Newcastle United: An open letter to Mike Ashley and Amanda Staveley

Several media outlets attempt to cover the potential takeover of Newcastle United, but no concrete information has been reported.

It looks like it will be another inactive transfer window for Newcastle United. While so much hope and optimism were expressed among supporters for a club takeover to occur this month, Newcastle United remain in the hands of Mike Ashley.

Under the ownership of Ashley, the Magpies have only experienced one remarkable season when they finished in fifth place in 2011 and have been relegated to the Championship twice in the 2008/09 and 2016/17 seasons. Newcastle United have a large and loyal fan-base, a well-known and respected manager in Rafa Benitez and a spectacular stadium that falls under the “Elite” category of UEFA standards.

The only thing missing for this club is the presence of an owner who aims to elevate Newcastle United into a potential football powerhouse. Looking at the club’s recent track record in the Premier League that may seem like a stretch, but with the right owner, the club’s potential could translate into success.

Mike Ashley

Thank you for expressing interest and purchasing Newcastle United in 2007. Every Newcastle fan should appreciate your £135 million investment to purchase the club a decade ago, however, the club is more important than any individual. With that being said, Mike, it is time for you to go.

Aside from one successful season in 2011, the talent and potential of Newcastle United have gone to waste. A club as large as Newcastle United should not be playing its football in the second tier of England and under your ownership, the club has experienced relegation twice.

Look around St. James’ Park. Yes, that impressive stadium you temporarily decided to name after your own business at one point, and observe the unwavering support from the Toon Army for the lads in stripes. Newcastle United is not a business and it is much more than just a football club to the residents of Newcastle upon Tyne. Newcastle United is a reflection of the city it represents in the English Premier League.

Club supporters never expected you to transform the club into a successive title contender that will fight for its spot in the Champions League every year, but you were expected to care and have a sense of accountability for the low moments of the club.

At the end of the day, you are a successful businessman. But, you are also a club owner who is unworthy of praise and you deserve every ounce of criticism that comes your way. Currently, the Magpies find themselves in a relegation battle with a Championship-level roster because of your conservative spending and lack of interest in the club.

Mike, do a solid favor for every Newcastle United supporter on Tyneside and around the world – sell the club and let us begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Amanda Staveley

On behalf of every Newcastle United supporter, I would like to utilize this platform to thank you for your interest in buying Newcastle United. One can only imagine how difficult it must be for you to negotiate with a man who is known for providing false promises, but your desire to purchase the club will be worth it in the end.

More from Newcastle Toons

Currently, you see Newcastle United sitting in 13th place and only two points above the relegation zone with 16 matches remaining. However, you should perceive Newcastle United as the sleeping giant of English football that is waiting for you revive its hope and potential.

You already have the approval of the Toon Army for the following reasons: you would be replacing the dysfunctional regime of Mike Ashley, you have attended more matches than Mike Ashley this season, and your role in the transformation of Manchester City generates optimism on Tyneside.

Overall, the combination of you and Rafa Benitez working together to elevate the status and quality of the Magpies is exciting and feasible. The Magpies have an elite manager who is dedicated to seeing the Rafalution succeed and with your financial support, this club is bound to consistently compete for a top-six finish.

You are faced with a difficult decision, but you have the opportunity to engrave your name in the history of the club as the successful owner who helped rebuild the struggling Magpies.