'Newcastle are a waste of potential'

Owner Mike Ashley has overseen two relegations during his time, as had regularly clashed with fans as they claim he continues to drain money out of the club. 

In addition, Ashley has alienated popular figures including Kevin Keegan, who left the club under Ashley. In the subsequent tribunal, Ashley admitted to lying to the general public and the fans, and to deliberately misleading them. 

More recently, Rafael Benitez has been made to work with limited funding, despite Ashley saying he would have every penny the club generates - Newcastle made a healthy profit in the last transfer window. 

"What I see as an outsider is a waste, a waste of potential," Holt said. "You come into the city and you see that stadium - it is the city's cathedral.

"If I look at two clubs that are a waste I would say Leeds and Newcastle, but Leeds at least appear to be getting back to what they once were. Leeds and Newcastle should be top six - they are great English clubs.

"It is toxic, what it is going on there, but it is a shame."