Not sure about that; most Toon supporters I know of think that Ashley has no interest in improving the team. They did OK last season but only just finished top half - if they'd conceded two more goals they wouldn't have - but other teams in the league have been buying like mad and Newcastle have...
Not quite sure why the punters think Newcastle - who have bought very little this summer - are twice as likely as Brighton to finish in the top half. This is a side who battled relegation most of the season and have done no strengthening since then