Speaking on talkSPORT today, Steve Harmison has urged Mike Ashley to sell up – believing this is his big moment to hand over the reigns to ambitious new owners and move on.
The Ashington born ex-England cricketer has faced criticism from sections of our supporters in the past, with him stating last summer that fans would ‘never forgive’ Rafa Benitez if he were to leave.
Those comments were met with backlash on social media, however his views this time are a bit more aligned with how the majority of Toon supporters feel, with Harmison urging Mike Ashley to sell – feeling this is his ‘perfect’ opportunity.
Here’s what he’s had to say on talkSPORT, with him also laying into the NUFC owner for decisions made regarding staff wages:
“It doesn’t surprise me (Mike Ashley furloughing staff wages).
“If you asked who would be the first Premier League club to put their staff, who aren’t playing staff, on furlough leave, it would be Newcastle and Mike Ashley.
“You’ve just seen what he’s done with Sports Direct. Their telling you to stay in and don’t go out and he’s left his shops open, it does not surprise me with Mike Ashley.”
“The reports in the local papers up here yesterday is this is the closest Newcastle could be in the last three years (to be taken over), with all the nonsense that’s been going around.
“Mike Ashley hasn’t covered himself in glory with Sports Direct & Newcastle.
“If ever there was a time for Ashley to get out of Newcastle, this is it!”
“We don’t want to be tarred with that brush anymore.”
For everybody’s sake I hope you’re right, Steve!
This is a saga that has dragged on far too long and personally I have become numb to any new takeover talk – especially after getting excited about the BZG and Sheik Khaled last year.
I think I can safely speak for most NUFC fans in saying that if we were to be bought by the Saudi PIF, it would certainly soften the blow of the current campaign being knocked on the head!
He won’t sell till he is running out of money! And he will try everything to get around that. Nothing will surprise me with that odious excuse for a human being.
Robert Adams(Quote)