Russell Edge

Sun 4 February 2018 14:57, UK

Bradford City and England defender Stephen Warnock says that he does not believe that Newcastle United owner cares one bit that the supporters hate him and that he is picking up easy money with the club.
The Sports Direct supremo has been at the helm of St James’ Park since purchasing the Magpies back in 2007 but has endured a tumultuous time during his decade in charge, with the club having suffered two relegations under his tenure as well as a handful of controversial decisions being made.
Newcastle are currently up for sale, after Ashley released a statement confirming his intention to sell up back in October, but he remains in charge despite much reported interest from a number of parties.
With the Toon Army holding much disdain towards their owner, Warnock says the British businessman will not care, and has slammed him for running the club as a business as opposed to a football club.
He told BBC Radio 5 Live Sport (13:00, 04/02): “I don’t think Mike Ashley cares one bit, I think he sleeps very soundly at night.
“He’s got a business there that cost him next to nothing. For him it’s the perfect business.
“He spends nothing on players, so he’s got no outgoing and the value of the club is going up and up and up.
“I don’t think he cares (about being loathed).”

Ashley gave the green light for manager Rafael Benitez to bring in three new signings during the January transfer window, but every one of those came in on loan instead of a permanent transfer.
The Spanish manager has previously been vocal about his frustrations in the transfer market, having seen just five new faces through the door at St James’ Park over the summer following the club’s promotion back to the Premier League.
In other Newcastle United news, the club tabled a last minute bid to snap up a top flight hitman.