‘Let’s find an owner who can realise United’s potential’

SIR John Hall is hoping that a new owner can take Newcastle United one step further than he managed while in charge of the club.

The Geordie businessman took United within reach of the Premier League title in the 1995-1996 season which became known as the Entertainers’ Era.

Mike Ashley has officially put the Magpies up for sale and the man who he bought the club from back in 2007 is confident that any buyer will see the potential that Newcastle has.

Sir John believes that the club is an ‘attractive’ proposal for any buyer who has the wealth and desire.

“If I was coming into football now, I would jump at the chance of taking control of Newcastle,” Sir John told The Sun.

“It is such an attractive proposition. Newcastle have a tradition and a heritage, but they also have a potential that has not been fully realised.

“In the recent past we have always been the bridesmaid rather than the bride and new owners can change that — if they are prepared to invest.”

Having overseen the redevelopment of St James’ Park when he first took over the club in 1992, Sir John believes the fans have a huge part to play in persuading any buyer to take control. “We have not won a major domestic honour since 1955. Yet you could put in an extra 10,000 seats at St James’ Park and we’d sell every one...

“Manchester United are now worth more than a billion and the rest of the top five or six must be worth £600m to a billion.

“Newcastle have the potential to move up to that level.

“But you have to stay with it because it will take a good few years to compete with the top clubs. You are talking about a fiveyear period.

“I hope that when things fall into place again off the field, we can be up there challenging for honours again.”

And even Sir John admits if he had the cash and age on his side, he would go back to Newcastle United.

“If I was a billionaire with age on my side, I would certainly have a go at it.

“Newcastle are a worldrenowned brand name and there is a loyal following not just on Tyneside, not just in the UK, but worldwide, which we have never capitalised on. With the right level of investment they have the potential to be one of the top clubs in Europe.

“Winning that elusive bit of silverware has to be the intent.

“I really thought that under Ashley, United would win a trophy but it wasn’t to be. When he fell out with the fans, that spoilt things.

“But somebody coming up and getting the fans on their side over ten years could change all that.

“Having a good manager is invaluable to a football club and luckily enough Newcastle have one of the best in the business in Rafa Benitez.

“I’m sure he would stay put if a new owner came in because it looks like he is putting his heart and soul into the club.”