‘Don’t think anything’s going to stop it’ – Exclusive: Newcastle takeover view after BBC update
Noel Whelan admits he cannot see anything stopping the Saudi-backed takeover of Newcastle United despite growing controversy over the deal.
The former Premier League striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, believes the Toon Army will be focused on what Amanda Staveley and her backers could bring to their club.
The proposed takeover at St James’ Park has been met with some disapproval as a result of the involvement of the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund.
The BBC report that both Amnesty International and beIN Sports have sent letters to the Premier League in opposition of the deal on human rights and piracy grounds.
However, Whelan does not think Newcastle fans will be too concerned by non-footballing issues, suggesting they just want to see Mike Ashley out the door at St James’ Park.
Asked about the controversy the takeover was causing, Whelan told Football Insider: “I don’t think they’ll care one bit. I think they just want a new takeover and these people who are coming in from Saudi Arabia have a lot of money.
“They could really turn their club around and I think that’s more important to them. If you get past the act, they can be given that opportunity to takeover – which it looks like it’s going to be, I don’t think anything’s going to stop it actually.
“I think they’re just excited about what’s in front of them and what Newcastle could be in the next two, three years’ time.”
Ashley has been in charge on Tyneside for 13 years, during which he has overseen two relegations and just one season in Europe.
With football in England currently suspended due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Magpies sit 13th in the Premier League table.
In other Newcastle United news, Alan Hutton has revealed what he knows about Steve Bruce amid uncertainty over his position at St James’ Park.