If success on the pitch should halt the protest movement in its tracks a couple more disjointed defeats under Steve Bruce may see it gain considerable tractionSunderland supporters used to joke that their closest rivals harboured such blind loyalty to Newcastle United that the mere presence of 11 empty black and white shirts stretched across the St James’ Park pitch would be sufficient to fill the stadium.Like a lot of quips it contained more than a grain of truth. Indeed the almost unconditional love many Newcastle fans feel for their team probably explains why wave upon wave of planned anti-ownership protests have foundered in recent years. Related: Steve Bruce tells Newcastle fans: ‘I’m not Mike Ashley’s bagman’ Continue readingreadfullarticle
