Newcastle star trolls Sunderland on Twitter after takeover completed as players past and present react to news including Allan Saint-Maximin and Alan Shearer

There was a jubilant mood from everyone connected to Newcastle United on Thursday as the £305million Saudi-led takeover was officially completed.

It ends the 14-year reign of Mike Ashley with fans delighted to see the back of the Sports Direct kingpin after years of protests.

Fans converged at St James’ Park to celebrate the deal that now makes them the richest club in world football with the Saudi Public Investment Fund having a reported wealth of £320billion.

There were chants of ‘we’ve got our club back’ and ‘getting sacked in the morning’ as all is set to change over the next days, months and years.

It was not just the supporters who were expressing their delight, some of the players were getting in on the act.

Defender Paul Dummett took the opportunity to have a cheeky dig at rivals Sunderland, posting a picture of fans with their hands on their head.

The twitter post had the caption: “Meanwhile in Sunderland…”

Star player Allan Saint-Maximin said: “A new start with an ambitious Newcastle United. You deserve it more than anyone. Enjoy.”

Striker Callum Wilson said: “Takeover complete  Amazing news!! So happy for all you fans who’ve waited so long for this day!! What an exciting journey ahead we have.”

Newcastle legend Alan Shearer tweeted: “Yesssssssss. We can dare to hope again.”

Former Magpies defender Warren Barton joined talkSPORT soon after the news was announced and spoke of his delight.

“It’s sensational news, I’ve had people crying on the phone, I’ve had people singing, I’ve had people questioning if it’s going to happen, is it reality? Is it another false alarm?” Barton said.

“We’ve waited this long, we’ve waited 14 years to have a little bit of respect, a little bit of pride and passion put into the football club.

“All we’ve ever wanted is to be able to compete and challenge, we’ve never promised that we want to win every trophy going, but we want to have a little bit of respect and the fans haven’t had that, it’s been a long long time since the fans had any respect from the ownership.”

Newcastle hero Lee Clark gave his emotional reaction after the Ashley era was finally done.

“It’s spine-tingling when you see it happen, unbelievable,” Clark told talkSPORT. “We’ve got our club back, for 14 years it’s been nothing, it’s been a shell, it’s been hollow, it’s been empty. 

“There’s been no communication from the leaders at the club, they’ve taken the supporters’ money for the season tickets and merchandise but they’ve never given them anything back.”