In an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, former Newcastle United midfielder Chris Waddle says that while he ‘feels some sympathy’ for Magpies owner Mike Ashley after he put the club for sale, he believes the Sports Direct supremo only has himself to blame when it comes to his strained relationship with the supporters.
The Tyneside outfit released an official statement on Monday to announce that the club was up for sale, and the news will largely be met with happiness by the St James’ Park faithful following an eventful 10 years under the ownership of Ashley, which has included two relegations to the Championship and two instant promotions back to the Premier League.
The 53-year-old is also said to have upset current boss Rafa Benitez over his summer budget, and the fact that the statement says that they want any prospective new owner to lead the club “to a bright and successful future” suggests they want a deal with someone who can back the Spaniard in the transfer market.
While Waddle does feel a little sorry for Ashley considering he could never compete financially with the top clubs in the Premier League, he also believes he was at fault in others ways for his poor relationship with the supporters.
He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “He has been there for 10 years and the fans have never taken to him, so I feel some sympathy.
“But he has not communicated enough with them or the media to actually explain in what direction the club was going.”
Newcastle currently lie ninth in the top flight standings after taking 11 points from their opening eight Premier League matches this season.
