The Newcastle United Supporters Trust is urging fans to consider leaving the stadium with 69 minutes played to symbolise their dissatisfaction with a club which lifted its last major trophy in 1969.

While acknowledging that the Mike Ashley regime, which has been in place for seven years, cannot be held responsible for the entire drought, the trust is calling for change.

A spokesman said: “As fans we have deep concerns at the direction Newcastle United is heading in, both on and off the pitch.

“The vast majority of supporters are angry and frustrated but are divided as to what, if anything, can be done to positively influence Mike Ashley and those who run the football club on his behalf.

“Some fans are prepared to hand in their season tickets — indeed many already have — and not return until they believe Newcastle United is once again heading in the right direction.

“On the other hand, many supporters can’t see any circumstances under which they would or could stop supporting the team at St James’ Park.

“However, this Saturday presents the perfect opportunity to send a clear message to Mike Ashley that fans, whether they are going to renew their season tickets or not, are united in their concerns for the direction the owner is taking the club in.

“Sweeping changes need to be made or else Newcastle United is in grave danger of relegation in the near future and what should be a great club brought to its knees.

“It was 1969 when Newcastle United last won a trophy and we are asking all fans to consider joining us by walking out of St James’ Park when the clock hits 69 minutes on Saturday and miss the last 21 minutes of our final home match of the season against Cardiff City.”

A run of six consecutive Premier League defeats has left the Magpies marooned in mid-table at the end of a season which initially promised much more.

And for his part manager Alan Pardew, who has been greeted by banners calling for his departure at the last two away games, is desperate to win the fans over once again.

“It’s a job that comes with fantastic highs and also deep lows, and you have to cope with those equally well,” he said.

“Sometimes the anger is angled towards someone. Sometimes it’s the owner, sometimes it’s the players — this time, it’s me and in a way, that’s probably better for the team on this occasion.”