There was a season's best crowd of 6,187 under the lights at Kingston Park as Newcastle delivered a significant statement.

Throw in the elements and it added up to a very north east experience and it is that identity which Diamond believes can be a key attraction.

"Newcastle has this uniqueness about its personality with sport," he said.

"I went to St James' Park for the football the other night and the atmosphere in the city is brilliant. It's a real sporting city.

"We don't want the sort of investor who is just coming in for ego, we want someone who is going to build things in the community - an academy, a community department, a foundation and fly the flag for the north east.

"The identity can be an attraction, but it's how we sell the club and where we can take the club.

"We won't be self sustainable, we will need investment, but ultimately the person or organisation coming in will see that we know what we're doing. That is really important for us and them."