Source: SKY_Sports
Ashley maintains Magpies passion
ewcastle managing director Derek Llambias insists Mike Ashley remains committed to the club.[LNB] Owner Ashley had been looking to sell-up before Christmas, having become the target for terrace abuse following the shock departure of Kevin Keegan as boss.[LNB]He was forced to stay away from games during that period, with supporter angst on Tyneside at an all-time high.[LNB]However, tensions have eased since then and Ashley has been back in the stands at recent Magpies matches.[LNB]Llambias is delighted to see the St James' Park supremo back where he belongs and believes Ashley has always had the club's best interests at heart.[LNB]"The passion has always been there from Mike," Llambias told The Journal.[LNB]"He has missed it while he has been away, particularly the games. He brought the kids back against Everton, which was good, and he will continue to bring them, he's back onside. [LNB]Upset"I don't think he ever left. At the end of the day he was upset. He felt he couldn't win (after Keegan's exit).[LNB]"He's pumped so much money into something, thought he was going in the right direction. You are thinking you're getting it right and then all of sudden, out of the blue, you get a curve ball.[LNB]"You think 'where did that come from?' Then you have to start again or you look at it again. We've been naive and unfortunate in many ways."[LNB]Llambias does, however, admit that the Newcastle board have made mistakes this season, with Keegan's departure proving how difficult life at the helm of a football club can be.[LNB]"I think we understand Newcastle United a lot better after what has happened this season. We understand it better as a club and as a business. We are catching on quickly," explained Llambias. [LNB]"I think Mike misses the involvement and getting involved with the crowd. He loved it. He bought Newcastle to enjoy it, not simply as another business.[LNB]"He's invested a huge amount of money in it and he doesn't want to fail."[LNB]
