According to The Chronicle’s Mark Douglas, there’s a theory that Mike Ashley may be more likely to release funds if he becomes more engaged with NUFC – and this is why Lee Charnley has encouraged him to meet with Benitez and attend games again.
Many have wondered just why Ashley has returned to St James’ Park over the past few games – especially when he ‘wants to sell up’ – however this may explain it (although I’m not convinced).
His ‘dinner date’ with Rafa and the players was a start and his presence at games has now followed, so it seems something is going on.
Here’s what Douglas had to say when asked ‘Why is Mike Ashley back on the scene?’ during The Chronicle’s Q&A just yesterday:
“So here’s the thing: Lee Charnley has been trying to encourage more interaction between the owner and manager for months now.
“The theory seems to be that if Ashley is involved and visible, he will find it more difficult to say no to requests for players and to release funds for reinforcements. It is much easier to turn things down if he is sat somewhere in London or Shirebrook with no link to the club whatsoever.
“Get him engaged and excited, the theory goes, and he may want to grow the club.”
Most normal owner would invest without persuasion when their club is in the bottom three and in clear need of investment, but it seems Ashley always needs convincing.
I get what’s being said here – he may be more likely to realise just how bad things are when he’s watched us be beaten (and fail to score) against both Leicester and Brighton – but I still wouldn’t bank on him giving Rafa much to play with in January.
Utter rubbish. Ashley knows the score. He does not need to attend a match to see how bad we are playing. This is all self pity on his behalf. Just go Ashley and let someone take on the club with ambition and passion for the club.
Dutch(Quote)
He also promised a free holiday to the team if they avoid relegation, the man is a joke he has turned nufc into a Pound Shop football club and a laughing stock around the world.
Nufc 11(Quote)
You couldn’t make it up
Billy(Quote)
Better idea – give all ST holders a free holiday if we do get relegated. That won’t be so cheap and might get him motivated into investing the team.
Bobbybee(Quote)
The sooner someone does the fat ******* in the better. 👿
ASH HATER(Quote)
Don’t care anymore
Steve(Quote)
Ashley has block booked Primrose Valley Caravan park for June 2019. He must be confident to stay in the PL!! The players are excited about the freebie. No stopping us now.
LA Toon(Quote)
load of bollx.
I’m not even convinced that Ashley is the cause of the cash blockage.
Things invariably grind to a halt when accountants get their hands on the reins and I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s what’s happened at Newcastle.
In an interview that he gave as GM he said it was his job to persuade Ashley, so he’s obviously not doing that, and certainly not successfully.
THe article suggests that Ashley spending more time with the club is Charnley’s doing, and makes him more malleable.
The other view could be that Ashley doesn’t trust Charnley to get the business done and is taking the responsibility away from him.
In my 30 years of working with accountants I’ve never come across one that WANTS to spend money
Brrrian(Quote)