So much so, the Newcastle United owner is reportedly discussing taking Newcastle United off the market.
The U-turn is heart-wrenching news to Magpie fans who may now have to come to terms they are stuck with Ashley running the club for a further twelve months.
The Daily Mirror are reporting that prospective buyer Barry Moat is struggling to raise funds to purchase the club and is nowhere near the cut-price £100 million asking price.
Moat and his consortium have asked for more time ... but that time is only while the transfer window is open ... and Barclay's Bank will ONLY do business if star players leave.
Our insider told us today: "Ashley is taking all the shit, but no-one has come in with the asking price, and Ashley made it plain that he was only willing to listen to SERIOUS offers over £100m.
"Freddy Shepherd waffled on for a while, yet we all know he hasn't got that sort of money.
"Despite interest worldwide, not one consortium has put £100m on the table.
"The latest news is some bloke from Yorkshire who has a mate in the States with a few bob.
"It's ridiculous that we're getting idiots like this dragging down the club even further.
"What can Ashley do? Let's be realistic. He's going to take the club off the market. What else can he do?"