Mike Ashley made plenty of mistakes during his time as Newcastle United owner.
The British billionaire endured a torrid time at St James’ Park, which is why there were such wild celebrations when his Newcastle United departure was confirmed.
During his time as owner, Mike Ashley constantly enraged supporters. From a lack of ambition to the treatment of Jonas Gutierrez, Ashley continuously made decisions that went against what the fans wanted.
But one thing he did not do too often at Newcastle United was sack managers. It only happened three times, with Sam Allardyce, Chris Hughton, and Steve McClaren being relieved of their duties. John Carver was also sacked, having been told he would not be able to return to his role as assistant boss after his catastrophic spell as caretaker manager in 2015 almost ended in relegation.
Sam Allardyce compares his Newcastle United exit to Blackburn Rovers departure
Allardyce was the Newcastle United manager when Ashley bought the club in the summer of 2007. He had arrived at St James’ Park just over a week before Ashley began to buy shares in Newcastle United.
Big Sam only lasted half a season on Tyneside, with Ashley deciding to sack Allardyce in January 2008.
It was a popular decision at the time, as Newcastle fans were not fond of Allardyce’s management. Meanwhile, his replacement was Kevin Keegan.
Now Allardyce has commented on his Toon departure, comparing it to him leaving Blackburn Rovers when they were taken over.
Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Podcast, Allardyce said: “Sadly, this [being Blackburn manager] didn’t last long, like Newcastle. It didn’t happen [getting sacked] as quick as Newcastle, but it happened in the end. When the club got taken over, I got shoved out the door like at Newcastle.
“Newcastle got relegated after I left, and so did Blackburn Rovers, so there you go.”
What Mike Ashley said about sacking Sam Allardyce at Newcastle United
Allardyce is right. Newcastle United were relegated after he left the club. However, it was not the same season – it was actually the year after.
Interestingly, Ashley has since admitted that it was a mistake to sack Allardyce so soon after taking over the club.
“I probably rushed in too early,” he told Sky Sports.
“The first thing, letting Sam Allardyce go, I was probably too keen to get going and make a difference, and I was a bit naïve about how football worked.”
After being sacked by Newcastle and then Blackburn, Allardyce went on to manage West Ham United, Sunderland, England, Crystal Palace, Everton, West Brom and Leeds United.
He took charge of 24 games as Newcastle United manager, boasting a record of eight wins, six draws and 10 defeats.
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