Ashley Will Continue 'Wall Of Silence'!

Last updated : 11 September 2008 By Footy Mad - Editor

With the club in turmoil following Keegan's claim he had been forced to quit as a result of boardroom interference in transfers, it was hoped Ashley would attempt to explain his actions at the annual general meeting of his company Sports Direct International yesterday.

Ashley had flown back from America especially to attend the meeting, but with journalists outnumbering shareholders, the billionaire once again said he would not clarify recent events ... as he ignored any questions about Newcastle or Keegan.

A lack of communication from the Newcastle hierarchy has been a feature of their tenure since former chairman Chris Mort returned to London in June.

And let's be honest ... Mort had not the foggiest idea what the hell was going on at the club ... and usually ended all interviews with "you will have to ask Mike Ashley" ... knowing full well Ashley was hiding under the bed!

The reporters asked questions about executive director Dennis Wise and head of recruitment Tony Jimenez, but Ashley brushed aside every one.

Although there were a number of so-called insider briefings in the national Press over the weekend, none of the London-based Newcastle board have been willing to answer their critics publicly and a wall of silence has been erected which threatens to create an even bigger divide between those who run the club and those who support it.

Indeed, Ashley's stubborn desire to avoid discussing the crisis which is tearing the club apart could further enflame the situation ahead of Newcastle's first Premier League game since the furore over Keegan exploded last week.

While fans are desperate to let Ashley and his associates know exactly how they feel about the treatment of Keegan, Ashley has hot-legged it back to the States.