As the takeover saga rumbles on at a snail’s pace, Newcastle fans are growing increasingly doubtful that a deal will be completed, as a Chronicle tweet has provided a small update.
The short message told fans talks remain “ongoing” and a deal remains a possibility. But it then adds that there is yet to be a breakthrough in discussions.
It is strange that no talks breakthrough has been made, with the Bin Zayed Group claiming weeks ago that a deal and fee had been agreed.
It has left fans confused, and as doubts grow, the realisation of an Ashley-owned Newcastle, without Rafa Benitez as manager, looms for at least the season ahead.
That prospect was considered the absolute nightmare scenario, with some fans even willing to accept the loss of Benitez, if it meant Ashley leaving Tyneside.
Ashley staying and Rafa gone will be the breaking point for many fans
If Ashley remains, it is likely to be too much for many fans, with some saying they have already cancelled season tickets, and refusing to return to the ground until Ashley is gone.
How many fans have turned their back on Newcastle games will not be truly known until the attendance for the first game of the season is announced, but it could be a significantly lower gate than for any league game since Benitez’s arrival at the club.
Hope will still remain that a takeover goes through, but for most fans, they will not believe it until they see the ink drying on the deeds.
Here are some of the fans’ reactions to the latest teaser:
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