According to Craig Hope, Mike Ashley told players that Rafa Benitez is going nowhere – claiming that no one has ‘come close’ to a takeover and that ‘plans were being made’ ahead of the January window, with him promising to take on a more ‘hands on’ role.
This all comes following his ‘dinner date’ with Benitez, his staff and the entire NUFC squad at a restaurant in Northumberland last night.
The piece also claims that he’s told Benitez and the squad that he will NOT be selling the club this season, with him hoping that this will lead to less distractions on and off the pitch.
It’s also stated that he admitted to making ‘mistakes’, however he claims that he will not take on a more ‘hands on’ approach – with him now expected to attend more games; and even turn up at training sessions.
Here’s a snippet from Craig Hopes’ big exclusive in The Mail today:
Ashley intervened after witnessing Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat by Leicester and sent a message to the dressing-room saying that he would be taking them out for dinner on Wednesday night.
And it was there that Ashley told Benitez and stars including captain Jamaal Lascelles, Matt Ritchie and Jonjo Shelvey that they should not be distracted by talk of the club being sold this season.
He claimed that no party has ever come close to meeting his valuation and that some had tried to steal the club at a knock-down price.
We understand he admitted to them that he has made mistakes but now plans to take a more hands-on approach and will be present at both matches and training sessions in the coming months.
Ashley, who was meeting Benitez face-to-face for only the fourth time in two-and-a-half years, also insisted to the players that the Spaniard was going nowhere and he needed him as manager for the team to be successful on the pitch.
To that end, he said that plans were being made for January – and it is this what would have been of interest to Benitez.
So, he’s not going to sell the club this season, he’s promised them a holiday if we stay up, he’s planning a hands on approach and has made ‘plans for January, and he’s determined to keep Benitez at the club.
I’ll believe it all when I see it.
hasn’t he said all this before about being more hands on etc as if that’s reassuring, mind you the holiday is a new one, will be really attractive to millionaire footballers a free holiday
as we know he wont sell because it makes him too much money and clearly relegations hurt him in the pocket the only place he can be hurt.
cc(Quote)
Another slice of bull **** anyone?
Steve(Quote)
He never had any intention of selling anyway and I don’t take any notice of the bull that comes out of his mouth. And his statement saying that he didn’t give give the rods to fans is extremely unconvincing at best
scotty(Quote)
You would think that if he feels the need to be hands on he should be pushing some of his stooges out the door. They’re obviously not up to the task.
Brrrrrian(Quote)