Home News Columnists Neil Farrington

Group could put off buyers

Nov 2 2008 by Neil Farrington, Sunday Sun

IT’S high time Newcastle’s football fans were united. High time the Geordie chorus sang with one authoritative voice.

So I fervently hope the Newcastle United Supporters’ Club — formed recently in such adversity — enjoys a long and happy future.

But I fear the NUSC risks alienating potential members by maintaining such emphasis on a boycott of all Mike Ashley’s businesses.

And won’t the NUSC’s strength ultimately lie in its numbers?

I see the logic in providing would-be buyers of the Magpies with proof that fans on Tyneside are no longer to be taken for granted.

But in practice, I don’t believe the sight of supporters employing guerilla tactics against one owner is likely to help attract another.

What’s more, if such a boycott was widely supported, wouldn’t Ashley himself merely look to recoup his losses by jacking up his asking price for Newcastle, thus possibly delaying his departure?

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