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Newcastle United: Mike Ashley staying silent benefits all involved

ByRoy Emanuel|
LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 07: Sports Direct International founder Mike Ashley leaves the Red Lion pub in Westminster to attend a select committee hearing at Portcullis house on June 7, 2016 in London, England. Mike Ashley is to face the Business, Innovations and Skills Parliamentary Select Committee on working practices at his Sports Direct Shirebrook Warehouse in Derbyshire. In a letter to his staff he admitted that the centre needed 'improvements' after investigations found that staff had been paid less than the minimum wage and ambulances had been called to the complex 76 times in two years as staff were 'too scared' to call in sick. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 07: Sports Direct International founder Mike Ashley leaves the Red Lion pub in Westminster to attend a select committee hearing at Portcullis house on June 7, 2016 in London, England. Mike Ashley is to face the Business, Innovations and Skills Parliamentary Select Committee on working practices at his Sports Direct Shirebrook Warehouse in Derbyshire. In a letter to his staff he admitted that the centre needed 'improvements' after investigations found that staff had been paid less than the minimum wage and ambulances had been called to the complex 76 times in two years as staff were 'too scared' to call in sick. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)

It’s an intelligent silence.

Newcastle United and manager Rafa Benitez are currently enjoying an extremely positive run of form, and will look for their fourth consecutive Premier League victory tomorrow at Brighton. One noticeable aspect has been the absence of club owner Mike Ashley from the spotlight during the past few weeks, and ultimately that has been a case of addition by subtraction.

The summer transfer window, interviews with the media and the calamity of deadline day all brought about anger and negativity from supporters. And Ashley was at the heart of it, doing little to lower the level of concern in the North East.

The 53-year-old is an incredibly divisive figure, and the years since his takeover have seen some of the most uncertain times in Newcastle’s history.

The amazing aspect to keep in mind is that Ashley may not even intend for the reaction he receives, and that is why maintaining a safe distance from the side’s recent successes is a smart approach.

Let the boys do what they do

Benitez has his squad playing well and enjoying their football, as another win is within reach at Brighton.

At this point, Ashley’s interactions with the fans or media would likely only make matters worse.

Confidence is high, and allowing the team’s manager freedom within his position is a major positive.

Benitez has appeared frustrated in various moments during his time on Tyneside, and that usually has had something to do with Ashley.

When considering how bleak the opening two fixtures felt and how disappointing the transfer deadline day was, the Magpies currently sitting fourth in the table is quite a special achievement.

Next: Newcastle United: Matt Ritchie's lethal left boot

Newcastle United and Rafa Benitez have provided much for the Toon Army to celebrate in the past three games. Mike Ashley’s quiet role behind the scenes has been a massive boost on its own as well.