Relegation is a possibility, even more so with so many top players ready to fly the roost.
Michael Owen and Shay Given, arguably the two best players on the books, are attracting a lot of interest.
And as long as Ashley is in control, the players know the future is uncertain.Joe Kinnear says the squad requires "five new players" in January and it appears Dennis Wise has been busy doing the job he gets paid to do ... scouting.
Wise made his first trip to Newcastle (on Tuesday) since August, and he has taken stick from all quarters, including Sir Bobby Robson, for refusing to go north of Watford.
Talking of Watford ... Wise has been a regular visitor to Vicarage Road, and is understood to be a strong admirer of the Watford and Republic of Ireland Under-21 international John-Joe O'Toole.
Wise has also had a £1m bid for the 18-year-old Leeds United midfielder, Fabian Delph rejected by Ken Bates.
Once again showing that the Newcastle manager - interim or not - has little to say about who comes to the club.
Such action provoked Kevin Keegan to walk out, but who do we blame for it? Obviously Ashley, because Wise is just doing what he is told to do.
Two week ago Wise met Kinnear, but the Toon boss had to go to London.
The pair went to the north London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham.