Kieran Maguire: Newcastle board hatch takeover plan to avoid ‘fan backlash’
Newcastle United should avoid adopting a multi-club ownership model like seen at Man City as it has caused fan ‘backlash’.
That is the view of finance expert Kieran Maguire, who spoke exclusively to Football Insider about the pros and cons of strategic alliances in football.
Football Insider sources revealed last Monday (17 April) that Newcastle United have no immediate plans to launch a multi-club network like seen with Man City and the City Football Group.
Instead, Newcastle are exploring opportunities to strike strategic partnerships across Europe that would not necessarily require an equity investment.
The Magpies have not ruled out eventually completing majority takeovers of other European clubs.
Multi-club ownerships have faced criticism recently, with some fanbases actively against their team joining a network of other clubs.
NAC Breda fans have recently protested outside the Etihad Stadium amid CFG’s interest in adding them to their network.
Maguire believes Newcastle choosing to strike strategic alliances could make them a more ‘attractive’ proposition to a club and their fans.
“Newcastle may have seen some of the fan backlash from groups around Europe when the likes of Man City have tried to enquire clubs such as NAC Breda,” Maguire told Football Insider.
“Therefore, they have decided that strategic alliances where they can swap ideas, influence decisions and monitor sports science and training techniques will be just as beneficial and valuable.
“It also allows clubs around Europe to preserve their identity.
“It could make Newcastle a far more attractive proposition to these clubs rather than a daunting full takeover.“
In other news, Man City to earn two times as much cash as Newcastle before a Champions League ball is kicked