Steve Wraith has been speaking on a recent episode of NUFC Matters, revealing his thoughts on the failed takeover of Newcastle United.
On 30th July, Amanda Staveley’s Saudi-backed consortium withdrew its bid to buy the Toon from Mike Ashley, with Staveley blaming the Premier League.
Since then, a petition has been launched demanding an independent investigation into why the takeover collapsed.
The Reuben brothers have stated, via Arena Racing Company CEO Martin Cruddace, that they would still be committed to the deal if it were to be revived.
Wraith was asked the question in his show on Sunday if he thought the deal could be salvaged.
“I think there’s still a possibility that it can be, I genuinely feel it can be revived.
“I just think it’s down to Mike Ashley now; Mike Ashley wants to sell the club, we have willing buyers still in PIF, I don’t think that they’d spent all that time wanting to buy the club and then simply walk away.
“I think they’ve probably had enough of the criticism that they’ve received, and I just think there is still that faint hope.”
Wraith was very positive throughout this whole saga, as a quick look through his timeline will reveal, so it is no real surprise to see him still think that the takeover is not dead.
Do you think the bid can be saved?
No, this is it
Yes, there has to be hope
TIF Thoughts…
The Reuben brothers have claimed that they still want to be involved in any potential deal to buy Newcastle, while Mehrdad Ghodoussi, Staveley’s husband, confirmed that all three parties would be ready to do a deal if the Premier League was prepared to accept the offer.
However, it could be argued that nothing would change if the Staveley group came back because ultimately, it was the Premier League that didn’t make a decision, which led to the buyers walking away, seemingly of their own accord.
The Independent claims that the consortium have not gone away, but they face serious opposition from influential clubs in the Premier League, so that might have to change for this deal to be revived.
Therefore, Wraith’s prediction could be right – but we will have to wait and see.