John Gibson: Mike Ashley's Rangers link makes sense

[ian1964 10,409]

MIke Ashley sell up and move his empire to Glasgow? Why not, says Chronicle columnist John Gibson

 

 

 

Amid an avalanche of whacko football stories that tend to emerge during the lull in hostilites brought about by the international break, one caught my eye which would warm the cockles of a considerable number of Geordie hearts.

 

Billed as an exclusive by the bright young internet site Winner Sports, it suggested that Mike Ashley is privately considering selling Newcastle United and moving his football empire to Glasgow Rangers.

 

And, most important of all for Mr Cashley, it makes financial sense.

 

The line of thought is that Ashley feels United are unable to compete with the big clubs already chasing the lucrative Champions League spots in the Premier League and wants to switch to a more level playing field.

 

He supposedly believes it will cost at least £100m for Newcastle to compete with the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham and, what is more, there is no return of investment guarantee of course.

 

The Sports Direct founder, already flirting heavily with Rangers, is said to be shifting his attention to the Scottish Premier League after it was handed a massive boost with their share of TV money from the recent BT Sport mega Champions League rights deal.

 

Should Rangers win promotion this season and next as expected then they will return to the Scottish Premiership for the 2015-16 season.

 

If Ashley was to purchase Rangers he would realistically be competing with only Celtic for that lucrative Champions League spot and, despite the lack of depth in the SPL, he would still enjoy the sort of big crowds that pour into St James’ Park.

 

A significant reward for a not so hefty investment.

 

Ashley’s official line is, as always, that he has “no intention, desire or ambition” to sell. Oh yeah? That must be because of his popularity on Tyneside!

 

We’ve heard about Ashley getting out before, of course, and it has proved to be a false dawn, but this makes more financial sense.

 

He has already bought into the club and recently tried to persuade Derek Llambias that going up to Glasgow, as he did to Newcastle, would be good for his health.

 

However, Tonto gave the Lone Ranger short shrift.

 

Nevertheless, there is evidence of interest and there’s no harm in many Geordies hoping is there?

 

 

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/john-gibson-mike-ashleys-rangers-6311192?

[the gunslinger 3,366]

read this before. still don't believe it.

 

ashley is here because he got his shares cheap and got a good deal for sports direct as well.

 

no more no less.

[Super Cooper 0]

I would love to see the actual figures for the Sports Direct deal. Hearing rumours we have been, well, bumped.

[Ser Barristan Selmy 222]

Terrible article with absolutely no facts. Premiership clubs don't need to challenge for the CL spots to earn huge money. There is no money in Scottish football and any BT Sport boost will be minor.

 

Also, Newcastle are a lot more than £100m away from the top 4.

[the gunslinger 3,366]

paul murray talks of examining the contracts and making sure they give maximum value. no wonder he's not been allowed a look.

[crucible 0]

Ashely to ditch the riches of the EPL for the poor house of Scottish football, you couldn't make it up they however like to try to imply so.

 

As for PM pity he wasn't so sentient when SDM was running us as his private business club and door opener.

[Ser Barristan Selmy 222]

paul murray talks of examining the contracts and making sure they give maximum value. no wonder he's not been allowed a look.

A shame he didn't examine the contracts the last time he was on the board when we hit financial meltdown on multiple occasions.

[Super Cooper 0]

Moonbeams would never let Paul Murray near the contracts either.

[Calgacus 8]

Ashely to ditch the riches of the EPL for the poor house of Scottish football, you couldn't make it up they however like to try to imply so.

 

As for PM pity he wasn't so sentient when SDM was running us as his private business club and door opener.

 

I'd suggest the PR Contract should be the first one for examination.

[forlanssister 3,050]

I'd suggest the PR Contract should be the first one for examination.

 

Which one?

 

The one with MediaHouse, the one with Keith Bishop Associates or the one with Newgate Threadneedle?