Greg 6 Posted May 24, 2007 Share Posted May 24, 2007 (edited) From Times Online May 25, 2007 Ashley aims for ‘biggest and best’ at Newcastle George Caulkin While the ramifications of Mike Ashley’s proposed takeover of Newcastle United have yet to be revealed, sources close to the reclusive billionaire have insisted that his plans for the club are genuine and dramatic. The sporting goods magnate purchased the Hall family’s 41.6 per cent shareholding in Newcastle for £55 million on Wednesday and is seeking to assume full control. There are uncertainties to overcome – not least the response of Freddy Shepherd, the embattled chairman and 29.8 per cent stakeholder – but Ashley’s investment and offer to purchase the remainder of the company is not the whim of a rich man. His aim, according to his confidantes, is the restoration of a fallen giant. That statement will reassure Newcastle supporters, whose excitement at the onset of a new era at St James’ Park is tempered by Ashley’s minimal public profile and previously unknown intentions. “The guy is someone who wants to build the biggest and the best and be successful,” the source said. “He has done that with the businesses he has built and he wants to do that with Newcastle United, too.” With Sam Allardyce, the new manager, eager to invest in the transfer market, there are concerns that a protracted takeover battle could be disruptive, but Ashley is keen to avoid instability. “He is putting a huge amount of money into the club and he does not want this season to be hampered in any way,” the source said. Should Shepherd accept the apparently inevitable and sell up, developments could be swift, but otherwise there is a formal process to be adhered to. Newcastle will hold an official board meeting and documents offering £1 per share will be dispatched to shareholders next week. Announcements will be made if and when Ashley’s St James’ Holdings group pass the 50, 75 and 90 per cent barrier. Related Links Ashley received £929 million when his Sportsworld company was floated on the stock market this year and the personal worth of Britain’s 25th-richest man is estimated at £1.9 billion. While he has previously been linked with a takeover of Tottenham Hotspur, he has no public allegiance to any club, but has attended England games. “He is a sports fan because it has been part of his business and life for years,” the source said. Edited May 24, 2007 by Greg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bombadil 0 Posted May 24, 2007 Share Posted May 24, 2007 Ah, at last someone who mentions the source, thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holden McGroin 5076 Posted May 25, 2007 Share Posted May 25, 2007 What was the initial price per share? When, I was young I bought £500s worth but sold them to my dad a year later.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ewerk 26853 Posted May 25, 2007 Share Posted May 25, 2007 Somewhere around 132p wasn't it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheMoog 0 Posted May 25, 2007 Share Posted May 25, 2007 Could it be that we're about to enter dreamland of being able to compete for some of the best players in the world? Give it a season or two, if we can get back in to the Champs League we could sign nearly anyone... *drools* Who would be in your Newcastle Utd dream team (obviously allowing for players wanting to leave their current clubs and nothing too outlandish in pricing)? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zico martin 87 Posted May 25, 2007 Share Posted May 25, 2007 Could it be that we're about to enter dreamland of being able to compete for some of the best players in the world? Give it a season or two, if we can get back in to the Champs League we could sign nearly anyone... *drools* Who would be in your Newcastle Utd dream team (obviously allowing for players wanting to leave their current clubs and nothing too outlandish in pricing)? oh calm down mate for gods sake Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Gloom 20184 Posted May 25, 2007 Share Posted May 25, 2007 Could it be that we're about to enter dreamland of being able to compete for some of the best players in the world? Give it a season or two, if we can get back in to the Champs League we could sign nearly anyone... *drools* Who would be in your Newcastle Utd dream team (obviously allowing for players wanting to leave their current clubs and nothing too outlandish in pricing)? Given Solano Nesta Ferdinand Baines Ronaldo Pirlo Gattuso Ronaldinho Kaka Henry ok. so i got a little carried away with the front 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom 13915 Posted May 25, 2007 Share Posted May 25, 2007 Given :lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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