"Bringing Alan Shearer back to Newcastle United was the best decision I have made," said Ashley.
"Alan and his staff did all they could to try and keep us up in the short space of time they had.
"Talks are now ongoing between us about how we can take this club forward again."
"We want him to be the manager 110%," he said.
"He's very good at what he does and he's a straight-talking guy - we like that. He would be the perfect appointment.
"We are trying to sort something and we will give the public some information as soon as possible.
"Alan has put a lot of work into the job at Newcastle and we are talking to him now."
Over to you Cronky.