Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley likely wants to sell the club because he is focused on his other business interests, according to The Chronicle journalist Mark Douglas.
Douglas was answered a fan question about whether the Sports Direct tycoon really wanted to sell the Magpies, to which he replied that he is hearing time and again that the owner is more motivated to sell than he has ever been.
He also revealed that Ashley’s focus on his other business interests is most probably why now is the time that he’s decided to move on from Newcastle.
Douglas states that this represents a change in attitude from January, when a failed bid from Peter Kenyon had people within the club fearing that Ashley would take the Magpies off the market.
OPINION
Well this is good news, isn’t it? Ashley has seemingly wanted the club off his hands for quite some time now, but for this to be the time when he is most motivated to sell is obviously fantastic for the supporters, who have wanted him out of St James’ Park for many years now. Clearly his eye has wandered towards his other business ventures, of which there are a number. We’ve seen in recent months that he has made a couple of moves to try and purchase failing British businesses, with Debenhams the obvious example. There doesn’t seem to be as much of a concern that Ashley will back out of trying to sell the club if this latest takeover bid – from the Bin Zayed Group – goes awry. Clearly he is ready and willing to move on, which is news that will delight the Toon Army. He has other things in his life and he wants to focus on them. Let’s hope he gets his wish.
