JAK ALNWICK lived the dream in black and white. Now he hopes Newcastle fans get the success they have sought after for so long.

The keeper crossed the Tyne-Wear divide in the early stages of his career as he left Sunderland to join the Toon and take his first steps between the sticks.

A debut off the bench in a home win over Chelsea was the first of a handful of appearances that Alnwick made as he competed with the likes of Rob Elliot and Tim Krul for the gloves.

Since leaving St James' Park six years ago, he has seen Newcastle's fortunes fluctuate as managers and players have come and gone and supporters have remained steadfastly loyal to their club.

The departure of Mike Ashley has been warmly welcomed by the Magpies support that feared a bleak future. Under the guidance of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, it could finally be bright for a club with bold aspirations.

"It was always a tough one because I was on the Newcastle side and my brother (Ben) was at Sunderland at the time," Alnwick told Herald and Times Sport. "If you asked me, I am a Newcastle fan.

"Everyone has spoken about it being a sleeping giant and it has been. Mike Ashley steadied the ship and there was bits of money put in, but you were always waiting, even when I was there, for someone to come in.

"The city, the nightlife, the fans, everything is set up for someone to come in and make it a success. I hope it works out how we think it is going to.

"I know there will be a bit of money behind it and hopefully a few young lads still get their chance to progress through the ranks.

"It is going to be an amazing thing for the city and the club and it has come at the right time because Newcastle has been in a state of just going along, of being satisfied being out of relegation. That is not the kind of club it should be.

"You look back when we had Ben Arfa, Remy, Ba, Carroll, the club was really close to kicking on to the next level and the new owners are going to take it to that level.

"It is the least that the fans and the city deserves and I am excited to see what changes are going to be made and how it unfolds."

The takeover at St James' Park - financed by PIF and headed by Amanda Staveley - has not been without comment, controversy or criticism. Fears and objections are well founded.

Many fans have chosen to focus on the football possibilities, though, and Hexam-born Alnwick knows how desperate the supporters are for success under their new owners.

Alnwick said: "At one stage, I said the Newcastle fans were the best. Then you go to Rangers and it is next level.

"After Rangers, I think the Newcastle fans are second best behind Rangers and they do deserve to have that bit of success.

"Even just getting close and competing. I don’t think they are going to say they are going to win the league next year. All they want is for someone to come in, put a bit of money in and have a good go.

"I thought Steve Bruce did a brilliant job and a lot of things that were said about him were harsh because he is a great bloke.

"Newcastle fans just want a spark and it is going to be exciting for them. I don’t think it will be a case of winning the Champions League in the next two years, it is just being up there and competing initially and that would be great for the club."