Fans stand United; Supporters show belief in players and management for the challenges ahead.

THE fans have spoken and told the Toon what they expect of the season ahead.

Conducted on ChronicleLive, our survey published yesterday aimed to gauge readers' opinions about Newcastle United's pre-season activities ahead of Saturday's opening game against Tottenham Hotspur.

The statistics showed that a clear majority of you think Newcastle need to make defence a priority when it comes to bringing in additional players before the transfer window closes in its face on August 31.

Steve Maddison, from North Shields, gave his tips to make a watertight Toon team: "Defensively, we require an experienced full back and a centre half. A creative midfielder and another striker with proven experience would also be good, all supplemented with development players."

While many pointed out cracks in the Newcastle defence, some raised the issue of this year's African Cup of Nations, and worries regarding cover for the Toon's Senegalese strikers.

Sam Mullen, from Whitley Bay, said: "We only have three first team strikers at the moment.

"What happens if Ba and Cisse go to the African Cup of Nations and we haven't brought another striker in?" The survey showed mixed opinions when readers were asked whether Newcastle should continue in attempts to re-sign Andy Carroll.

Shaun McKenna, from Gateshead, seemed keen to see Carroll return, commenting: "Bring the boy home." Myles Smith, also from Gateshead, weighed up the positive and negatives: "Carroll's a class player, but he's too expensive. We got Ba and Cisse for less than we're expected to pay for this lad."

When the Magpies sold Carroll in the final moments of 2011's January transfer window, club owner, Mike Ashley received heavy criticism.

However, Carroll's pounds 35m price tag has stretched a long way, resulting in the purchase of some of the bright stars of last season.

Judging by United's fifth place finish, it's no wonder that when we asked for your approval rating of Mike Ashley, over 45% of participants gave him a rating of 60 to 80. Neville Furness, from North Shields, believes that Ashley is heading in the right direction: "Without a doubt he is winning fans over with sensible, but exciting signings, and his sensible financial dealings have put the club in a healthy position.

"However, the jury is still out a bit until sustained relative success is achieved."

Nevertheless, some readers are still unforgiving regarding the St James' Park name-change to Sports Direct Arena.

Heather Nicholls, from Cullercoats, said: "Ashley's financial policy is really sound, but he always shoots himself in the foot. The renaming of St James' Park was a total disgrace."

On Saturday, the 2012-2013 season gets underway for Alan Pardew's side. To conclude the survey, we asked readers to send their messages to the lads for the season ahead.

James, from Chester-le-Street, said: "The expectations will always be there at NUFC, but always remember that it's effort and entertainment that Geordies want." Gordon Hudspith from New-castle added: "Good luck for the new season. Give 100% and the fans will back you all the way. Bring home a cup for all of us."

Thomas Conneely, from Whitley Bay, commented: "Train hard, fight easy, be honest, show loyalty and look forward to a place in Geordie folklore, which can bring you riches far beyond your pay packet."

Hdawgy187, from Newcastle, said: "Maintaining our current status would be perfect. It would show people that last season wasn't a fluke and it would make us an attractive prospect for potential new signings."

lan Hull, from Gateshead, wants Newcastle to hunt a cup win, adding: "We need to break the cycle of 1969."

David Ward, from Newcastle, gave Mike Ashley an approval rating of 80 to 100, adding: "He is improving all the time and learning from his mistakes, so you can see why Sports Direct are doing so well."

Rich Nesbitt, from Newcastle, was cautiously optimistic about the season: "Last season most people thought we'd struggle, but we finished fifth. To do the same or better two years in a row would be incredible," he said.

Myles Smith, from Gateshead, looked positively at the club's future: "I'd like to think we'll be regularly challenging for a place in football's top table with the excellent fan base and stadium we possess, not to mention the boundless amounts of Geordie passion!" Liam Rutherford, from South West Denton, said: "There are some top quality teams in the Europa league...To get to the knockout stages would be a success."

Ralph Klar, from Gateshead, said: "Carroll is a big, strong, local striker. We'd forgive him as soon as he knocks the first goal in."

Nathan Graham, from Ryton, gave a balanced view on Newcastle's transfer policy: "I'm very happy we haven't lost anyone, and the youngsters that we have brought in sound promising.

"I'm frustrated at the lack of senior players in though, and it sometimes seems like we are trying to get players with stupidly low offers."

Daz, from North Shields, summed it all up, with: "Howay the lads!"

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