Newscastle United fans were out in the streets celebrating the sale of of the club buy a Saudi-backed consortium on Thursday night bring an end to Mike Ashley’s 14 years in charge of the club.
The Premier League announced the club had been sold “with immediate effect” after resolving legal disputes with the consortium, which had passed the owners’ and directors’ test.
The approval of the takeover means the end of Mike Ashley’s tenure as owner. Ashley bought the Magpies in 2007, but has come under fire from fans for a perceived failure to invest in the team.
And and Dec’s brilliant response to Newcastle United takeover
New of the takeover had dominated the news all day until the Premier League finally confirmed the takeover had been approved on Thursday afternoon.
Fans' excitement built on social media and it was no different for the presenting pair who have supported the club their whole lives.
The Geordie duo, known for their roles on Britian’s Got Talent and I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here… were clearly in an excitable mood all day at the thought of the sale.
On Thursday morning they tweeted: Oh what a beautiful moooooorrrrrrrning,” I a nod to the opening song of musical Oklahoma which premiered on Boradway in 1943.
Hours later when the takeover was confirmed they added: “Oh what a beautiful day…”
🎼Oh what a beautiful day… 🎶🎶
— antanddec (@antanddec) October 7, 2021
⚽️ ⬛️⬜️⬛️⬜️⬛️⬜️⬛️⬜️⬛️⚽️ https://t.co/wwwqEn4xV7
Newcastle United Supporters Trust welcome takeover
NUST said in an open letter posted on Twitter that “for the first time in many years” fans felt the new owners could help Newcastle realise their full potential.
The letter read: “For the first time in many years we believe our desire for an ambitious Newcastle United that strives to be the best it can be can be a reality under your ownership.
“We admire your desire and tenacity to buy our football club despite the protracted issues with the Premier League, and we appreciate your clear understanding of the special place that Newcastle United holds in our communities, the passion of our supporters and your commitment to developing Newcastle United.”
NUST said it was excited at the prospect of a partnership “between supporters and owners that will bring with it the first real hope for many years”.
The fans’ group’s letter continued: “We look forward to learning more details of your plans for Newcastle United and I can assure you that our members will welcome you to Newcastle United.
“In April 2020 we asked our members if they were in favour of your takeover bid with a resounding 96.7 per cent in agreement.”
NUST added: “We look forward to working with you to rejuvenate one of the greatest football clubs in England and I would like to extend an invitation to you to meet with the Board and I in the coming weeks.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here