Exclusive: Mike Ashley says he is not selling Newcastle
Published 00:00 08/08/08 By By Simon Bird
Mike Ashley has broken his silence to insist Newcastle United is not for sale - and set Kevin Keegan a top-four target.
The billionaire owner has bowed to pressure from fans and declared he has fallen in love with the club - and will not be selling his entire stake.
Ashley has reacted to growing frustration over his lack of communication with supporters by producing a message aimed at giving the club stability ahead of the new season. He says the club's finances were a mess before he took charge with claims it could have collapsed.
He wants Keegan, who has a three-year contract, to take the club back into the top four, and is determined to break their trophy drought. Ashley has also defended appointing Dennis Wise (left) as director of football above Keegan, saying they need experts to do transfer business and take pressure off the boss.
The reclusive 45-year-old also attempts to end claims he will walk away from Newcastle with a profit on his £200million purchase.
Indian tycoon Anil Ambani was linked with a potential buy-out, but denied the move. Ashley is in talks with the Profitable Group, but only to promote the club in the Far East.
He told Mirror Sport: "I'm really looking forward to the season. I'm excited by Kevin, seeing the team play, all of it. We're going to have fun."
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