'Newcastle are only a big club in Newcastle' and '20 years behind the top six'

Newcastle United have been told they are still 20 years behind the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea in the Premier League.

After years of uncertainty under previous owner Mike Ashley, Newcastle were bought by a Saudi Arabia-led consortium last year.

Since then, they have turned a corner as they look to invest big into the club in order to move themselves up the table.

This season under Eddie Howe, the Magpies have been punching well above their weight as they currently sit fourth in the Premier League table and are about to contest the Carabao Cup final against United next week.

However, former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan has said that they are nowhere near the traditional ‘big six’ clubs.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Jordan said: “Newcastle have got 20 years to catch up with the brands of clubs like Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal in the Premier League. They are going to spend a lot of money to do that but they are nowhere near.

“Right now, Newcastle are doing very well in the league but as a commercial operation with global eyes on the prize, they aren’t anywhere near the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Arsenal.”

Jordan continued: “Again, I maintain this view and I don’t care how many Geordies want to have a go at me. The bottom line is, you are a big club in Newcastle.

“You’re not a big club on the world stage, you will be. They are a big club in Newcastle but they will be a big club on the global stage.”

Fans were quick to react to Jordan’s claims.

One said: “By that logic, Leeds are big in Leeds only, the Sheffield clubs in Sheffield, Everton in Liverpool, Villa in Birmingham, Man City in Manchester, and Spurs/West Ham in London. Newcastle are a big club much further afield than Newcastle.”

Another added: “I really couldn’t care less if we are or who is a big club. Doesn’t matter. It’s about looking forward to a Saturday and hopefully enjoying it. Everything else will take care of it’s self.”

Up next for the Magpies will be a tough test against Liverpool at St.James’ Park on Saturday evening.