OPINION
The Mike Ashley era will not be remembered fondly by many at Newcastle United – from the lack of funds being made available every year, to the ridiculous attempt of trying to change the name of St James’ Park.
Ashley’s time at the club could quickly become a thing of the past with talks progressing with the Bin Zayed Group. The Sun have reported that the potential £350million takeover is progressing nicely and could be completed by the end of the month.
Despite talks somewhat progressing, the Chronicle have claimed that there are two other interested parties who have held talks with a view to take over the Magpies, while Ashley has reportedly had meetings with at least two separate suitors in the recent past.
The regional newspaper also reports that one of these firms have sought advice on how to take advantage of the commercial market should they successfully manage to complete a deal for the club.
This must be the least of anyone’s worries in regards to potential ownership of the club, with the Bin Zayed Group sending all the right messages to take the club forward.
The most important situations that need resolving surround matters on the pitch. First of all, the future of Rafael Benitez must be sorted, with the Spaniard’s current deal at the club set to run out at the end of June.
After that, funds must be made available to whoever is in charge come next month, with the club at the right stage to really make a push for the top half of the Premier League after two seasons of consolidation.
Mike Ashley has treated Newcastle as a business for far too long in the North East and whoever is to be in control in the coming months must put football first, with the Magpies crying out for stability off the pitch as well as on it.
