On September 9th 2020, Newcastle United claimed that PCP Capital Partners’ takeover bid had been rejected by the Premier League.
The club took aim at Richard Masters, stating that he and the Premier League have not acted appropriately during the process and that they would be ‘considering all relevant options available to them’.
In the September 9th statement, Mike Ashley made a vow to Steve Bruce, insisting he will be ‘fully supportive’ of the manager. He also acknowledged fan frustration, reaffirming his commitment to selling the club.
One year on, how much has changed at Newcastle United?
Mike Ashley takes legal action after Newcastle takeover collapse
This time last year, the takeover appeared to be in tatters. However, the saga is still going on today.
Ashley has launched two legal challenges against the Premier League, although we are yet to see a conclusion from either.
Arbitration has been delayed until early next year, while the CAT case is yet to be given the go ahead. Jurisdiction is set to take place later this month.
While there is hope that the legal action will force the takeover through, nothing is certain. As it stands, Ashley is still Newcastle owner, despite reported confidence from the buyers that a deal will still happen.
Ashley has gone hell for leather against the Premier League, taking any chance he gets to have a pop at Masters and co for how they’ve conducted themselves.
Steve Bruce hasn’t been ‘fully’ supported
Last summer Bruce got the support he needed. He got a guaranteed goalscorer in Callum Wilson, who arrived for £20million despite being in his late 20s.
The 2020 summer transfer business seemed sensible. However, by the end of the season it was only Wilson who had impressed.
The 2021 transfer window was disgraceful. Bruce did not get any real support from the owners.
Joe Willock was the only arrival, returning after his loan spell from Arsenal.
Newcastle ended the summer with a weaker squad than last season, with the Magpies board unwilling to invest in the squad.
Then came a statement from the club, defending their actions and how they conduct themselves financially. It was a slap in the face of supporters, and a slap on the wrist for Bruce.
While the takeover collapse has been hugely frustrating for all parties, that does not mean Ashley can simply down tools. He is still the owner of Newcastle United.
His negligence is outrageous but not surprising, considering how he has ran the club over the past 14 years.
On September 9th 2020, Ashley stated he would be ‘fully supportive’ to Bruce. One year on and it is abundantly clear that that hasn’t happened.
As always, our only hope is that this takeover happens. Of course, no one knows if or when it will.
Now the pressure is on Bruce to guide a weakened squad towards Premier League survival, whilst trying to manage a fanbase who want him to leave.
Bruce is all alone. No support from the fans. No support from the owner.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
