According to The Chronicle, Mike Ashley will ask for an update from the Premier League after “growing impatient” over the time it’s taking for them to pass a £300m Saudi-backed takeover.
Lee Ryder reports that he’s set to return to the UK soon after several months in the states, and is keen to gain some clarity on the deal – which is quite amusing really.
Given how he’s left us fans in the dark over a sale and season ticket payments – which are still being taken, with no refunds sanctioned or line of communication despite countless letters of complaints – it’s a bit rich of him to ask for action and correspondence!
The Chronicle also had this to say on reported interest from US businessman Henry Mauriss, claiming that those close to the NUFC owner have ‘refused to play down’ his chances of stepping in should a Saudi bid be blocked:
‘Sources close to Ashley have refused to play down the chances of American tycoon Henry Mauriss but the Californian businessman has not placed a formal offer yet and observers are questioning how serious the Clear TV Media mogul’s proposal really is.
‘Mauriss has set up a UK firm in recent weeks with Companies House but has refused to comment on his plans.‘
Mauriss’ interest and ability to provide a ‘back-up’ option to Mike Ashley has been credited by both The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards and The Times’ Henry Winter, however it’s fair to say we’re all hoping this Saudi bid reaches a positive conclusion instead to avoid another energy sapping episode.
After all, while it’s nice to know there’s a possible plan B, I don’t think any of us want to go through yet another takeover saga that involves Mike Ashley accepting a bid and a Premier League owners and directors test – something that’s taken what feels like a lifetime for the Staveley-led consortium to complete!
As for Ashley, he’s ignored us, neglected our club and left us in the dark in times where reassurance was necessary for well over a decade now, so I’m sure he can cope with a taste of his own medicine for a few weeks longer as he waits for his £300m to arrive.
If he thinks a few weeks of uncertainty is bad, he should try 13 years of neglect; something us fans have had to get used to during his tragic tenure on Tyneside.
An American who has no money and uses his company as a front
This guy has a record as long as your arm for doing dodgy things
Dave(Quote)
Nice story about ‘sources close to’ . Will add it to the list of things that I read and shouldn’t have.
Cocobear(Quote)
Did I read tycoon and media mogul? The man runs hospital bedside tv’s and screens at 4 airports, and doctors surgery. I bet he couldn’t afford the Mackems.
david render(Quote)