Archive for tag: Mike Ashley.

Benitez vs Ashley Assessed

August 26th, 2019 | One Comment |

Ashley and Benitez
A rare shot of Ashley and Benitez together.
Rafa Benitez is undoubtedly one of the most likeable and professional managers in football. Despite operating under one of the tightest budgets in the Premier League, the Spaniard produced a minor miracle in guiding The Magpies to a 13th place finish last campaign and 10th the season before that. After their less than acrimonious split over the summer, Newcastle owner Mike Ashley and managing director Lee Charnley are now locked in a war of words with Rafa Benitez which has so far involved back and forth insults, accusations and other general playground antics. But is Mike Ashley really the bad guy in all of this? Or does Rafa have to take some responsibility for his own actions? (more…)

Rudderless Newcastle lurching towards a troubled season

July 5th, 2019 | No Comments |

Mike Ashley
Mike Ashley: Bringing chaos to the Magpies once again.
Rudderless Newcastle lurching towards a troubled season

With the 2019/20 Premier League season just over a month away Newcastle United remain an organisation in turmoil.

Rafa Benitez’s departure as manager hasn’t gone down well with the club’s fans and has only served to increase their animosity towards owner Mike Ashley.

Read on as we assess the latest state of play at St James’ Park.

Who will replace Benitez?

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Nervy times as Newcastle United takeover bid rumbles on

May 31st, 2019 | No Comments |

Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
There is a feeling of déjà vu amongst Newcastle United fans at the moment, with a proposed £350 million takeover bid dominating the headlines.

The Bin Zayed Group – led by Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nahyan – are adamant their bid is serious, but the current situation is one that is all to familiar to Newcastle supporters.

Amanda Staveley’s failure to meet Mike Ashley’s asking price earlier this year was a huge disappointment to fans who are desperate to see the back of the current owner.

Read on as we look at the latest state of play at Newcastle.

Sheikh Khaled insists group have provided proof of funds. (more…)

Avoiding Relegation the Sole Aim for Newcastle United in 2018/19

September 13th, 2018 | No Comments |

Mike Ashley and Lee Charnley.
Laurel and Hardy – The relegation specialists.
The Premier League is not only the most popular football league on the planet, but it is also the most lucrative. With television rights and top-flight status offering millions of pounds on a yearly basis, every club wants to avoid relegation. But for a club like Newcastle it is vital to stay in the Premier League, Magpies fans cannot cope with more relegation heartache.

Let’s get one thing straight: Rafa Benitez is a top class football manager. The Spaniard has done a tremendous job with the tools at his disposal and Newcastle supporters recognise his efforts. Benitez is not, nor has he ever been the problem. If the Magpies go down it will be down to a lack of financial support from the club’s hierarchy. (more…)

Who could replace Benitez at the end of the season?

September 4th, 2018 | No Comments |

Rafa Benitez and Mike Ashley
A very rare shot of Benitez and Ashley together.
As most fans will know, Rafa Benitez’s contract as Newcastle United’s manager will expire at the end of the season and so far, the omens do not look particularly good.

After a nightmare start to the season against pretty much the worst possible opposition (Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City in their first four games), the club are currently in the bottom three, and overall transfer spending is in minus figures, leaving Benitez with what is effectively a lower mid table squad. Indeed, according to transfer website Transfermarkt, there are only four teams in the Premier League with lower value squads than Newcastle (£157.23m), these are Bournemouth (£147.83m), Watford (£144.63), Huddersfield (£104.49m) and Cardiff (£84.83m), which almost makes them relegation battlers. Of course, Benitez showed his mettle last season by taking a squad which should have been hovering precariously above the bottom three to a highly creditable 10th in the Premier League. (more…)