Fuming Newcastle United fans in mass protest
Published 21:42 13/09/08 By By Brian McNally
MIKE ASHLEY has instructed his advisers to get him out of Toon - and fast.
Newcastle United's owner, a hate figure on Tyneside since the departure of manager Kevin Keegan, is looking to unload the club in an autumn sale for £260million.
A senior club insider said: "Mike is finished with the club. He has no long- term interest and wants it sold."
Ashley (below) and director of football Dennis Wise missed yesterday's shock 2-1 home defeat against Hull City.
And the news that Ashley will sell-out will delight the mutinous Geordie fans.
After yesterday's set-back thousands chanted for Ashley to quit outside St James' Park.
They were dispersed by mounted police an hour after the final whistle.
The news that Ashley met Keegan on Friday night in London made some fans believe a peace deal could be struck and that their football Messiah might return.
It would have been a major coup for Ashley if Keegan had returned.
But the talks broke down as Ashley stood by Wise and his current management structure. The lawyers for the club and Keegan will be left to discuss his demands for compensation.
Sources close to Ashley claim there are four parties vying for control.
