Llambias: 'Ashley Has Been Spot On!'

Last updated : 06 November 2009 By Footy Mad - Editor

NU


It follows on from Derek Llambias who, somewhat controversially, said that Mike Ashley’s running of the club had been “nearly spot on”.

By Ben Smith - The Times

newspaper_clip_artNewcastle United supporters have stepped up their fight to oust Mike Ashley in the wake of his decision to rename St James’ Park, their ground for the past 117 years.

The Newcastle United Supporters Trust (NUST) is calling on fans to take back control of their club by getting behind the "Yes We Can Campaign", which will be officially launched next week.

"There doesn't seem to be any knight in shining armour on the horizon so we have launched our own campaign which is calling upon the supporters to come together with a view to buying Ashley out," Colin Whittle, a NUST spokesman, said. "We have had meetings with financial institutions, brokers, MPs and a lot of other individuals in order to come up with a structure that will ultimately lead to the fans buying Ashley out.

"We would be looking for a one member, one vote option, because we want to have supporter ownership at the core of the club. It is up to us to do it ourselves. Everyone is rising up and we are looking to bring forward the trust's long-term aim, of having an interest in the club, into a short-term one."

It is understood meetings have been arranged with local finance brokers to discuss the proposals, with supporters being asked to contribute around £2,500 for a share, although all options are being explored. Petitions have been set up - NUST has collected more than 16,000 names - and demonstrations are planned for Saturday’s game against Peterborough United.