Tongue in cheek it may be, but that doesn’t stop members of the MAOC (Mike Ashley Out Campaign) celebrating the ‘success’ of Newcastle United in securing their main objective. Surviving in the premier league on the least spend possible.
In our case with a profit.
The occasion will be rewarded with an open bus parade around the city, maybe with the finance sheets to show off to the many fans lining the streets of Tyneside.
The ‘Magical Misery Tour’ does have a serious message in that the club will never stop people compaigning against Mike Ashley and will infact continue to drum up support to try to oust or replace with ambitious owners.
Without ambition, football is a pointless spectacle as our past few games have proven.
Amongst the many problems there are with the Ashley tenure, the MAOC have concerns with these issues:
The continued feeling of alienation and exploitation fans feel from the club they love and support.
Asset stripping; the latest proposed land sale at the Gallowgate End appearing to permanently end any chance of future ground expansion.
Lack of ambition, direction and investment. Cashing in on our best players, whilst being bottom of the league in team investment over the last 5 years.
The free advertising enjoyed by Mr Ashley’s companies inside St James’s Park, which the club have now admitted is seen as an offset to Mr Ashley not charging interest on his non decreasing interest free loan!
The continued contraction of NUFC Commercial Revenues making the club appear hamstrung at a time when Financial Fair Play rules show that revenues will be crucial for growth under the new regulations.
The financial ‘blackhole’ created by MASH Holdings and the questions which arise as to whether fans’ money goes towards the benefit of the football club.
The continued diminishing of the Newcastle United brand and identity.
The association of the club with morally dubious sponsors.
Comedy value or not, Newcastle United has been maimed as a competing side and only here now, to line the pockets of a greedy man.
This is not only a disgrace to the region but to the game as a whole because a flourishing NUFC shows the premier league in a great light.
Hopefully people see the bus for what it is and how Mike Ashley feels inside at the release of the club accounts.
Trophies or ambition? Who needs that when you can celebrate the figures.
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