Fresh comments from interested buyer Henry Mauriss have caused a stir amongst the Newcastle United faithful this week.
According to the Mirror, the American’s legal team suggested that the businessman ‘could complete a fit and proper persons test in less than three weeks,’ which has angered some supporters in the northeast.
Who will be Newcastle owner come 20/21?
Mike Ashley
Saudi consortium
Henry Mauriss
It’s believed that the Clear TV Media boss is waiting in the wings incase the Premier League put a halt to the Saudi consortium’s pursuit of the Magpies.
But clearly, many at St James’ Park don’t want to see Mauriss with their full backing being put behind Amanda Staveley and co.
Good for you Henry, but we want Mandy and the 270 BILLION mate
— Dan (@DanNUFC23) June 7, 2020
Who cares
— The Right Toon (@RightToon) June 7, 2020
I’m starting to think this is a fake, keys really pushed this. Wonder if it’s part of a Qatari plot to convince the premier league if they turn down the PIF they won’t let down the NUFC fans. Yes I’m wearing my tinfoil hat right now 😂
— Gallowgater (@gallowgater1892) June 7, 2020
Publicity please
— Jake Crooks ⚫⚪🇸🇦 (@Jakeholio) June 7, 2020
Just try to wind fans up. Dont bite
— Stuart Paterson (@Stui_86) June 7, 2020
Who even is this bloke?
— Dean Dodds (@DeanDodds2) June 7, 2020
No thanks … I’ll wait
— Toon Man US (@us_toon) June 7, 2020
Shame they haven’t agreed a deal then!! Stupid statement
— Mark Baker (@greentoon123) June 7, 2020
It’s led to further suggestions that Mauriss would merely be another Mike Ashley – we certainly don’t want that given the 13 years of disappointment and mediocrity we’ve had to suffer under the Sports Direct mogul.
There was even a shout comparing him to Randy Lerner – an American billionaire who purchased Aston Villa in 2006 before blowing over $250m (£197m) in expenses without much success.
Sunderland’s former owner and the Glazers were also mentioned by some supporters.
He’s another Ashley..No good.
— Andy Hislop (@AndyHislop7) June 7, 2020
I’d rather not have a yank owner thanks. They dont have a very good record when it comes English football club ownership.
Ellis Short took Sunderland to League One and the Glazers are filling their pockets at Man United every year.
— 🇬🇧 Joe #NUFC 🇸🇦 (@Joe1989NUFC) June 7, 2020
Randy Lerner 2.0
— The Perennial Pundit (@PerennialPundit) June 7, 2020
Many fans are also curious to why he’s trying to get involved now when the club appears set on changing hands, and to be honest, they have a point given that Ashley has been at the helm for 13 years now.
Should of made a bid then shouldn’t he. He’s had 13 years
— .. (@36081763_abc) June 7, 2020
What a pointless statement if true. If he was that interested in buying Newcastle then why wasn’t he quick enough to get their before Amanda Steveley, the Reuben Brothers and the PIF?
— Tim Notley (@Tnotters87) June 8, 2020
Should have done it years ago if you wanted us so bad.
— Dell 💦 (@agbnufc) June 7, 2020
Clubs been for sale for 13 years if he had wanted it the option was open for 99% of that. Strange how he only turned up when the NDA was signed innit.
— Mac (@Toonymctoonface) June 7, 2020
Maybe he should have bid years ago then. Of course I can’t imagine the Premier League look too fondly on people being sued for fraud either.
— Tua 2020 (@moosestuffs) June 7, 2020
He’s had 13 years to do it, why wait until Saudis are in ? Tyre kicker
— Sam (@SamRobsonn) June 7, 2020
It remains to be seen whether Mauriss’ interest in Newcastle is genuine, and as some mention, he could be doing this for a bit of publicity given the audience this takeover deal has brought with it.
At least there’s someone waiting there incase the Saudi deal goes through. I’m not sure many of us could cope with Ashley much longer.
AND in other news, Paul Smith delivers Newcastle takeover update…