Newcastle United's takeover ignited a flame which is burning as bright as ever six months on

Shearer's unveiling, Tiote's equaliser and Keegan's helicopter touching down at St James'. There are standout instances in Newcastle United 's rich history that are looked back upon as 'I was there' moments. October 7, 2021 is the most recent.

After numerous failed attempts, Amanda Staveley admitted to the Chronicle last year that she considered giving up the fight against Mike Ashley and the Premier League. It was the constant support in her email inbox from Newcastle fans that led her to adopt the attitude of 'we're not going to give up'.

From the very first moments of the new era, those fans repaid the owners' persistence by showing just how elated they were with the changing of the guard. As thousands flocked to the stadium to celebrate the regime change, that electric spark that has seldom been seen at St James' Park in recent years was back.

Fans arrived in droves from their homes and places of work, parents took their sons and daughters, supporters danced with Sam Fender and 'Johnny Blue Hat' on the saxophone and the local Tesco was raided in such a way that only the alcohol left on the shelves was a few cans of Old Speckled Hen.

It was the precursor of what was to come. That instant, unbridled joy felt six months ago is now a permanent, positive hope for the future now the club is in the hands of people who have its best interests at heart. The stripping of the Sports Direct advertising, the return of Shearer's bar, the emphasis on growing the women's team and the focus on community initiatives have shown the new ownership are in it for more than success on the pitch.

Nevertheless, that too has been achieved in recent months. January additions have staved off the immediate threat of relegation, with the club