Exclusive: Newcastle United Supporters Trust are seeking support from North East MPs about potential conflict of interest with Ashley's ownership of Rangers
Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley will step up his search for a new head coach to replace former manager Alan Pardew this week as disgruntled supporters try to increase the pressure on him to sell the club.
Supporters of both Newcastle and Rangers have been alarmed by the prospect that Ashley’s involvement in the running of both businesses will prevent them from playing in Europe at the same time.
Uefa rules prevents two clubs, where an individual has a decisive influence in the decision making of both, from playing in their competitions together. As things stand, neither Newcastle or Rangers are in Europe, but they could be as soon as 2017.
That has prompted the Newcastle United Supporters Trust (NUST) to write to the Football Association and the Premier League questioning whether Ashley should be allowed to do something that could prevent them from playing in continental competitions in the future.
They will also argue that if Newcastle cannot play in Europe, it undermines the integrity of domestic competitions as they have no incentive to reach cup finals or finish in the top six in the Premier League.
NUST are also seeking support from North East MPs in order to add political pressure. It is hoped they will raise concerns about Ashley’s dual role in the House of Commons, although there is little anyone can do to make him sell a business that he has failed to find a buyer for several times before.
With Rangers fans planning similar moves in Scotland, Ashley is in a tricky position and could decide to end his interest in one of them if he can find someone with enough money to tempt him to the negotiating table.
Newcastle released a statement back in September saying Ashley would not sell “at any price” until 2016 and insist that has not changed.
There are strong rumours on Tyneside that prospective buyers have made contact since then, although it is not known how serious they are or whether Ashley is willing to talk to them.
Ashley will not consider selling in the middle of the season because of the disruption it could cause to the team.
Ultimately, Ashley will not be forced to sell on anyone’s terms but his own, but NUST believe the game’s governing bodies have a responsibility to protect Newcastle’s access to European football.
That is unlikely to worry Ashley too much at this stage as the prospect of both clubs qualifying for Europe is at least 18 months away.
He has not broken any rules in England by taking an interest in Rangers as they play in another league and Newcastle are a profitable and self-sufficient business that benefits his retail chain.
An attempt to increase his shareholding at Rangers has been blocked by the Scottish Football Association because they have stricter rules on dual ownership.
In the meantime, Newcastle have complied a shortlist of potential replacements for Pardew, although given many of those linked with the job will not be free to take it until the summer, John Carver could be appointed head coach for the remainder of the campaign.
Newcastle’s assistant manager confirmed after the drab 1-0 FA Cup defeat to Leicester City at the weekend, that he wants the job permanently, even though he was booed by supporters following yet another early cup exit.
“When an opportunity like this comes around, I’d be mad not to want to do it,” said Carver. “If I don’t throw my hat into the ring, I might never get the opportunity again. There’s many people say I’m mad. But what an opportunity.”
NUST are also seeking support from North East MPs in order to add political pressure. It is hoped they will raise concerns about Ashley’s dual role in the House of Commons, although there is little anyone can do to make him sell a business that he has failed to find a buyer for several times before.
With Rangers fans planning similar moves in Scotland, Ashley is in a tricky position and could decide to end his interest in one of them if he can find someone with enough money to tempt him to the negotiating table.
Newcastle released a statement back in September saying Ashley would not sell “at any price” until 2016 and insist that has not changed.
There are strong rumours on Tyneside that prospective buyers have made contact since then, although it is not known how serious they are or whether Ashley is willing to talk to them.
Ashley will not consider selling in the middle of the season because of the disruption it could cause to the team.
Ultimately, Ashley will not be forced to sell on anyone’s terms but his own, but NUST believe the game’s governing bodies have a responsibility to protect Newcastle’s access to European football.
That is unlikely to worry Ashley too much at this stage as the prospect of both clubs qualifying for Europe is at least 18 months away.
He has not broken any rules in England by taking an interest in Rangers as they play in another league and Newcastle are a profitable and self-sufficient business that benefits his retail chain.
An attempt to increase his shareholding at Rangers has been blocked by the Scottish Football Association because they have stricter rules on dual ownership.
In the meantime, Newcastle have complied a shortlist of potential replacements for Pardew, although given many of those linked with the job will not be free to take it until the summer, John Carver could be appointed head coach for the remainder of the campaign.
Newcastle’s assistant manager confirmed after the drab 1-0 FA Cup defeat to Leicester City at the weekend, that he wants the job permanently, even though he was booed by supporters following yet another early cup exit.
“When an opportunity like this comes around, I’d be mad not to want to do it,” said Carver. “If I don’t throw my hat into the ring, I might never get the opportunity again. There’s many people say I’m mad. But what an opportunity.”
Source: Telegraph
