Takeover could see the transformation of Toon
BARTON: CLUB IS DIFFERENT TO ANY OTHER
NUFC Writer WARREN Barton insists he is “really optimistic” Newcastle United’s fortunes could be “transformed” should a takeover happen.
Magpies’ owner Mike Ashley has placed the club on the market and is in negotiations with Amanda Staveley and PCP Capital Partners Ltd over a potential sale.
Though Barton believes Ashley was right to stick by the club following two relegations during his tenure, the former Newcastle defender stresses it is time for a fresh start under new owners.
“I am really excited. The longer it goes on, the more nervous and apprehensive I am getting about it,” Barton replied when asked how he felt about PCP Partners potentially buying the club.
“One thing with Mike Ashley, he is a businessman so he knows he cannot mess around with losing that type of money.
“Would I have liked it (the takeover) done yesterday? Yes, but these types of deals take time.
“We need someone who is going to invest their heart and soul into the club. Unfortunately for Mike, he has not been seen like that.
“It has simply looked like a business. That has cost him a lot of money and he has upset people.
“One thing I will say for him - he stuck by the club when they went down. Quite a few other owners have walked away in that situation.
“Maybe it is his ego but he didn’t want to walk away from a lost cause. He did stand by them - but it is time to move on and that relationship has run its course.” PCP Partners are believed to be backed by Middle Eastern money.
However, little information has yet emerged about how much they would invest into Newcastle if they took control of the club.
Barton, however, foresees a similar situation unfolding at St James’ Park as it did after Roman Abramovich bought Chelsea and also following the Manchester City takeover.
The former United defender said said of PCP Partners: “I am really optimistic about the new ownership group whch is coming in.
“In particular, considering the way the Premier League has these billionaires who can transform a club.
“You know, I am old enough to remember what Chelsea and Manchester City were two decades ago.
“With Newcastle, that stadium and that fanbase, it is a ready-made attraction to a lot of people.
“I have been a part of it and I have lived up there. It is unique and it is different to any other club in the Premier League.”
Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez has repeatedly issued pleas to the United board asking for money to be invested in the squad this month.
As of yet, the Magpies have failed to add to their squad - and, though Barton fears Benitez could leave at the end of the season if the takeover fails, he is adamant the Spaniard will not walk away midway through the campaign.
Asked if he feared Benitez could eventually depart if he is not backed in the transfer market, Barton replied: “Yeah, I think maybe at the end of the season.
“I do think the Mike Ashley deal will go though and we will see the end of his time as owner.
“The question now is if there is enough time to bring anyone in this month.
“I think Rafa has a real affinity with fans, particularly in the Premier League. Liverpool and Newcastle being great examples, and both have very passionate supporters. Rafa can identify with that.
“Ultimately, I don’t think he would leave a sinking ship.
“I really don’t. I think he would try his best to get them into a respectable position.”