club Limited from St. James Holdings Limited.”
The buyout has left manager Steve Bruce strongly tipped for the axe.
High-profile men linked with the now-lucrative St James’ Park job include 5/1 bet ex-Chelsea chief Antonio Conte and Everton’s former Toon boss Rafa Benitez at 9/1.
Ex-Stamford Bridge manager Frank Lampard is rated at 10/1 and Jose Mourinho 14/1.
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