Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has told his legal representatives that the next owner of the club has to prove they will take the Magpies to a higher level, according to the Chronicle.
The newspaper claim that Ashley has informed his legal representation that it won’t be enough for a potential buyer just to prove they have the funds to purchase the club, they need to show they’re able to take the next step with the Magpies.
The Chronicle report that Newcastle United is still for sale and there is an arrangement in place for a smooth sale if someone is able to match Ashley’s asking price, thought to be £300million.
OPINION
Ashley clearly is still looking for someone to take the Magpies off his hands, but is standing firm on his conditions about a potential sale. While Magpies supporters will want the businessman just to go as soon as possible, this update does paint him in a good light. By wanting to ensure that the club’s potential next owner is able to make progress at St James Park, it does show that he is protecting the club in some way. There have been many rich businessmen who have taken over football clubs in recent seasons, only to poorly run them and see the club be worse for their presence. So it’s nice that Ashley isn’t willing to hand the Magpies over to someone with deep pockets and no plan or ambition. Hopefully a suitable buyer for all parties does emerge soon as the off-the-field soap opera has been a distraction in recent times and doesn’t exactly see the club flourish on the pitch.
