The Athletic journalist Chris Waugh has warned Newcastle United fans to not get their hopes up over the latest reported takeover interest that has been shown in the club.
Mike Ashley met with two Mexican businessmen in London last week, according to David Ornstein, and there is still interest from the Mexican Orlegi Group.
Talk of a potential takeover at St James’ Park keeps cropping up every now and then and Waugh, speaking via a Q&A session on The Athletic’s website on Wednesday, suggested that fans should remain grounded about the latest talks.
“As reported on The Athletic over the past few weeks, there is still interest out there – including from the Mexican Orlegi Group, who have held discussions with Ashley.
“But the difference between interest and an actual takeover is significant. Repeatedly over the past two years we have heard of interest – and genuine interest, for the most part – but I think we’re only likely to hear of an actual takeover having taken place once it’s already completed, or just about to be completed.
“For now, I’d not let your hopes get raised, and then allow it to be a pleasant surprise if and when something actually happens.”
OPINION
Waugh knows as well as anyone what it is like for Newcastle United supporters each time there is an update on Ashley’s supposed efforts to sell the Tyneside club. Do not believe anything until it’s done, is basically the message that the former Chronicle reporter is sending out to fans here and that is fair enough. Amanda Staveley, Peter Kenyon and the BZG Group have all come and gone in the last year or so and none of them appear to have anywhere near close to a takeover. All the stuff about the BZG Group in the summer was a load of rubbish and should have taught a lot of fans a good lesson. Do not believe anything that does not come from local sources. Anything that originates from The Sun or some radio DJ in the Middle East should just be ignored from now on by the Toon Army.
