Joe Kinnear is pleased Mike Ashley has decided to pull Newcastle United Football Club off the market.

The controversial Toon owner has been trying to tell the St James Park club since September, but after having few enquiries, he has decided to hang onto the Premier League side.

"It is a positive move," said Kinnear. "He wants to look forward and what we are going to do now is sit down and see where we can strengthen the side and see what sort of money is available.

"That hasn't been made quite clear yet, but there will be money available, for sure. We have suggested players to Mike that I would like and now it's really wait and see what price they are.

“I'm happy that Mike has made the decision to stay. I'd like to think the Newcastle United fans will allow him to return to St James' Park and watch his club."