Reports coming from the newspaper ‘the Independent’ claim that Mike Ashley is wiling to sell his shares in Newcastle. A figure of £267 million has been quoted as the asking price. However, the timing of this seems somewhat unusual. Why would Ashley make controversial moves such as appointing Kinnear and renovating Shearer’s bar at a time he wanted to sell? Then again, this is Mike Ashley. It would be no surprise to me if he was simply having one last laugh at the Geordie nation before taking his money and running.
The sign alongside the main steps of St. James’ Park, Newcastle, home stadium of Newcastle United F.C. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Controversy has never been far away during Ashley’s reign as chairman. Countless times the fans have been outraged with this anger culminating in the renaming of St. James’ park. However, credit must be paid where it is due. Ashley did steady the financial ship that was heading towards rocky waters. Newcastle have steadily improved their financial footing for the past few years following relegation and this must in part be down to Ashley and his business like mind. However, while many will disagree I’m sure, Newcastle United cannot be purely run as a business. It is more than a business.
Ashley ostensibly cannot see past his black and white (pardon the pun) views of running a successful business. He is out of touch with the fan’s and often seems to take great pride in making the Geordie’s a laughing stock of the footballing world. Now, while I would gladly let Ashley sell the club, it has to go into the right hands. Ashley may have his flaws but he certainly hasn’t ruined Newcastle. Financially anyway. A mixture of Ashley’s businessman like mind and John Hall’s vision would be welcoming for any future chairman.
Whether this person is out there remains a question yet to be answered. Taking over Newcastle is a huge risk both financially and personally.
shifting the goalposts 