The Hairy Bikers’ Si King gives update on Newcastle United feelings after branding takeover ‘moral dilemma’

One half of The Hairy Bikers, Si King, has shared his renewed thoughts about Newcastle United after admitting the club's new ownership left him with a 'moral dilemma' last year.

The lifelong Newcastle fan told Times Radio in October that he couldn't wait for the side to start winning again, but couldn't look past the human rights controversy connected with the takeover.

Six months on with Premier League status confirmed and a rosy-looking future ahead, Si shared his renewed thoughts on the club with NewcastleWorld.

The Hairy Biker sighed and opened on those same words of "moral dilemma", saying he was still struggling with that aspect of his team.

He continued: "I'm feeling very positive for it.

"It's Newcastle United and that's my home city. I want to see my club doing well

"The city of Newcastle is built around St. James' Park and when the team is doing well there's a different atmosphere in the city for which I'm eternally grateful.

"They'll do well because they have infinite pots of money which sadly seems to be the key for success in the Premier League."

Si, who was born in Kibblesworth and went to school in Washington, also shared his excitement to see Sunderland doing well again.

The chef, who will return to the North East this summer for the Souled Out Festival, said: "I'm pleased Sunderland are on their way up so we can have the derbies back.

"There's only one derby I've been to and that was River Plate and La Boca... the National Guard were out for that one! We're not bad."

Adding his final verdict on Newcastle, who finished their dramatic season with a 2-1 win over Burnley on the final day, Si admitted that fans just want some success.

He said: "I think all the fans are a bit fatigued.

"We go backwards and forwards with the highs and the lows, mostly the lows over the past 10 years, so thank god we are getting a bit of a break with the new regime.

"I'm pleased the club are going to do well and Amanda Staveley did well to get the club out of who was fundamentally a Tottenham Hotspur fan.

"All in all really positive, but there are a couple of caveats."