Mike Ashley: an apology. In common with many news organisations over recent days, The Times may have inadvertently suggested that one Michael James Wallace Ashley has somehow been responsible for the slow death of Newcastle United. We now accept, without reservation, that this allegation is completely false. We are happy to set the record straight.

Ashley, in fact, has done the opposite. Through mismanagement and folly, from the whittling of Kevin Keegan’s authority to the point of resignation, through the appointment of Dennis Wise, the absence of public leadership, a refusal to communicate until yesterday’s statement, a witless summer in the transfer market and the small-minded snubbing of Alan Shearer, supporters are mobilised.

Newcastle are not dying, Newcastle are reborn and contrary to appearances, Saturday was an uplifting occasion. The 2-1 defeat by Hull City was alarming in that it pointed to a long season of grind – and vindicated Keegan’s longstanding concerns about the depth of the squad – but the turmoil that surrounded it was inspirational. Anger is an energy and it is forcing Ashley out.

Amid the chaos, the protests, the chants, the march and the boycott of merchandise, the football felt like an irrelevance, so with more apologies – this time to Hull, whose composure would usually warrant greater attention – this cannot be a traditional match report. What follows is a series of random observations.

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1.There is a Light That Never Goes Out. The DJ at St James’ Park knows his stuff and the Smiths song that played after the final whistle was apt. Newcastle’s future may be uncertain, but here was a substantial reminder of Geordie ardour. Powerful, emotive, raw and important.

2. Newcastle, united. There have been lean spells on Tyneside and much underachievement, but rarely has there been a universal target of disapproval. Freddy Shepherd led a discredited regime, but the former chairman’s failings were often disguised by a Hollywood signing, unpopular managers or errant players. Now the opposition is focused.

3. Where’s Waldo? Neither Ashley nor Wise were present on Saturday, but if the notion of accountability suffered, the cacophony will have echoed as far as London. In the directors’ box, Derek Llambias sat amid empty seats. When a banner reading “Cockney Mafia Out” was carried around to raucous applause, the managing director smiled. It was less a demand than a prediction.

4. Sing your hearts out for the lads. A selection of songs, which will not be available in any shops: “Taxi for Ashley”; “He’s thick, he’s fat, he is a f***ing t***, Ashley, Ashley”; “He’s a dwarf, a dwarf, it’s plain to see, to see, he’s smaller than you and me, he’s a dwarf, a dwarf”; “Sack the board”; “There’s only one Kevin Keegan”. And from the away end: “Are you Grimsby in disguise?”

5. Crisis, what crisis? Late on Friday night, Hull’s first-team squad moved to the Malmaison hotel after an altercation with a wedding party at their country retreat. Phil Brown’s close association with Sam Allardyce, the former Newcastle manager, was apparently a source of dispute; the home team looked more fatigued.

6. Danger, genius at work. Ashley, we are informed, had a five-year plan. He wanted younger, hungrier (cheaper) players. But while injuries may be prevalent, Newcastle confronted Hull with no recognised full backs and a substitutes’ bench featuring Frank Danquah, Mark Doninger and Ryan Donaldson. Xisco looked like the new Shola Ameobi. The old Shola Ameobi was jeered off.

7. And in other news . . . a match took place. Marlon King scored twice for Hull, initially through a penalty and then, in the second half, after turning inside Charles N’Zogbia. An unmissable tap-in from Xisco in the 82nd minute did not herald a come-back but more frustration. Danny Guthrie was dismissed after two red-mist lunges on Craig Fagan.

8. A fine mess. Whatever else happens in NE1, the Toon Army is marching. What Saturday proved is that ownership of a club is about more than billionaires and directors of football and Newcastle has been taken back by their fans. As Ashley said yesterday: “I have listened to you.” So apologies, Mike. And thank you. And, now, goodbye.

Newcastle ratings (4-3-3)

S Given 7 D Edgar 5 S Taylor 6 F Coloccini 5 C N’Zogbia 4 Gérémi 4 N Butt 4 D Guthrie 5 Xisco 4 M Owen 5 F Ameobi 4 Substitutes I González 5 (for Ameobi, 62min), S Bassong 5 (for Edgar, 68). Not used C Caçapa, S Harper, F Danquah, M Doninger, R Donaldson.

Hull ratings (4-4-2)

B Myhill 7 P McShane 6 M Turner 7 A Gardner 7 A Dawson 6 B Mendy 6 I Ashbee 7 D Marney 7 P Halmosi 6 M King 8 C Fagan 6 Substitutes C Folan (for Mendy, 74), K Zayatte (for King, 83). Not used D Windass, Geovanni, B Hughes, M Duke, S Ricketts.

Referee A Marriner Attendance 50,242