Another good read, Dave.
On the subject of Ashley, last night I met my Geordie friend Dean, who'd driven down from the north-east. He's a life-long Newcastle supporter but, like many others, hasn't renewed his season ticket and won't go to another home game until Ashley's gone. He's not one of those deluded Newcastle supporters who think that they're everybody's favourite second team, but he's a real fan who cares passionately about his club and is heartbroken by what the owner has done to it.