NUFC reporter reveals why Ashley & Kenyon leaked the 'takeover letter' - Do you believe this?
According to Lee Ryder, Mike Ashley and Peter Kenyon agreed to release the infamous 'takeover letter' in a bid to show fans that this is not a PR stunt - with both 'eager' to prove to the public that a deal can be struck in the new year.
I think like many Newcastle fans, my stance on this is that talk is cheap - the timing more than anything makes it difficult to be anything other than incredibly skeptical at this latest development.
We are now in the most important transfer window in many years, with no sign of any funds available to strengthen the squad. We are struggling on the pitch and in a real dog fight to stay in the division and unless the takeover is actually completed and funds available, a letter like this is of no actual use to Newcastle at the moment.
Here's what Lee Ryder has had to say about the situation during his latest takeover story in the Chronicle:
'It is understood that the Peter Kenyon’s letter to Ashley over the festive period was made public with the consent of both the Toon tycoon and the ex-Manchester United and Chelsea supremo.
'Indeed, both men were eager to show to the Newcastle public that there was still a realistic chance of a takeover in the new year and try to shut down accusations that a new owner is not a PR stunt.
'However, Kenyon must still come up with a satisfactory offer and since the letter there is believed to have been further dialogue from the 65-year-old to Ashley with a fresh pledge that another revised offer is on the way.'
We all hope Kenyon is serious and this materialises but it has been a month since the interview Ashley conducted on Sky News now and yet it feels like we are no further forward. The mood of boss Rafa Benitez is also the most downbeat I can remember - he certainly hasn't been told a takeover is immanent looking at his body language.
With a deal still be struck and and Premier League checks to be completed, we are still weeks away of a new owner - and that is the best case scenario. Something needs to happen and fast otherwise the squad will be left short again and us with a real up hill battle to stay up. Worst case, we are left with no signings and the annual February announcement from Ashley that takeover talks have 'fallen through'...what's your money on?
