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Newcastle United: Mike Ashley’s statements mean nothing right now

By Roy Emanuel

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MAY 07: Mike Ashley, owner of Newcastle United and Lee Charnley, managing director of Newcastle United both look on from the stands during the Sky Bet Championship match between Newcastle United and Barnsley at St James' Park on May 7, 2017 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MAY 07: Mike Ashley, owner of Newcastle United and Lee Charnley, managing director of Newcastle United both look on from the stands during the Sky Bet Championship match between Newcastle United and Barnsley at St James' Park on May 7, 2017 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /
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Newcastle United’s owner faces a critical off-season this summer, and he will need to back up his recent comments regarding the future.

Newcastle United and manager Rafa Benitez certainly enjoyed the 2017-18 season’s final weekend, as the Magpies dominated Chelsea in a 3-0 victory at St. James’ Park. Following the match, club owner Mike Ashley released a statement regarding the future, and few fans will have much faith in his words at the moment.

The 53-year-old businessman pledged that he will provide Benitez with “every penny” that the Toon generates, and that he desires for the manager to stay. While that may seem promising on the surface, it is at the point now where only actions will be believed (not words).

Ashley also spoke of how the media has distorted his image, making him out to be a “pantomime villain”.

In one sense, it’s remarkable how no matter what Ashley says, it never seems to get across how he wants it to. The bit about the media doesn’t help his cause either.

Newcastle fans have heard this all before from the owner and watched it end in anger, evidenced by silent transfer windows and takeover deals falling apart.

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With so much positivity at the end of the campaign and the Magpies completing the term tenth in the Premier League table, these types of disappointments simply cannot continue.

The time is now

Past managers have felt the frustrations of dealing with Ashley, and the curious manner in which he carries out the transfer business of the club. But he must recognise the promise of the current set-up, and the ability that Benitez has to lead the side to new heights.

With the proper backing, the Toon can look to rise even further and truly become a contender. In order to do that, they need a true commitment from the board.

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Newcastle United and Rafa Benitez know that something special is building, and Mike Ashley needs to let the project progress this summer. There are no more valid excuses not to.