No guarantees for Toon after Ashley

MIKE ASHLEY has put Newcastle up for sale and the Toon fans are happy. Ashley has been accused of lacking ambition during his 10 years in charge. Two relegations and a terrible run of cup results are nothing to boast about. They did finish fifth in the Premier League, and that was his high point. However, on the balance sheet, Newcastle looks a well-run business. They make a profit and are not running up debts. Ashley wants out probably because he can’t match the demands of boss Rafa Benitez (above) to kick on and spend cleverly on better players. How much would a new owner have to throw at that club to really make them contenders? It is the right time for Ashley to go, but what comes next offers no guarantees of success or controversy-free decisions.