Alan Shearer, a Newcastle United legend, has his own statue outside of St James' Park
Alan Shearer believes the 305m Saudi Arabian-backed takeover of Newcastle is a "special moment" for the club’s long-suffering fans.
Since 2004, the Magpies have not been able to challenge the top of Premier League, with the exception of a fifth-place finish between 2011-12 and 2012.
Mike Ashley, who was Newcastle's owner for 14 years, has been taken over by the new owners. During that time they were twice relegated.
Shearer stated, "All we have done is to tick along and survive for fourteen years."
"We have no ambition, we have survived, cup competitions are non-existent, and this city, this football club, and our fans deserve better.
"The Newcastle United fans are loyal. They love their football team and their life. It all depends on Newcastle winning on Saturday. Because they work so hard to support the club, I can understand why there is so much joy in the city. I feel the exact same.
"Our fans need to also know that they are important, as they haven’t been for 14 years. So today is special."
Shearer, who played at St James' Park for 10 years, scored 206 goals to help the club reach several top-four finishes. Between 1996 and 2003, they qualified for the Champions League three times.
These squads were more than just a handful of stars, as opposed to recent years, when fan protests and mediocre performances have been accompanied by a lack of investment in their playing staff.
"We want to have a little hope. That is the dream. Shearer said that fans want their football team to be the best, and she understood their excitement.
"The Newcastle fans don't matter anymore for the past 14 years. Their money has not been invested and they haven't been consulted. It's not good to have a club with such passion but not have the same level of consultation.
"We now have investors and that is really important for our fans to see.
It will take patience, but that's okay. We don't anticipate winning the league or the Champions League in the next few decades, but we do expect some things to look forward too.
"The fans deserve it, they are loyal and passionate supporters, and they've been at the brink for so many years. It was an amazing time, and it was a place that thrived. But there has been no such thing for the past 14 years.
After receiving "legally binding assurances," the Premier League approved the takeover.
This is despite Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia being listed as chair of the Public Investment Fund, (PIF), which will provide 80 percent of the funds.
Although the Saudi Arabian state was accused of human rights violations, the majority owner PIF was deemed a separate entity and an alleged piracy dispute between Qatar-based broadcaster beIN Sport and PIF, which were settled, the Premier League did not consider this to be a hindrance to the takeover.
Shearer said, "I get that there are questions to be asked about human rights issues. It's important that they're not brushed under the rug."
"We need to be educated on this and this will highlight it even more... they already have a huge investment in this country, and other sports.
It's a big issue, but it's not Newcastle United's fault. They don't have a say in how their football club is run.
Staveley, Newcastle part-owner, on the way forward
"The first sign must set the scene ablaze"
Chris Waddle, a former Newcastle and England winger believes that the new owners must make a statement signing. This is similar to when Newcastle purchased Kevin Keegan 1982 or Keegan signing Shearer in 1996 for a record transfer fee.
In 1992, Newcastle was in a second-tier league and Keegan became manager. The team went on to win the Premier League title four more years later.
"For me, the initial signing must be huge. Talk about a Keegan and a Shearer. Waddle stated, "It's got to set it ablaze."
It's going to be expensive. Manchester City had a five year plan when they created it and they have done very well with it. Newcastle should follow a similar plan to be successful.
"I believe Steve Bruce has done an excellent job. That may not be popular, but it is what I think. City made a statement with this and hired Pep Guardiola as their manager. He is the best.
"If Bruce does lose his job, and I believe he will, I think they have to make a big statement about who they appoint. That's what's needed if they want to take this club to new heights.
Robert Lee, a former Newcastle favorite, believes that the new owners will adopt a more pragmatic approach in rebuilding the Magpies' on-pitch fortunes.
Lee stated, "As much the fans would love to see [Lionel] Messi or [Kylian] Mbappe,"
"I don’t expect them immediately to throw hundreds of millions at it – that would be foolish. It must be spent properly. We must ensure that the right people are choosing the right players."
