TalkSport presenter Jim White has expressed his confusion over how open Mike Ashley has been in recent days as he reportedly seeks a takeover of stricken Championship club Derby County.
Mike Ashley split opinions during his time as owner of Newcastle United, and he has been heavily linked with a takeover at Derby County.
Ashley has publicly stated that he is eager to take over Derby and he is ‘frustrated‘ by the lack of movement in the process.
Taking issue with the public nature of the talks, White appeared to suggest that Ashley’s bid wasn’t ‘serious’ – or that it should be taking place behind closed doors.
White has given his opinion on how open Ashley has been on the situation.
Speaking on air this morning (08/02), he said: “I don’t get it, aren’t all serious bids supposed to be done in private?”
TIF Thoughts on Mike Ashley and Derby County…
The former Newcastle owner’s way of going about things is far from the norm, as it certainly seems strange for a takeover to be this public unless a deal is near enough complete.
Ashley lost the trust in the majority of the Newcastle faithful during his time with the Magpies. His rebranding of the club was hurtful, with the main controversy coming in the renaming of the stadium to the ‘Sports Direct Arena’.
He was also reluctant to spend big whilst he was with Newcastle, so you can see why frustration may have built up during his time on Tyneside.
Although Ashley is keen on taking over at Derby, with the club are in a state of crisis at the moment, it is hard to believe that the Rams fanbase will be keen to get him in the door, simply due to his past experiences.
That may also add weight to White’s concerns, as he has arguably not behaved like a trustworthy or professional figure over the years.