Mike Ashley takes Newcastle United off the market

Dec 29 2008 by Paul Loraine, The Journal

NEWS that owner Mike Ashley has taken their club off the market brought a mixed reaction from Newcastle United fans last night.

The billionaire sportswear magnate yesterday confirmed the Magpies are no longer for sale, three months after announcing he had decided to sell in the wake of furious protests against his regime.

In a statement to fans, he said: “I am happy to end the uncertainty fans may have had about the future direction of Newcastle United. I know just how important that is to you.

“I have withdrawn Newcastle United from the market and, for me, 2009 will be the year in which we drive the club forward together.

“Even when I haven’t been at games, I have remained a keen supporter – kicking and heading every ball and cheering the team on TV and being the first to congratulate (manager) Joe (Kinnear) whenever there’s a good result.”

Ashley went on to explain the reasoning behind his announcement. “When I took the decision to put the club up for sale in September, I made a point of saying two things were very important,” he said.

“Firstly, any potential buyer would have to show they had the best interests of Newcastle United at heart and had both the commitment and finance to be worthy custodians of such a fine football club before I would even consider doing a deal.

“Secondly, I gave you my word that as long as I remained owner, this club would continue to be run responsibly at all levels. I hope you will accept that I have stood by that pledge.”

Newcastle United Supporters’ Club chairman Malcolm Shiels said he was upset at the timing of the decision.

“I think the timing’s terrible with today being about Sir Bobby.

“It’s insensitive, it’s trying to steal the limelight and it’s coming in on the back of something else. It’s a double-edged sword, Ashley staying.

“There’s a positive side in that it brings more stability to the club but I have serious reservations. I think it’s because he can’t sell the club that he’s made the decision.”

But Steve Wraith, former fans’ liaison officer and editor of the Players Inc fanzine, welcomed the news.

He said: “I think it’s a good thing. We are on the dawn of a transfer window. Regardless of what’s gone before, let’s move on.

“Who owns the club isn’t down to us as fans – we’re not like Barcelona.

“Support the person or decide not to go to the match.

“The dust has settled now. I criticised Ashley after the Keegan departure but as far as I’m concerned, I’d rather have somebody that’s prepared to have a second chance than someone else.”

Ashley launched a £134.4m buy-out in May last year when he acquired the Hall family’s holding in the club, and then added sitting chairman Freddy Shepherd’s stake to it to assume control.