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Newcastle owner Mike Ashley has shown ambition - Mike Williamson

Ex-Newcastle defender Mike Williamson believes owner Mike Ashley's spending spree could change public opinion about him.

The centre-back, who left for Wolves last month, feels Ashley has shown his ambition after Newcastle were the highest spending team in the Premier League during the transfer window.

The Magpies spent around £29 million combined on Jonjo Shelvey, Henri Saivet and Andros Townsend, as well as bringing in Roma forward Seydou Doumbia on loan and failing with an audacious in a £21m move for West Brom's Saido Berahino.

The January additions  took Ashley's spending this season up to around £83m and Williamson insisted he can no longer be criticised for his transfer policy.

"They [the fans] can't knock him for the money they spent in the summer and this transfer window," said Williamson. "He came out and stated he wanted to win something and wouldn't leave until they did; he has got ambition.

"The fans will judge it on the consistency and how they progress from here."

Williamson also backed the Magpies -- who lost 3-0 at Everton on Wednesday -- to survive relegation, with the club currently just two points from safety.

Williamson added: "Steve McClaren is a good guy, I learnt a lot from him. He creates an optimistic environment and they deserve to be higher.

"I hope the players they've brought in have added a boost and they can turn it into points. They will be fine, they have more than enough."

Williamson departure from St James' Park for Championship Wolves came after six years and 170 appearances for the Magpies, but he struggled to break into McClaren's team this season -- playing just twice in the League Cup.

The defender has moved to the club where he enjoyed a five-game loan spell last year, but admitted that leaving the north-east was tough.

"It was emotional," said Williamson. "I've had a lot of highs and I feel honoured to have made the amount of appearances I did.

"Promotion from the Championship, playing in Europe, beating Sunderland 5-1, Manchester United 3-0 and beating Arsenal at the Emirates. I thank fans for the support they've given me."

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