I’m not going anywhere says Newcastle United boss John Carver

Owner Ashley gave his first-ever interview before yesterday’s 2-0 win over West Ham United

The result saw Newcastle, which had been in danger of being relegated on the final day of the season, end the campaign in 15th place, four points above third-from-bottom Hull City.

Publicity-shy Ashley said he would not sell until the club has won a trophy or qualified for the Champions League.

Asked about his ambitions, Ashley said: “To definitely win something, and, by the way, I won’t be selling until I do.

“(The club is not for sale) at any price, and when I say win something, if we ever get into a position of being in a Champions League place, that also counts as winning something.”

Carver was appointed head coach until the end of the season after Alan Pardew’s departure at the turn of the year.

United went into freefall in the second half of the season, and Carver is aware few fans want him to get the job on a permanent basis.

But Carver said: “I (still) want this job by the way – I’m not going anywhere!”

Carver – who is likely stay on as assistant manager if he does not get the job – promised fans the club would invest in players this summer.

He said: “We all know we’ve made mistakes.

“I’ve had assurances that we’re going to spend money.

“The fans can now go away, have their summer holidays, look forward to players coming through the door.”