Although manager Rafa Benitez will be safe if he keeps the Magpies in the top flight, everyone else in a position of power will be asked to offer their reasons for this season’s failures and to justify their positions.

Every aspect of the way the club is currently run, from Academy upwards, will be assessed as Ashley accepts things have gone badly wrong.

The performance of managing director Lee Charnley, chief scout Graham Carr, board member Bob Moncur and Reserve team and Development manager Peter Beardsley will all be assessed by Ashley, before he decides whether to make any changes.

None of the main powerbrokers at St James’ Park have escaped criticism from supporters and Ashley is said to be incensed by how badly things have gone this season.