Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has confirmed the club are no longer for sale and hopes his decision will end the uncertainty over the Magpies' future.
Ashley initially put the club on the market back in September when former manager Kevin Keegan's sudden departure turned the fans against the owner.
However, despite plenty of interest in the Magpies, no suitable offers were forthcoming and Ashley has now taken the decision to remain in charge.
"I am happy to end the uncertainty fans may have had about the future direction of Newcastle United," Ashley told the club's match day magazine.
"I know just how important that is to you.
"I have withdrawn Newcastle United from the market, and for me 2009 will be the year in which we drive the club forward together. Even when I haven't been at games I have remained a keen supporter, kicking and heading every ball and cheering the team on TV and being the first to congratulate Joe whenever there's a good result.
"When I took the decision to put the club up for sale in September I made a point of saying two things were very important.
"Firstly, any potential buyer would have to show they had the best interests of Newcastle United at heart and had both the commitment and finance to be worthy custodians of such a fine football club before I would even consider doing a deal.
"And secondly, I gave you my word that as long as I remain owner, this club would continue to be run responsibly at all levels. I hope you will accept that I have stood by that pledge."
Ashley originally bought the Magpies in the summer of 2007 and brought Keegan back to St James' Park in January after Sam Allardyce's departure.
However, Keegan left just weeks into the new season following a row over the club's transfer policy, leading to Ashley appointing Joe Kinnear as interim manager.
Kinnear recently earned a contract until the end of the campaign and Ashley is now hoping his decision to withdraw the club from the market will lead to a period of stability.
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