Newcastle United: How a football club 'lost its soul'

Updated 1259 GMT (2059 HKT) April 17, 2015

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Newcastle United are struggling. The English Premier League club has lost five games in a row and could yet be relegated from the top division. For the club's loyal fans, it is the latest in a long line of recent disappointments. Despite an illustrious past, the third biggest stadium in the top flight and a hugely passionate fan base, the club is without a major trophy since 1969.

Photos: The football club that doesn't want to win?

The wrong Toon – Newcastle United are struggling. The English Premier League club has lost five games in a row and could yet be relegated from the top division. For the club's loyal fans, it is the latest in a long line of recent disappointments. Despite an illustrious past, the third biggest stadium in the top flight and a hugely passionate fan base, the club is without a major trophy since 1969.

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Newcastle elevated John Carver into the role of head coach when former manager Alan Pardew left for Crystal Palace in January, but the club's increasingly threadbare squad has only won two of the 14 games he has been in charge.

Photos: The football club that doesn't want to win?

What a Carve up – Newcastle elevated John Carver into the role of head coach when former manager Alan Pardew left for Crystal Palace in January, but the club's increasingly threadbare squad has only won two of the 14 games he has been in charge.

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The fans' ire is largely directed at owner Mike Ashley, who they accuse of treating the club as an extension of his business empire. The retail tycoon is worth $4.6 billion, according to Forbes, and has turned Newcastle into a profitable club, but supporters say there is a poverty of ambition under his regime.

Photos: The football club that doesn't want to win?

Billionaire owner – The fans' ire is largely direc