Is Newcastle united still up for sale?
10th August, 2009
Mike Ashley the owner of Newcastle United is set to re-evaluate his decision to put the Toon Army up for sale and could remain in charge of the club.
Ashley placed the club from St James Park up for sale at the end of last season, following the team’s relegation to the Championship from the Premier League. Only two years have passed since Ashley purchased the outfit; however this is the second time he has decided to put the club on the market since taking it off last December.
Rumours have circulated that Ashley has failed to find a buyer for the price he wants and is more than prepared to stay in the role of chairman to protect his investment. Mike Ashley paid £134.4m for Newcastle, but has by all accounts been prepared to sell for £80m.
Local entrepreneur Barry Moat has been installed as the favourite to buy the club. Moat who possesses an executive box at St James Park, has invested in the clubs youth academy in the past.
If Ashley stays he could appoint David O'Leary as Newcastle United’s next manager.
O'Leary has not been managing anyone since his departure from Aston Villa in 2006. The Irishman had also previously guided Leeds United to the Champions League semi-finals.
Newcastle is presently managed by Chris Hughton, who is the caretaker boss. Hughton has had a lot to deal with since Alan Shearer’s temporary managerial spell finished at the end of last season. The team has lost key players during the transfer period and had an awkward pre-season which was highlighted by the 6-1 defeat at Leyton Orient.
To win promotion back to the Premier League this season Newcastle United are 7/1 with Bet 365 and 13/2 with BlueSq.
By Dane
