OPINION
Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is among the most-hated men in English football at the moment, with his refusal to back manager Rafa Benitez turning the club’s fanbase against him more so than ever.
The Sports Direct tycoon has never been a popular man among the Magpies faithful, but his actions this summer have put him even lower in their estimations.
Many fans have now begun a movement to get Ashley to leave the club, and the hostility towards the businessman has seen him fail to attend a Newcastle home game for more than a year.
Despite his obvious failures as owner, the Daily Mail now report that Ashley is unhappy that Benitez has failed to invite him to attend training with the squad or to a match.
The newspaper claim that the two men do not speak directly but only through managing director Lee Charnley, with there being concerns that the Spaniard will walk away at the end of the season.
The Mail report that Ashley would be likely to accept an invitation from Benitez should it come, with the owner not wanting to be ‘at war’ with his manager.
Now, Ashley may be upset with Benitez over this issue, but him sulking over such a problem only serves to prove that he is totally delusional about his leadership of the club.
The Magpies have only gone downhill since he became owner, with the club suffering two relegations and achieving no tangible success other than their subsequent promotions.
The club transfer record of £16.5million has not been broken since 2005, despite Premier League clubs receiving record amounts of TV money and other related revenue.
It is his treatment of Benitez however which has caused most problems recently, with Ashley promising the Spaniard every penny the club generates despite them going on to make a healthy profit in the summer window.
The club have been pushing for Benitez to sign a new deal despite breaking many promises to him, and yet he is getting upset after not being invited to training?
It should be him who is extending an arm to Benitez to mend their relationship, not the other way around.
And anyhow, he is the owner of the club. Surely he can attend training whenever he likes?
This is a bizarre stance for Ashley to take on the situation, and one that merely serves to prove beyond doubt that the tycoon is totally delusional about his stewardship of the club.
