Fans should raise cash to buy club – Rio
NEWCASTLE United fans should ‘round their money up’ and buy the club off owner Mike Ashley.
That was the ridiculous suggestion from former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand who claims fans should stump up the £300million asking price to buy out their unpopular owner.
Ashley is reviled on Tyneside for his unsuccessful reign as owner. Newcastle have gone from a club who routinely played in Europe prior to the retail mogul’s takeover in 2007, to a club that is on the cusp of a third relegation in 13 seasons.
Supporters have been left frustrated but Ferdinand, who has defended the Sports Direct magnate previously, has now doubled down.
“He doesn’t care what people think,” he said. “It’s his club and he’s doing what he wants to do.
“Whether you like it or not, he’s the one that’s put the money up and he’s doing what he thinks is right for the club.
“Whether the Geordies don’t like it, a lot of them hate him and don’t like him but, round your money up and take over the club then.”
Instead, Ferdinand believes the ire of Newcastle supporters should be directed towards the club’s academy and scouting system.
“That’s my biggest point with Newcastle, like, they’ve got that area locked off, all of the North East is basically Newcastle’s because Middlesbrough aren’t in the Premier League, Darlington etc are not in the Premier League,” he added.
“So they have first dibs on all of the talent in the North East.
“Why have they not nurtured more players into that first team? I don’t get it.”
Nonetheless, Ferdinand did admit he has respect for the Magpies’ vociferous support.
“I loved playing there, what a place to play,” Ferdinand said. “[On one occasion] we were beating them something like 6-1 and they were still singing their songs for their club and clapping their team.”