OPINION
In one of the more bizarre comments in recent Newcastle United history, former Magpie Kevin Nolan said on talkSPORT that the fans can not blame owner Mike Ashley for the recent ongoings at St James’ Park. Bizarre because back in 2011, Nolan forced his way out of the club after Ashley himself refused to agree to terms on a potential new deal for the attacking midfield man – something the former Bolton and West Ham ace disagreed with as he failed to see out the final two years of his deal. In what world would anyone agree to the fact that Ashley is not to blame for the situation that is currently ongoing in the North East? Under his management, the club have lost Rafael Benitez and only broken their transfer record once since the arrival of Michael Owen in 2005 – two things which only highlight the lack of ambition at the club. Nolan has no reason to defend the controversial owner, and many Newcastle fans linked his comments to the fact he could fancy the newly vacant manager’s role. These Magpies’ fans reacted to the comments on Twitter, with one saying, “And in one move, he has put himself in frame for the manager job, and out of it at the same time.”
“You can’t fault Mike Ashley.”
“He’s been able to finance the club and keep things running smoothly.”
“Benitez knew what he was going into and done well in working the media.”
“I feel for the fans & for Ashley.”
Kevin Nolan defends Mike Ashley and his reign at #NUFC … pic.twitter.com/NSBwPvRp0i
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) July 5, 2019
NothingButNewcastle picked out some of the best responses below;
