Mike Ashley made a flying visit to the club's training ground on Thursday morning - quite literally!

The Newcastle United owner arrived via helicopter to watch the players go through their paces at the Magpies' Benton base, ahead of Saturday's game against European champions Chelsea.

One of the players involved was Swiss teenager Kevin Mbabu, who trained before putting the finishing touches to his move from Servette, while young midfielder Michael Richardson made a welcome return to action following a long-term injury.

And Club Photographer Ian Horrocks was there to bring nufc.co.uk this gallery.