NUFC fan shares fascinating details of his brief chat with Mike Ashley in Central London today
Earlier today we had an NUFC fan get in touch to tell us about his brief encounter with none other than Mike Ashley, with him telling us just how he shared a few words with the NUFC owner after spotting him in a Pret a Manger in Central Londonthis morning.
Now, I know what you're thinking, 'what a load of rubbish', however this one seems to add up more than most and seems pretty plausible given what he's shared with us.
We'd normally these things with a pinch of salt, but Gavin's story and the pictures he's sent into us back seem to back up his claims - which are interesting to say the least.
So what's the story and what was said? After he got in touch with us following his Ashley encounter this morning, we messaged him to get a little bit more info, doing a short Q and A to see what he had to say.
Here's what we asked and what he told us:
Q - How did you come about spotting Ashley and what actually happened?
"I am currently working on the new Daniel Hershesons Hair Salon in Central London. I am a Newcastle fan, but am based down south at the moment."This morning, our lorry driver was picking up materials and said "I am sure that's Mike Ashley in Pret".
"At first glance I though it was a look alike, but it's worth mentioning that this Pret is located 5 minutes from the Sports Direct on Oxford Street - and he's been visiting a few of his stores recently."
"We then went in and stood in the queue to get served and he was talking to a bloke in a black coat (see picture). They were talking about striking deals and currency.
"I then got my chance and shook his hand and said "I thought you were going to be with Staveley!" After that, I managed to ask him a few quick questions."
Q - What questions did you ask and what did he have to say back?
"I was taking to him for about 5 minutes and, to be fair, he seemed like a nice guy. He was very open about it all."I asked him about Staveley. He thought she was messing him around and wasn't 100% committed. He personally thought she was not interested (in buying NUFC) and said he was 'not interested' in dealing with her even if she comes back with an improved offer.
"I asked him if there was any other parties involved. He said Staveley was the only one who came forward, but said that deal was 'off completely'.
"He talked about any takeover deal as being 'straight forward' as the club is in no debt. He compared it to getting a standard mortgage.
"I asked him if he benefited from going down to the Championship and getting the parachute payment. He replied 'I make more money in the Premier League!'.
"He said he was hoping we'd stay up to then sell in the summer as he has no interest in the club and does not want to invest, saying this why we got loan signings last month.
"As he was about to walk out he said 'we will carry on!'. To this I responded 'as long as you keep Rafa!'.
Make of that what you will folks!
(A picture taken by Gavin's brother who was with him at the time)
