Beardsley speaks up for Ashley

Peter Beardsley has taken a bit of a risk by standing up for Mike Ashley. The owner put Newcastle up for sale this week after massive protests against him made his position at the club untenable.

But Beardsley thinks Ashley has been harshly treated.

“He didn’t come here to fail and he has put a lot of money into the club, so credit to him. Unfortunately, it hasn’t worked out but I’m a little bit disappointed he has to walk away. His heart was in the right place. Maybe he didn’t always show it in the right way but I think he really cared about Newcastle.”

Ashley bought Newcastle in July 2007 and is believed to have invested around £250 million in to the club. Much of that money has cleared the previous debts, but money has also been available for transfers.

Having pleased the fans by appointing Kevin Keegan, there was only going to be one villain in the minds of the fans when he then fell out with the popular manager. They quickly decided that Ashley was at fault and a campaign to force him out began.

After a sustained day of protest last Saturday Ashley issued this statement,

“I am not stupid and have listened to the fans. I am now a dad who can’t take his kids to a football game on a Saturday because I am advised we would be assaulted. Therefore, I am no longer prepared to subsidise Newcastle United. I am putting the club up for sale. I hope the fans get what they want and the next owner is someone who can lavish the amount of money on the club the fans want.”

Peter Beardsley, who is a true Newcastle legend, feels that Ashley deserves more support,

“Ashley is trying to do the right thing. He’s always tried to do the right thing, but it’s hard, because Newcastle is Newcastle and unless you’re used to that part of the world it does take a bit of getting used to. I feel a sorry for him. But he’ll sort it out and hopefully everybody will be happy with the conclusion. We have a passion that probably isn’t equalled anywhere. If you look at the lack of success – and that’s not Mike’s fault – the support is unbelievable. They’ve been there through thin and thin. I don’t think the fans are the problem – they care. They used their power and Mike has decided to walk away. But I think that’s a shame, I really do.”

Beardsley is the first voice of support I have heard for Mike Ashley. I wonder if there are others out there who will follow suit now that someone has spoken out?

(Source – BBC)