Chelsea are back in Premier League action this weekend when they head to the north east to take on Newcastle in a match that pitches one of the elite of the game against a side that aspires to get there.
The Toon are still revelling in their takeover by the Saudi-backed Public Investment Fund three weeks ago, ending the 14-year tenure of Mike Ashley on Tyneside that saw chronic under-investment and a very steady decline, resulting in two relegations from the Premier League before bouncing back to the top flight.
A decaying St James’ Park and training ground, plus a mid-table squad is what has been left behind by Ashley. Steve Bruce was sacked as manager last week and caretaker Graeme Jones will be in the dugout when Chelsea visit on Saturday.
Newcastle now have the wealthiest owners in the league behind them and big things are expected in the future. It might not happen immediately owing to Financial Fair Play rules but the paucity with which Newcastle were run by Ashley means it won’t be long before they are throwing the cash around.
Chelsea also won’t be concerned about losing any of their talent to Newcastle when they already have the world class facilities at their disposal, with a winning culture and mentality that breeds success.
The new owners will get their first chance to see exactly where they will want to be this weekend when Thomas Tuchel's table-toppers pitch up on Tyneside
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