Newcastle players reported back for pre-season training on Thursday, with many fans offering sarcastic responses on social media.
The official club Twitter page released pictures of some players arriving at the training ground. And the supporters were quick to point out that there was no manager there to meet them, with some suggesting they have only shown up to hand-in a transfer request.
Sky Sports News reporter Keith Downie revealed that academy coaches Neil Redfearn and Ben Dawson would be responsible for the first-team preparations until a new manager is appointed. Redfearn was promoted to Under-23 coach just two weeks ago.
The squad are due to fly to China next week to take part in the Premier League Asia Trophy, and some fans have suggested if the club are still searching for a manager, they know of one already there.
The fans remain angry with how the club is being run and took to Twitter to share their reactions to the players returning for pre-season.
One stated that ‘you’re an absolute joke’ of a club whilst another felt the ‘season’s a write-off already’ and the club is in a mess.
The lads are back! ???????? #NUFC pic.twitter.com/5CfEfrgv59
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) July 4, 2019
You’re an absolute joke.
The entire FOOTBALL WORLD is laughing at you ????
Them players won’t be smiling like that for long.
Sort this mess out immediately.
We’ve got things in store if you don’t….trust us. ????????????#NUFC
— The Geordie Boot Boy (@BootGeordie) July 4, 2019
Seasons a write off already you’re a Shambles of a club . You’s couldn’t run a bath.
— Lee (@eelleehar) July 4, 2019
More concerned about who isn’t there and the lack of new signings to be honest.
— If Rafa Goes We Go (@IfRafaGoesWeGo) July 4, 2019
Or lack of manager, coaching team, clarification on clubs future, or just lack of any planning whatsoever #ASHLEYOUT
— K B (@koolmacher) July 4, 2019
They’re probably heading straight to hand a transfer request in
— Jack (@JackBryan08) July 4, 2019
‘Good morning. Where do I hand my transfer request?’
— Chris Whild (@whild13) July 4, 2019
The club is dead ???? #AshleyOUT
— Damien Coughlan (@dynamodamo) July 4, 2019
Shambles. Ashley out
Not coming back until he’s gone— Erik Bjerke (@nordicgeordie) July 4, 2019