Gullit feels for supporters as Newcastle turmoil continues

FORMER Newcastle manager Ruud Gullit hopes the club's sale goes through quickly and smoothly. The Magpies remain a club in turmoil as owner Mike Ashley seeks to offload his £130million investment, on which he has spent a further £100m to service debt.

Joe Kinnear is trying to stabilise the team after being appointed interim manager but with uncertainty over the club's future owners, there is still little stability.

Gullit, who managed to club from 1998-99, feels for the supporters who have seen their side collect just five points from their opening seven league games.

The Dutchman, speaking from Los Angeles where he trained competition winners at a football tournament run by Ford's FeelFootball.com, said: "I think it is terrible for the club. I hope they will find a solution as soon as possible and that they can compete in the future. There is expectation from the fans but they just want to have a little bit of success, they are very proud of the club.

"There is a lot of pressure from both outdoors and indoors. It starts at the top and if there they are okay then they have a chance."