Hall believes it is foolish to try and compete with the richest sides in the country, and I don't doubt that, the man could be spot on ... but to feel sorry for Ashley because his billions aren't quite up there with Abramovich's is laughable.
I don't doubt Chelsea and now Manchester City have raised the bar in terms of financial investment from abroad, and Hall feels clubs are being treated as 'toys' by their wealthy supremos.
As though that WAS NOT the case with Ashley!
The man fancied owning a Premiership club ... and a year on ... look at the state it is in!
At least Abramovich has lasted, which is more than can be said for Ashley, so let's not get carried away slagging off "foreign investors".
Ashley is just starting his second season at Newcastle and already his black and white shirt is in the bin.
Some suggest he only wore it 'cos his Spurs shirt was in the wash!
Ashley is desperate to sell the club to a new consortium, and now United find themselves second-from-bottom in the table and already out of the Carling Cup ... and it's only September.
Sir John Hall: "Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich changed the game for ever.
"There's nobody in Britain wealthy enough who would be interested in investing.
"Even Mike Ashley was struggling and £200 million is a lot of money. No way can the rest of the clubs compete.
"The debate at Newcastle will be should they try to compete with the super-rich? It's affecting the game.
"I think they are fools if they try.
"The Premier League clubs are being bought as toys. They will have them for a few years then throw them away, that's my view.
"These people don't know the passion of the fans. The Premier League is a tremendous brand but I fear for the game and for the fans."