Newcastle Toons
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Mike Ashley was deceiving Newcastle United supporters…again

By Carson A Merk

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 27: Mike Ashley, Owner of Newcastle United is seen in the stands prior to the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Newcastle United at St Mary's Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 27: Mike Ashley, Owner of Newcastle United is seen in the stands prior to the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Newcastle United at St Mary's Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /
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Newcastle United supporters were given lip service from Mike Ashley again.

I’m sorry to say it fellow Newcastle United family, but we’ve been duped again by a familiar foe. Mike Ashley wasn’t realistically going to try and sell Newcastle United, despite what he said in a ridiculous television interview. We had pundits like Rio Ferdinand somehow defending Ashley and feeling the wrath of the Toon Army on social media. There are always rumors floating around about potential takeovers, but then our beloved club’s far from beloved owner snuffs out the possible deal with a change in monetary amounts or a ridiculous request. Let’s face it, we’ve been here before and we will absolutely be here again.

I actually think there is a sitcom equivalent of Mike Ashley. On The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Will Smith’s character does not have a great relationship with his father. He was absent for the entire series before he shows up unexpectedly. While visiting, he pitches a new future for he and his son’s relationship, offering to take him on the road with him, and Will is pumped. But, when it comes time to fulfill that promise, he bails on his son and leaves him devastated. In case you aren’t familiar with the entire plot here, this is where the iconic, “How come he don’t want me, man?” scene came from. In this case, we are a young Will Smith. We’re skeptical at first, but then our hearts and minds allow us to eventually want to believe the exciting potential, only to be left abandoned again, stuck with an owner that could not care less about our feelings. How come he won’t just sell the club, man?

Toon Army, I hope I’m wrong. I hope someday I can write to you saying that we have a new owner and one that understands the importance and potential of Newcastle United. But, I’m not so optimistic. Every year, we hear these stories and see how his sources are trying to frame the narrative. What happens? We get stuck with the same owner and not enough funds to take a step toward where we used to be. Now, we prepare to battle for our Premier League safety the rest of this season with few or no reinforcements arriving this month. Thanks for nothing, Mike Ashley.