Iconic manager admits ‘regret’ at snubbing Newcastle United job after being offered by Mike Ashley

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Mike Ashley agreed a deal to appoint an iconic manager at Newcastle United before they made a sudden U-turn.

Newcastle United fans do not remember Mike Ashley fondly for his 14 years as owner at St James’ Park, or as he wanted to call it – the Sports Direct Arena.

Ashley dragged Newcastle to the Championship through his poor decision-making and mismanagement. Thankfully, Rafa Benitez stayed and got Newcastle promoted back to the top flight.

Back in 2015, Ashley said he’d stay until Newcastle won a trophy, but fans were delighted when he cashed in and sold the club to PIF in 2021. Ashley desperately offered cash for trophies during his time as owner without actually investing in the football club or the team.

Since Ashley’s departure, Newcastle have been on a constant upward trajectory, with Eddie Howe leading the Magpies out of the relegation zone, into the Champions League, and now to cup glory at Wembley.

The manager who ‘regret’ turning down Newcastle job

Despite Ashley’s poor running of the club, Newcastle will always be a huge club and an attractive one to ambitious managers.

That is how Benitez ended up at Newcastle in 2016. In a recent interview, former Tottenham and West Ham boss Harry Redknapp admitted he nearly joined as manager.

Speaking to Sky Sports Football, Redknapp admitted he was offered the job by Ashley but he ended up turning it down.

“I could have gone to Newcastle,” Redknapp said. “I actually accepted the Newcastle job at one time when Mike Ashley was there.

“I agreed to go and then changed my mind and didn’t take it. There’s a bit of regret because Newcastle is a fantastic club, great support.”

Harry Redknapp record broken by Eddie Howe

Redknapp is an iconic manager in English football, enjoying a 34-year career as manager before his retirement in 2017.

Best known for his work at West Ham, Portsmouth and Tottenham, Redknapp can consider himself one of the most successful English managers.

He even held the record as the latest English manager to win a major honour after he lifted the FA Cup with Portsmouth in 2008.

However, Howe broke Redknapp’s record when he led Newcastle to victory over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.

READ MORE: Alan Pardew pays ultimate compliment to Eddie Howe after Newcastle United win Carabao Cup

Redknapp is a huge fan of Howe and even backed him to win a trophy at Newcastle back in 2023.

“They will win trophies in the next few years for sure. They’re only going to get stronger. They’re great fans,” Redknapp said.