Magpies and the mogul: The troubled history of Mike Ashley and Newcastle United

As the Newcastle United owner and Sports Direct head honcho prepares to finally offload the troubled team, we take a closer look at one of the most controversial figures in sport

The first time Mike Ashley tried to sell Newcastle United it didn’t quite go to plan. After acquiring total shares in the Magpies for £134.4m in 2007, Ashley found himself reconsidering his investment just 16 months later following the departure of the hugely popular manager Kevin Keegan.

Rumours had circulated for some time that Keegan was unhappy with the degree to which director of football Dennis Wise was interfering in team matters. In September 2008 Keegan brought his concerns to Wise and managing director Derek Llambias and was given his marching orders there and then, much to the outrage of fans. As owner, the backlash landed at Ashley’s door.

“I have listened to you. You want me out. That is what I am now trying to do,” Ashley wrote in a statement announcing he had put the club up for sale, adding that he had been advised he would be assaulted should he bring his children to a match.

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