OPINION
To say that Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is the least popular man at St James’ Park is already an understatement, and he would have to pull off some serious miracles if he wanted to rescue his reputation.
The Sports Direct supremo, who invested in the Magpies back in 2007, has endured a tumultuous time since arriving on Tyneside, memories of him in and among the Newcastle fans at matches something which have been resigned to the back of the mind.
He has gone from jolly giant to invisible investor, although there would be a fair few members of the Toon Army who would argue over the investment aspect, considering the way he now runs the club on a shoestring budget with as tight a grip on the purse strings the club has ever seen.
A whole host of controversial decisions, including selling the naming rights to St James’ Park and the treatment of club hero Kevin Keegan as manager, has led to further disenchantment from the Newcastle faithful, with many hoping for a takeover sooner rather than later.
However, his latest demand might just have the Magpies in meltdown, in what could be the best bit of news since the club’s survival in the Premier League was guaranteed.
The Chronicle claim on their website that the Londoner has told managing director Lee Charnley to do everything in his power to keep manager Rafael Benitez at the club both this summer and for the long-term future, with doubts having built up over whether the Spaniard would remain for much longer.
The former Liverpool man is the opposite of Ashley – adored by the public and already a hero at St James’ Park – and losing him would be the biggest blow in years.
Keeping him is massive both in terms of what goes on on the football pitch and in the stands, and Ashley’s demands may well have endeared him a little bit to the supporters.