“I was being offered the chance to own one of the jewels, one of the diamonds of the Premier League. There was no hesitation” – Mike Ashley (May 2007).
The historical and proud club of Newcastle United go as far back as 1892. This Football Club wasn’t launched in day and has been the pride of the city in North. The Geordie calls this club ‘the Toon’ which is their way of pronouncing town.
The club have been based on St. James Park since 1895. They have won 4 titles as champions in First Division/Premier League and 6 FA Cup titles. We can state that three of First Division titles was taken early in century, as the titles was won in 1905, 1907 and 1908. That last title was in 1927. After that they won the FA Cup 3 times in the 1950s and the last golden era was in 1990s.
In the 1990s they we’re the runners up twice in the Premier League in 1996 and 1997. When the club got the all-time goal-scorer and striker Alan Shearer. So, its been a few years since they had a strike and been a top team in the league.
During Mike Ashley’s ownership the club haven’t amazed with great results. It had one top six position in 2011/12 season. Since then it has been mediocrity and some seasons in the Championship after relegations. They have been two seasons in the Championship in this period. Still, the owner haven’t invested or done anything significant with the squad. Neither, has he tried or had the ability to hire unique managers. The only lucky pick was Rafael Benitez who had won titles elsewhere, but delivered same mediocrity as everyone else. However, he got legend status doing so. While others like Steve Bruce has gotten a handful for doing the same. Not like the owner has given he funds or transfer-kitty to actually get well talented players to St. James Park.
Now, the Saudi Arabian investment fund is coming in and will own a huge portion of the club. The Kingdom will have associates and stakes directly involved. That is not with a coincidence. The Saudi Consortium led by Public Investment Fund (PIF) will give amass power to the King and his associates. They are buying goodwill and easy ways of getting good press. The King just needs to get a few major players and results. Everything will be golden from there.
The Toon might sound different and will act with swift action in the next transfer window. Not be shocked if a new Football Director and other high ranking officials will come from the Saudi Consortium. That usually comes with the deal. Not that the PIF only sits in the Board of Directors of the Club. No, they are owners and they will act upon it. Especially after spending a fortune for this diamond.
Mike Ashley paid £135m for the club in 2007 and in 2021 his selling for £300m. The former owner has earned a fortune selling it. A club he never really invested in, except for buying it. The club didn’t excel or make any significant titles. There were never really trying, except for the one season with Alan Pardew. The rest have been abysmal.
The Saudis might make changes to that. They might bring to the table what has happened in Chelsea or Manchester City. This is to bring money-ball to Newcastle. The supporters are already happy to get rid of Ashley, but now they have to deal with the Saudi’s. We have to see if that is happy marriage. If not with that sort of price. You can expect a bloody divorce. Peace.
MinBane 