Not for the first time recently, a wind of change blows around St James’ Park, not in terms of ownership or purpose, but in approach, delivery and personnel. Almost five years on from the Saudi-led takeover, an era has ended with the departure of Eddie Howe, the transformative head coach who lifted a team and its city to new heights, and a new one is already taking shape. The club’s chief executive David Hopkinson calls it “Newcastle United 2.0”.Late last week, Hopkinson invited club staff to the Platinum Club, a hospitality suite at the stadium, for what he described as a “conversation”. It was in the aftermath of The Athletic reporting that Howe was stepping down, which could only feel like a significant, angsty moment given the scale of his contribution. Hopkinson offered bullish reassurance and then invited feedback.“We have a plan here, we have an ambition and we’re right on track,” he told his audience.For clarity, a shift in strategy was being enacted long before Howe confirmed his wish to leave, but the appointment of 38-year-old German Matthias Jaissle as his replacement removes any hint of compromise. This is not a tinkering around the edges. For better or worse, what follows will be a new Newcastle, one which will look and feel very different. It has to.Over the course of an hour-long interview with The Athletic in his office at St James’, Hopkinson addressed a range of subjects, including: