It was hard to remember when Newcastle United fans had last seemed so full of hope. Maybe when they turned up in Ruud Gullit wigs to celebrate their new manager and left one on the statue of Jackie Milburn to emphasise their delight. In those days, hope was a constant for the club’s supporters, a sensation experienced every pre-season and which never diminished no matter how many failed to deliver on their summer promise. Famously, 15,000 supporters turned up at St James’ Park to welcome Michael Owen when he signed from Real Madrid. A few years later, Newcastle fans were…

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