According to the Sun’s north-east reporter David Coverdale, ex-Man City CEO Garry Cook is now fronting an American consortium bidding to buy Newcastle United.
The finer details of the group he is backing are not made known, however it seems that Peter Kenyon know has competition as far as a potential takeover is concerned.
The ‘exclusive’ story states that the Cook has strong business links from his time with Manchester City and Nike, with him said to have ‘put a team together’ in a bid to buy the club from Mike Ashley – a man he’s said to know due to his experience in the sportswear world.
Here’s a snippet from the Sun’s piece:
DEAL-MAKER Garry Cook is behind one of the groups bidding to take over at Newcastle.
The former Manchester City supremo has put a team together to join the race to buy out owner Mike Ashley.
Cook has already played a major role in the takeover at Wigan and has now moved on to this project.
Who is funding the Cook group’s approach is unknown, but they are believed to be from the United States.
Cook has strong business links there from his time at Nike and with a major e-sports group.
He knows Ashley from his years in football and the sportswear world, so he has an ‘in’ with the man who is now willing to sell the Magpies.
Given doubts have emerged surrounding Kenyon’s ability to raise the £300m, it is promising to hear another bidder is keen – however time really is starting to run out if we want a January sale.
Like Kenyon, Cook is somewhat of a football man – having worked as a CEO for Manchester City between 2008 and 2011 – so that combined with a wealthy consortium could be the sort of combination we’re looking for.
Yer ok, more dubious reports.
Jim(Quote)
If hes pally with cashley, we probably dont want to know him.
Peter henderson(Quote)
City fan in peace….Gary Cook was actually pretty good when in charge at City.(aside from an occasional gaffe) you could do a lot worse then having him in charge
Mario Maggiore(Quote)
Cheers mate. Sounds promising – although it feels like anyone would be a big upgrade on Ashley!
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Two things that stand out:
1. A friend of Ashley…..is that a good thing? I wonder not!
2. Was in charge of Man City….who never challenged at the top until the current owner took over.
So it seems to me it like 6 of one and a halfdozen of the other……ie same for same.
The club need to move onward and upward not backward and downward.
Brian Hall(Quote)
Being a “friend” of Ashley – Ashley actually has friends that he doesn’t pay?!
If this deal does go through I hope Cook cuts all ties with Ashley’s tat shops and we get rid completely of the money grabbing parasite!
Craig(Quote)
Stopped reading when I saw it was from The Sun!
Bob(Quote)
so bored now about takeover too many rumours lets stop in bottom 3 again next season
ketsbaia(Quote)