Ashley Faces Disgruntled Toon Fans!
Last updated : 11 August 2008 By Footy Mad - Editor
Sunday lunch with the Newcastle owner is a bit of a novelty, but Ashley wants to get down to brass tacks and find out why so many supporters have snubbed the chance to renew their season tickets this coming season.
The days when Sir John Hall had a waiting list of 15,000 for season tickets is long gone. Hall caused uproar amongst the loyal fans who renewed every season by telling us "don't think a season ticket is for life ... there are plenty waiting for the opportunity.
One gentleman who received an offer of lunch told us: "I'll tell him ... why the hell should I pay good money to pay Joey Barton's wages?"
Ashley has seemingly increased the pressure on Kevin Keegan by insisting his side should be capable of competing with the Premier League's top four, when most of us (along with the likes of Shay Given, Steve Harper, Geremi, etc) think our squad is too small.
Recent speculation has suggested Ashley is considering selling the club, while other reports claimed the sportswear magnate fell out with Keegan towards the end of last season after the manager insisted his side had no chance of competing with the so-called 'big four'.
Ashley: "The top four have enormous resources but over time it must be possible to compete with them.
"I've invested £250million in Newcastle and so that and European nights of football must be the dream.
"Compared with some of the other owners in the Premier League, I may be a middleweight taking on heavyweights but I'm building the boxer up."
