Howe aims to end derby drought and lift gathering Newcastle gloom

A barren run against Sunderland should provide added motivation after crushing loss in Barcelona amid awkward questions off the pitch Almost two decades have passed since Newcastle’s former owner, Mike Ashley, celebrated a Tyne-Wear derby win by gathering a group of club employees together and leading a conga into the St James’ Park boardroom. Sunderland’s then chair, Niall Quinn, and his fellow executives were already inside and responded with polite smiles as they, outwardly at least, faile...

By Louise Taylor