Newcastle United FC

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• Manager:Alan Pardew

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Ashley seeks Magpies sale

31 May 2009 - 11:17:15

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Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has put the club up for sale following their relegation from the Premier League.

Ashley, whose 18-month spell on Tyneside has been beset with difficulties, has again apologised to the club's fans for the mistakes which have led to their fall from grace.

Reports claim the sportswear tycoon is now willing to sell the Magpies for around £80million.

He paid £134.4million to takeover the St James' Park club in 2007.

"It's been catastrophic for everybody. I've lost my money and made terrible decisions," he told the Sunday Times.

"Now I want to sell as soon as I can. I am genuinely sorry for everybody for what has happened."

Ashley turned to club legend Alan Shearer to save their top-flight status with eight games remaining in the season.

Shearer was the fourth man to manage the club - after Kevin Keegan, Chris Hughton and Joe Kinnear - during a disastrous season and Ashley has again conceded that huge mistakes were made.

"I never said I was an expert in football clubs," he added.

"I was just a fan - although a very wealthy fan - but I'm not so wealthy now.

"I put my money into it and I tried my best, but I accept my best was woefully short.

"Seeing Newcastle relegated has been a catastrophe for us all.

"I fully accept that mistakes were made during this and previous seasons, and I am very sorry for that.

"I would like to say sorry to our magnificent supporters who have turned up in their thousands, home and away, up and down the country and who have given the team amazing backing throughout.

"And I would also say sorry to all of the club's hard-working staff, who have gone about their jobs all year long."