Does Ashley Deserve Credit?

Last updated : 10 April 2011 By Footy Mad - Editor

The figures were produced last week and, let's not forget, the club is no longer a PLC so they didn't need to go public.

So it was all a publicity stunt from the owner to pat himself on the back.

As for Pardew ... what more do you expect from him other than praise the bloke who gave him a job.

Chris Hughton didn't have a bad word to say about Ashley ... until he was sacked!

And even then, there was allegedly a clause in the pay-off that Hughton keep his feeling to himself.

Alan Pardew: “You have to say, and the figures last week back this up, that Mike Ashley put his neck out two years ago (after relegation) in the Championship year to keep the big players.

“That has proved to be a really sound decision because most clubs, quite rightly, run for the hills a little bit.

“We did at Charlton. We had no backer like Mike, no chance. The damage is irreparable and you can see yourself go through the division like Charlton, Sheffield Wednesday and a number of clubs have.

“That was a bold decision by Mike and Derek on this occasion that perhaps went a little bit unrecognised.

“On reflection, I think maybe in two or three years time, if things have gone well for us, suddenly it might be seen as a very positive thing that Mike did. I believe it was.

“I was very, very worried with the sale of Andy Carroll.

“It was a massively important decision to make – a very, very tough decision.

“It’ll only be right if we stay in the division and we get the money to invest in the club – which Mike has assured me we will.

“Then it is a good decision. But that’s not done yet.”

AP

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