Alan Shearer has reacted with delight on Twitter after Mike Ashley officially put Newcastle United up for sale on Monday.
St James Holding Limited, the company that owns Newcastle, announced that the Sports Direct tycoon is actively looking for a buyer for the club he has owned since 2007.
Newcastle legend Alan Shearer reacted to the news by posting a clip on his personal Twitter account that showed delirious celebration accompanied by the words ‘just heard’.
Just heard ….. pic.twitter.com/0RrorVrO07
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) October 16, 2017
In an official statement lodged on Newcastle’s official website, as well as on their official Twitter account, the company have confirmed that they are looking to secure the sale of the Tyneside giants “in the best interests” of the club and its fans.
STATEMENT: The owner of the club, St. James Holdings Limited, has confirmed that #NUFC is up for salehttps://t.co/lqvpqHAR1Z pic.twitter.com/OSAhzyIl1K
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) October 16, 2017
The decision has been made to ensure that the club receives the necessary investment to progress forward and move to the “next level” in the future.
Intriguingly, potential investors will be allowed to defer “substantial payments” in order to ensure that the incoming party can substantially invest in the club, which will include in the transfer market.
OPINION
Shearer’s reaction is likely to reflect that of the majority of the Newcastle fanbase, who are desperate for change following Ashley’s deeply unpopular reign. During his 10 years in charge, the billionaire has alienated supporters with a series of business decisions, ranging from the slightly daft to the outrageous. He fell out of favour with the Toon Army after his public fall out with Newcastle icon Kevin Keegan, while he renamed St James’ Park the Sports Direct Arena, before it was changed back in a deal agreed with then chief sponsors Wonga. He has also hired and fired a series of managers, with the John Carver, Steve McClaren and Joe Kinnear appointments particularly poorly regarded.