The Toon Army in the Transfer Tavern are hoping for a smooth conclusion to negotiations between Mike Ashley and Amanda Staveley in the coming weeks…
It is fair to say that Mike Ashley has never been too far away from the media spotlight since he purchased Newcastle United in 2007, but his time as The Magpies owner seems to be drawing to a conclusion. Ashley – who has been infamously known for changing the name of St James’ Park to The Sports Direct Arena, and for sporting a replica shirt on matchdays – recently decided he could not meet the investment that is required to succeed in the top-flight and put the club up for sale in October.
Speculation surrounding Ashley’s successor has been rife in the media since he went public with his decision to sell the club.
British businesswoman Amanda Staveley has been tipped as the hot-favourite to succeed Ashley since the announcement, and it now looks a case of when, not if, she will takeover in the North East.
Sky Sports News presenter Pete Graves fuelled the dialogue on Twitter concerning the Newcastle takeover earlier this week, by commenting on reports that Ashley and Staveley had met in person for the very first time.
A hugely significant week for #nufc with face to face talks between MA and AS now being reported. The desire on both sides to get a deal done has never wavered. Important decisions lie ahead with regards to January window.
— Pete Graves (@PeteGravesTV) December 7, 2017
Although the Newcastle supporters are excited about the prospect of Staveley’s ownership at the club, they are slightly concerned that the deal will not be concluded in time to secure a handful of crucial signings in the January window.
And some of the supporters couldn’t resist the opportunity to poke fun at Ashley for his perceived stinginess…
Here’s what the Newcastle supporters had to say in response to Graves tweet.
Hopefully going to get where we all want to be
— G Mac #24 (@supamactoon) December 7, 2017
I reckon deals further on than we think, however paperwork wont be done til toward back end of Jan. They were blatantly meeting to talk about her investing money in transfer window! Like when Man City bought Robinho before deal was concluded! #nufc #amandastaveley
— Mark Dilbo (@dillmin1) December 8, 2017
Of course I’m a pessimist. I’ve been supporting @NUFC all my life. Our club motto says in Latin ‘Prepare For Disappointment’
— Pablo Blanco (@HowesTheBacon) December 8, 2017
Loads of pictures from last nights curry in the sun. Really need to sort out January investment otherwise it's at least 50:50 we go down
— Martin Johnson (@MartinJohnson10) December 7, 2017
I've just seen the photos, he looks delighted. She probably paid for the bill
— Rich Wearz (@wearz) December 8, 2017
6.50 is the cheapest curry there apparently, guaranteed they had two of them and water if mike was paying
— DAN #ENOUGHISENOUGH (@DanB5482) December 8, 2017
even if there is sale agreed, signed and sealed is there a 30 day due diligence period sanctioned by the FA on the terms of the sale itself?
— Rich Wearz (@wearz) December 7, 2017
Maybe shes going to offer more money if he spends some dosh in January.
— thereal andrew young (@temperamentalan) December 7, 2017
