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Newcastle United fans’ groups met last night in an attempt to form a joint strategy to force Mike Ashley out of the club.

The Chronicle can reveal that among the tactics discussed was a boycott of the home Capital One Cup tie against Leeds United on September 25, an idea that has the backing of some supporters.

Last night’s meeting was arranged to gauge the widespread opinion among Newcastle fans about the current regime and what, if anything, they can do to change the club’s current ownership.

Various fan groups believe now is the time for them to be united and co-ordinate protests against the club owner, whatever form they may take. One idea, put forward on social media, is to arrange a march on a match-day to St James’ Park.

A poll in The Chronicle conducted in May found that Ashley’s approval rating was high among the majority of fans, although those on the other side of the debate wanted the billionaire businessman out of the club.

But the appointment of Joe Kinnear as Director of Football and the subsequent failure to add more than Loic Remy on loan to one of the smallest Premier League squads in terms of senior players during the transfer window has changed the minds of many supporters who had previously backed the board.

Sources we spoke to yesterday admitted the feeling across all Newcastle supporters was a boycott would be a last resort as it goes against their natural instinct, which is to back the team.

But it has not been ruled, such is the anger and frustration currently felt by the Toon Army.

One told us: “Many have paid out for 10-year season tickets so Ashley has their money. So boycotting those games wouldn’t mean much.

“But if we stayed away from a game, such as the cup tie with Leeds that is not on the season ticket, that would hit him in the pocket.

“This isn’t something Newcastle fans want to do because we love going to the game and supporting the team.”

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Now read: Ten questions the Chronicle and Newcastle fans want Mike Ashley to answer