Mike Ashley, Newcastle United’s billionaire benefactor, celebrated yesterday’s 2-0 derby victory over Sunderland in the dressing-room. Kevin Keegan has spoken of Ashley becoming the “best owner in this country” with the proviso “if we get this place going”, and before a pivotal summer in the transfer market, St James’ Park offered a glimpse of that potential.

After Newcastle extended their unbeaten run to six matches to guarantee their safety from relegation, Ashley danced in the directors’ box – “I bet that wasn’t a pretty sight,” Keegan said, and if the sportswear tycoon can be persuaded to back his manager’s ambitions, they could represent a formidable partnership.

“I read somewhere that Mike could have bought Leeds United or Newcastle, so when he came in at the end, I just said, ‘Aren’t you glad you chose this place?’ ” Keegan said. “No disrespect to Leeds, but you can’t buy an atmosphere like we had today.”