HAS NEWCASTLE UNITED’S OWNER FALLEN FOR HOCKEY?

SPORTS Direct owner Mike Ashley has set his sights on the hockey market, after buying specialist retailer Barrington Sports out of administration.

Lovell, an arm of Sports Direct, has paid £261,000 for the Cheshire firm, which collapsed owing creditors £1.6m.

Specialist hockey and cricket retailers are said to be concerned that Newcastle United owner Ashley, known for aggressive discounting, could be about to undercut them.

After Sports Direct profits suffered a slide last year, this week it has been tipped to unveil a 55pc jump to £103.18m. Also later this week, the Women’s Hockey World Cup is set to start in London, with 16 nations competing.