Newcastle United legend Chris Waddle has run the rule over Miek Ashley’s ownership of the club, and his comments show that time is surely running out for the chairman.
The former England international was blunt in his appraisal of the situation on Tyneside, accusing Ashley of duping supporters into believing that a sale was close to justify a lack of investment in transfer windows, but it’s a pattern that many Toon fans are beginning to pick up on too.
Speaking to Sportingbet, Waddle said: “I think it is pretty obvious to everyone by this point that Mike Ashley has no intention of selling Newcastle United.
“Every transfer window he claims we’re close to getting new owners as justification for him not spending any money, but I don’t think anyone is falling for that anymore.
“Mike Ashley is content to just bank the TV revenue and isn’t particularly worried about what everyone thinks of him. He has Sports Direct advertised all around one of the biggest stadiums in the country and he is well aware of that value.
“Any prospective buyer must look at the size of the club, its quality facilities and passionate fans thinking it has limited potential, it really is a gold mine if they strike the right note.
“Mike Ashley is clearly shunning their advances and he will never admit it.”
Waddle’s comments are a frank assessment of a nightmarish situation at St. James’ Park that will not get better until Ashley sells up.
Once upon a time, the almost cyclical finding of a potential buyer around January time that falls through, usually because of Ashley’s stubbornness, may have been seen as misfortune, but now the Magpies are under no illusions and must see the ploy for what it is – a way of limiting investment.
Admittedly, a record transfer fee for Miguel Almiron was sanctioned during the January window, but there’s a strong argument to be made that the transfer was in the business interests of Ashley, who would have a far less valuable asset on his hands should the club plummet to the Championship again.
Newcastle fans have been disillusioned with the Ashley regime for long enough now, but Waddle’s comments would suggest that the mask has slipped too far for it to ever be hidden behind again, and that can only spell trouble for the controversial owner.