According to this article in the Shields Gazette

https://tinyurl.com/y2a9xee8

Yeah, I know it's nowt definite but we're all feeling a little, umm, glum at the moment and our cynicism levels are at max so maybe injecting a little hope into the board is not a bad thing?

Until it's confirmed either way, i'm going to try to hang onto a little hope. It's better than having no hope at all and feeling totally shit straight away.

No?