Is Mike Ashley finally listening and making sensible decisions? The Simon Bird column

By Simon Bird

Published 17:27 01/02/10

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One wage bill I’ve no problem with Mick Ashley slashing is Newcastle’s - and he’s certainly done that this season trimming £40 million from the accounts, yet still the Geordies are top of the table.

After the last two years on Tyneside I am still loathe to say much good about Ashley. He’s got a long long way to go before the damage he’s done is repaired, broken bonds are restored and respect is regained.

But it appears a solid job has been made of the transfer window, albeit from our low expectations.

He has backed Chris Hughton, made sensible signings which undoubtedly leave the squad stronger than on January 1, and he’s not over committed the club, signing young players, or doing business on loan.

Gone are the days when Newcastle blundered into transfer negotiations throwing around £3 million a year contracts as the norm, and blew rivals out of the water with massive cash bids.

Ashley made those mistakes in his first summer in charge when he allowed Sam Allardyce burn a fortune on the likes of Joey Barton, Alan Smith and David Rozenhal.

A bit of cunning is needed. Mike Williamson could prove a bargain buy in defence, Danny Simpson will do a job at right back, Wayne Routledge adds pace to the right wing. Leon Best’s three year contract is a surprise as we his arrival in a white Bentley, but I’m sure Kevin Nolan will knock any grand pretensions out of him.

Loan signing Patrick Van Aanholt could win a permanent deal and Fitz Hall is cover.

Newcastle refused to be mugged by Leeds for Jermaine Beckford (at 26 why wasn’t he already at a bigger club?) and wouldn’t pay Victor Moses his £1 million a year wage demands.

I only ask the question:

Is Ashley finally getting Newcastle on a solid financial footing ahead of promotion? Is he finally listening and making sensible decisions?

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