Ashley must cut ties with Toon – Waddle

CHRIS Waddle has revealed his sadness at Newcastle United’s Premier League decline, writes LEE RYDER.

Waddle has also slammed Mike Ashley for “sitting” on club funds and not breaking the transfer record – last smashed when Michael Owen signed for the black-andwhites way back in 2005.

The season may only be eight games old, but Waddle is concerned the Magpies are being overtaken by other clubs – not least newlypromoted and big-spending Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Waddle – like Geordie fans – wants to see change on Tyneside.

He said: “Mike Ashley should cut all ties with Newcastle United and it is about time that happened.

“He knows he is not the best person to run the club, but he will not sell until he receives a bid which meets his valuation of the club.

“The problem is meeting his valuation for a club that has serious potential but has received very little investment in recent years.”

United have stumbled in the last 11 years with two relegations and just one foray into Europe under Mike Ashley.

Newcastle were regular entrants into European competition before Ashley’s arrival.

Waddle added: “Mike Ashley bought Newcastle thinking he could compete with the top clubs but realised very quickly that he could not.

“He was then very clear he would keep the club ticking over but had no intention of spending money only to finish mid-table.

“The one credit he has is the club is not in debt and I cannot understand why no one is buying it.

“We are seeing smaller clubs being taken over and invested in, but Newcastle remains handcuffed to Mike Ashley.

“Newcastle United has so much potential.

“It would be amazing to see someone with real ambition come in to buy the club.

“I look at what is happening at Wolves and wish it was happening to Newcastle.

“They have invested serious cash and are already talking about qualifying for Europe one day.

“European football is where Newcastle United belongs.”