Mikes Sell To Buy Policy Stays As Does He
By Tyne-Talk
November 30 2008
Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley could be set to return to the St James' Park after a 4 months absence in which he has actively tried to sell the club to foreign buyers. Unfortunately his efforts to shift the club have failed and original reports that he had cleared the club's £100million debt are unfounded with recent reports suggesting just percentage of that sum has been paid off.
The national tabloids claim it was his children who persuaded him to return to the city he caused chaos in when Kevin Keegan walked out amid policy and transfer issues.
The Mirror reports;
"The Ashley kids have really bought into the Newcastle thing and are now ardent supporters, always wearing their black and white stripes.
A few fans recognised them from seeing them with their father in the directors' box, and they were encouraged by the warm reception they had from the Geordie supporters. They had a big influence on Mike's decision to reconsider."
However, the most likely explanation is that as the owner of such a high profile football club, he has to take an active role and that includes showing his face from time to time.
Joe Kinnear said of the situation;
"Mike has suggested to me he will come back, and I've said to him: 'Why not? It's still your club,'
He said: 'Once it is up and running, without any aggravation I will see.'
I think he will come to games again and I would like him to get a good reception."
Whilst Kinnear is becoming known for dropping hints about the status of the club, this is the clearest hint yet that Ashley will remain in full control and has postponed seeking a buyer in the current market.
The financial problems pose a further problem in January as Ashley is reported to have told Kinnear that he can only spend what money he makes in the window, and that means there is going to be no boosting the depth of the squad, but replacing talent.
Kinnear however has other plans and has said in recent days he will have full control over who comes and goes, as well as submitting his list of "wanted" players.
A sell to buy policy with such a thin squad is not viable, especially when it was that sole policy which saw Ashley being driven out of Newcastle in September by the fans who were angered at he and the board's treatment and management of Keegan over the exact same issue of transfers.
Honestly, sell N'Zogbia, get 8mill for him and be happy. Im tired of N'Zog wasting break after break.
Was let down by enrique and lack of confidence. Give him a run.
he is either
being deliberatley misquoted,
being fed a load of rubbish by the board,
or
is trying to be clever giving misleading soundbites to the press for his own reasons
upshot, for me, is that none of it is worth listening to beyond team affairs game to game. he isnt part of anything else.
I don't give a damn about any of this tabloid bs. I just want Ashley to invest in some players if he's going to hold onto the club, thanks.