5-1 To Scousers; Ashley Back; Can 2009 Be Any Better?
Last updated : 28 December 2008 By Footy Mad - Editor
Ashley launched a £134.4million buy-out in May last year when he acquired the Hall family's holding in the club, and then added sitting chairman Freddy Shepherd's stake to it to assume control.
But as supporters eagerly awaited a spending spree, it never materialised - and Newcastle's fortunes on the pitch dwindled alarmingly.
Manager Sam Allardyce paid the price for poor results in January when he was sacked - and the owner pulled off an astonishing coup when he managed to persuade Kevin Keegan to reprise his role as folk hero by agreeing to a second spell at the helm.
Keegan was furious at the influence on recruitment of executive director (football) Dennis Wise and his team - and after a series of angry meetings with managing director Derek Llambias as the summer transfer window closed, he decided enough was enough.
The backlash which greeted Ashley and his management staff reached a head in the wake of a 2-1 home defeat by Hull on September 13, and the tycoon put the club up for sale the following day.
Mike Ashley's statement: "I am happy to end the uncertainty fans may have had about the future direction of Newcastle United.
"I know just how important that is to you.
"I have withdrawn Newcastle United from the market, and for me 2009 will be the year in which we drive the club forward together.
"Even when I haven't been at games, I have remained a keen supporter - kicking and heading every ball and cheering the team on TV and being the first to congratulate (manager) Joe (Kinnear) whenever there's a good result.
"When I took the decision to put the club up for sale in September, I made a point of saying two things were very important.
"Firstly, any potential buyer would have to show they had the best interests of Newcastle United at heart and had both the commitment and finance to be worthy custodians of such a fine football club before I would even consider doing a deal.
"Secondly, I gave you my word that as long as I remain owner this club would continue to be run responsibly at all levels.
"I hope you will accept that I have stood by that pledge."
Michael Ord, a spokesman for the Newcastle United Supporters' Club: "It's the most unwelcome late Christmas present Newcastle United supporters could have.
"He needs to start thinking long and hard about what he is saying, because I don't think Mike Ashley will take Newcastle forward at all."