Recent reports regarding a potential takeover at Newcastle United have installed a sense of optimism into the Magpies faithful which has eluded them for as long as Mike Ashley has been in charge.
Whether Ashley will officially confirm the latest reports and bring unbridled joy to Newcastle supporters remains to be seen, but it’s certainly too early for the north east to begin celebrating just yet as they have been in a similar situation before.
Amanda Staveley was widely believed to be edging towards a stunning takeover last season but those rumours eventually fizzled out.
Staveley’s interest arrived around the time when Newcastle officially confirmed that the club had been put up for sale by Ashley – an announcement which sent supporters crazy on Twitter.
Ashley’s lack of popularity on Tyneside is the most distinctive characteristic to describe the relationship between the business tycoon and the Magpies fan base, and the reaction of the supporters to his huge decision illuminated that in its purest form.
Here’s what the supporters had to say in response to Ashley’s decision to sell the club:
Let the sleeping GIANTS awake
— Ralph fryer (@RalphFryer) October 16, 2017
https://twitter.com/_almuntazar/status/919956913030250496
@agbnufc Light at the end of the tunnel.
— Elliot (@Zurrbs) October 16, 2017
BEST DAY OF MY LIFE
— Matthew (@MattyFenwickATC) October 16, 2017
https://twitter.com/BlockDSJP/status/919966920459341826
https://twitter.com/stevenfindlay_/status/919957380787593216
MERRY CHRISTMAS
— lee lee (@ffsMiiner) October 16, 2017
YESSSSS
— Andrew (@Andy__98__) October 16, 2017
Evidently, Ashley’s decision evoked widespread pandemonium amongst a fan base who have been starved of excitement for such a prolonged period of time under his leadership.
A controversial change to the naming of St James’ Park’s and a refusal to invest in new players stand out as the most notable points of discontent for supporters, but fast-forward one year and Ashley remains at the helm – but perhaps only just.
The identity and financial power of the consortium who are reportedly heading a bid to takeover at Newcastle remains a mystery, but it would take something truly extraordinary for Ashley’s replacement to represent anything other than a marked improvement.
With the club up for sale and investors supposedly on the brink of concluding a deal all the fans can do is hope and pray that the end is nigh.
Newcastle fans – thoughts? Let us know below!
