Chris Waddle has slammed Mike Ashley over his ownership at Newcastle United after the departure of Rafael Benitez on Monday.
The former Magpies midfielder has criticised Ashley, who he believes doesn’t communicate enough with the fans, claiming that it isn’t good enough for an owner of a club to be so quiet.
Speaking to BBC 5 Live Sport, Waddle said: “Unfortunately for Mike Ashley, he’s a silent owner isn’t he – he never does interviews, he never comes out and says and I’ve always thought because the Newcastle fans want to know everything about the club daily.”
😠 'The problem is he NEVER communicates with the Geordie fans'@chriswaddle93 has had his say on #NUFC's owner Mike Ashley after Rafael Benitez's departure was confirmed.
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📲⚽️: https://t.co/X4R5uSJmVB#bbcfootball pic.twitter.com/TIGKMG7BA9— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) June 25, 2019
“The man at the top has got to come forward sometimes”. Waddle added: “Mike Ashley, unfortunately, it just looks like he doesn’t want to communicate with the fans, he doesn’t want to tell anybody what’s going on.”
“It’s the wrong way.”
It was announced on Monday that Benitez will leave St James’ Park after three years in charge of the club with the Spaniard unable agree to suitable terms with the Magpies.
The Champions League winner’s exit will reportedly not affect any of the ongoing talks with the Bin Zayed Group.
OPINION
The ownership of Mike Ashley will always be remembered as a negative period at Newcastle, with the fans disagreeing on many of the decisions made by the owner during his spell. If the Bin Zayed Group does officially take over in the North East, the first big decision will be a crucial one – finding the right man to take over such an influential figure in Newcastle’s recent history. The news of Benitez leaving didn’t only hurt the fans, but also the players who sent many tributes to their recent boss over social media, thanking him for his services. Benitez was a big draw to potential incomings at the club, who may now be forced to go down a different route of managers. As for Ashley, he seemed reluctant to change his policy on transfers – despite the fact he was leaving the club. The potential new owners have also been somewhat quiet in a week of controversy, and should they take charge of the club, they must adopt a more open policy with the club’s fans. Ashley will leave Newcastle as a villain with not many fans holding fond memories of the man at the top, with the BZG Group needing to rebuild the club from top to bottom after the news.
