A NEW takeover statement has now been released ‘following a meeting’ between Peter Redding (Dubai-based radio presenter) and Bin Zayed Group officials.
Here’s the latest from the Middle-East, with Capital Radio’s Peter Redding claiming the BZG wanted to put the following on the record for the benefit of Newcastle United fans:
“Both parties have worked diligently in finalising a deal, none more so than ourselves. We have completed every aspect required in a takeover process.
“Press claims of no bids or Premier League approval processes are simply untrue.
“The current owners have cooperated amicably throughout this process and if a deal is not forthcoming it will not be due to lack of effort from both parties”
I am very mixed on this one. The first line ending in ‘none more so than ourselves’ initially had me wondering if this was them hinting that Mike Ashley had no been cooperating as much as themselves, however they do stress later in the statement that BOTH parties have been working hard on a deal.
Then there’s this line – “We have completed every aspect required in a takeover process“. If so then what is the hold up? Why is the deal not imminent? If anything, this statement raises as many questions as it gives answers. As a result, it’s now SURELY over to Mike Ashley or Newcastle United to clear up just what is going on and where we stand. After all the season starts in just over a month yet we have no idea who will own the club, no manager and no new signings.
For me, the statement can be seen as both good news or bad. They don’t criticise Ashley’s camp – the party many believe were holding it up – however they don’t announce any major breakthrough and almost set things up for ‘no deal’, even thought they claim to have completed every part of the deal!
It’s also worth mentioning that a slightly dubious announcement via a radio host on Twitter doesn’t exactly make this the most legitimate thing I’ve ever seen, but it is communication – and that’s MUCH more than Mike Ashley or Newcastle United have offered up until now.
I honestly believe Mike Ashley has no intention of selling Newcastle United.
To me it’s all been a PR/Publicity con from when He found out Rafa was leaving – which was May!
George Wilson(Quote)
More rubbish spouted again no word from the club only at Newcastle United would this happen!
Clive(Quote)
dont worry it wont be sold this year,it will be off the market in a couple of weeks,and back on at the end of the season,why would ashley sell a cash machine.,he wont.and if the fans upset him he will put a donkey of a manager in charge to show you who,s boss.same same old story ZZZZZzzzzzzzzzz
dave(Quote)
Mike has wanted shot of Rafa since he came out and said it would be miracle if we avoid relegation in our first season back in the Premier League. That pissed MA off and a lot of the players including our captain. Rafa bemoaned not getting 20m plus for his top targets Jorgenson, Sandro and Tammy Abraham who all went on to flop massively at the clubs who did sign them.
Both MA and a lot of first team players were not impressed with the tactics either and many players felt they were being played out of position.
The idea that the players are upset is wide of the mark. Also a takeover wont be happening before start of season and Eddie Howe is preffered choice
D20RY(Quote)
Don’t believe fat ashley has and intention of selling.
I sincerely hope fans boycott games, and his tat shops , he only understands money.
Geordie exile(Quote)
Why would Ashley be looking for a manager if the club was to be sold soon?
Lee Blakey(Quote)