What Is Ashley Playing At?

12 May 2010 09:36
For a man who says BUGGER all to the fans - and insists he wants to keep it that way - Mike Ashley has a strange way of getting across his point. Ashley prefers to issue statements ... under someone else's name ... in a bizarre 'Michael Jackson type' of ploy that (at times) defies belief. Two weeks ago we got a statement saying he had made a loan of £111million, which would be repayable on request. Which caused concern amongst supporters - some thinking it suggested he could fold the club at any time he felt the desire. On Monday he said (once again via a statement) that Chris Hughton would have no money to spend in the summer; and yesterday he said that he "does not expect the interest-free loan he made to Newcastle to be repaid". A statement released by the club on their official website read: "In relation to recent media speculation following the statement made by the club on May 9, Newcastle United would like to make it clear that owner Mike Ashley is not looking for his interest-free loan to be repaid, or to take any money out of the club." However, Ashley is adamant the estimated £60million windfall which will come the club's way as a result of winning back their top-flight status will NOT go straight into his pocket.  

Source: FOOTYMAD