Ashley’s pledge to Magpies

7:23am Monday 29th December 2008

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Anger over announcement on Sir Bobby’s tribute day.

MIKE ASHLEY has pledged to “drive Newcastle United forward”

after formally taking the club off the market.

But supporters’ groups have been quick to criticise the Magpies owner’s actions, coming on a day given over to paying tribute to ex-manager Sir Bobby Robson, and warned Ashley that he would not be welcome at St James’ Park in the foreseeable future.

Despite a much-publicised attempt to sell Newcastle in the past three months, Ashley has been forced to admit defeat.

His reign began to unravel when Kevin Keegan was controversially dismissed as manager in September, and he announced his intention to sell the club in the wake of vociferous fan protests ahead of the same month’s home game with Hull. He engaged the services of investment banker Keith Harris in October, and two US consortia displayed an initial interest in take-over talks.

Those talks failed to progress beyond a formative stage, and Ashley yesterday recommitted himself to the club.

“I have withdrawn Newcastle United from the market,” said Ashley, in an open letter to Newcastle supporters released ahead of the club’s 5-1 home defeat to Liverpool. “For me, 2009 will be the year in which we drive the club forward together.

“I’ve always seen New Year as a time to look forward and not back and now is the time for everyone who holds the club dear to their hearts to do just that.

It’s time to look forwards and upwards. And I sincerely hope all supporters of Newcastle United will see the New Year as a new start in many ways.”

Ashley went on to express faith in the ability of Joe Kinnear, the manager he appointed until the end of the season.

“With the January transfer window approaching, we’ll be working closely with Joe to see what can be done to strengthen the squad,” he said.

“With the FA Cup still to come and this Premier League being one of the tightest anyone can remember, there is still lots to play for between now and May.”

However, Ashley stopped short of promising funds for next month’s transfer window, and with any semblance of an apology within his comments conspicuous only by its absence, supporters remain sceptical about his long-term plans for the club.

With yesterday’s developments having coincided with “Sir Bobby Robson Day” – a series of events devised to celebrate one of Newcastle’s most popular former managers – the timing of his comments appears to have damaged his relationship with the Magpies faithful even further.

By Scott Wilson Chief Sports Writer scott.wilson@nne.co.uk TRIBUTE: Newcastle United fans hold up a banner in honour of former manager Sir Bobby Robson at yesterday’s home match against Liverpool Picture: STEVE DREW/PA Michael Ord, a spokesman for the supporters’ club, said: “It’s the most unwelcome late Christmas present Newcastle United supporters could have.

“The timing of this stinks.

Newcastle fans are celebrating the life of a great, great football man and a great man of the North-East, Sir Bobby Robson.

For Mike Ashley to try to rain on that parade tells you all you need to know about what he views the custodianship of Newcastle United to be.”

However, Kinnear has urged the club’s fans to forgive Ashley.

“It’s been one buyer after another, but the same answers have constantly come up,” he said.

“One buyer has pulled out and another one has come in, but then they’ve pulled out as well. We’ve had enough of that.”