Ashley TOLD To Keep Owen!

Last updated : 17 December 2008 By Footy Mad - Editor
The unpredictable nature of Mike Ashley's ownership of Newcastle United was shown in all its glory when he told Joe Kinnear he would not be putting another penny into the club ... then offered Michael Owen a new contract AND said there would be £12m available for transfers in January.

Ashley said this week "I have no regrets buying Newcastle" ... even the the fans have major regrets they ever set sight of him!

He is desperate to sell the club, but as the big names look set to jump ship, Ashley must rethink his strategy.

He has no option but to tie-up his big stars, or try and sell a club that is dropping in price because assets are being stripped.

It was revealed yesterday Michael Owen received a four-year contract offer - not three years as has been reported - and at a salary believed to be around £90,000 per week, not £80,000.

That is still a pay cut from Owen's present contract but Ashley has been told to make an effort to sign him ... at least!

Senior figures at St James' Park are understood to have begun to speak about "next season" because the club is no nearer being sold than it was when it was put up for sale.