MAGPIES NOTEBOOK
MIKE Ashley’s takeover power play earlier this month reflects not just what he believes is the strength of his case against the Premier League but also continued attempts to keep the Saudi PIF from being tempted by the prospect of investing in other clubs.
The PIF’S public pursuit of Newcastle last year alerted plenty of intermediaries and clubs of their readiness to get into top-flight football and contact has been made by officials across Europe to test the water about investment opportunities.
But so far they have remained – quietly – committed to Newcastle and the Premier League. Ashley, like PCP Capital Partners, wants to do everything possible to keep it that way and the strong messages since the deal broke down are part of that tactic.
The Competitions Appeals Tribunal is a long-term process but illustrates that even if arbitration – due for this summer – goes against Newcastle Ashley intends to pursue this deal through multiple channels.
That is the message going to other potential investors, who talk of being discouraged by the commitment to Newcastle. And Ashley has made it clear in word and deed that the deal on the table last year is the one he will fight “tooth and nail” for. While those machinations take place in the background, Newcastle have adopted a “business as usual” approach to pre-season planning. Recruitment, pre-season training camps and budget meetings are being undertaken as if the current hierarchy will be in control next season – even if Ashley hopes it could change.
● Steve Bruce will hold meetings after the final game of the season at which his summer budget will be spelled out.
The Newcastle boss knows money is tight – the accounts will be
published in a few weeks – but a similar message last year preceded being able to squeeze the United owner to fund moves for Callum Wilson and Jamal Lewis.
As revealed in the Notebook two weeks ago, there is still hope of being able to persuade club bosses about high-profile targets – including Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock.
And they will utilise the loan market, with Chelsea’s Connor Gallagher one player they are interested in. Bruce also wants a striker to replace Andy Carroll, who looks set to depart.
● Meanwhile, the noises coming from the Emirates indicate that Willock will be available this summer as Mikel Arteta considers a radical overhaul at Arsenal.
The midfielder has excelled for
Newcastle on loan but the Gunners are looking to raise funds to cover significant additions this close season.
Willock is understood to be open to leaving his boyhood club and wants to play first team football after making significant progress on loan.
And Bruce’s sales pitch is that he would build a team around the England under-21 man – which obviously appeals to a player who has been an instant hit at St James’ Park.
Newcastle believe £20m would potentially secure Willock, but it’s not straightforward that Ashley would release the cash with United’s finances under scrutiny.
It appears one man can determine whether the move happens.
● Amanda Staveley’s midweek comments on Bloomberg drew much
attention, but one point missed about the Newcastle takeover was that there was also a plan to grow the women’s team to be a leading light in the English game.
United’s women’s side are in National League Division One North and are affiliated with the club. But the consortium were looking to grow the side and inject further funds – in line with Staveley’s belief that there is huge potential in the growth of the women’s game.
“The women’s game will get much more attention following the recent landmark SKY/BBC rights deal,” she told Bloomberg this week.
“This comes ahead of the upcoming 2022 UEFA Women’s European Championship, to be hosted in England. This will drive more eyeballs to the women’s game. All stakeholders
have to recognise that the next generation of fans, in my opinion, will be committed to seeing the women’s game grow. This will benefit all of football.”
● The 1892 Pledge will tick past the £100,000 mark during the close season, with the initiative having encouraged fans to pledge an impressive £22,000 a month.
The running tally is at £82,000 after a flurry of donations following the launch, and again after the aborted European Super League plan – which was defeated by fan power – surfaced.
Around 2,000 supporters pledged recurring amounts and the Newcastle United Supporters Trust is hoping to convert more in the months ahead. A high-profile post-season event will keep the pledge in the headlines.