"One of football's saddest stories"

Can't disagree with any of that. I honestly think some of the sensationalist language is simply an attempt to cause change. He has been there for a long time and the fans have been against him for a big chunk of that so new tactics need to be deployed. Of course there are much worse cases out there but it is all relative.

Its probably frustrating for Newcastle fans because Ashley has managed to keep a manager at the club who could take them to a different level but are at risk of losing him because of the man who brought him there in the first place. If Rafa goes and isn't properly replaced then Newcastle would crumble and you could very easily be looking at Leeds style spell out of the top flight. I suspect that could explain why they are increasing the push for change.

 

If he wanted to sell so much he would have sold a while back though. He bought the club for less than half the asking price he has set and there is little to suggest how the club might have doubled in value. This is a man already worth billions, why set the asking price so high if he's so keen to sell. Leeds as a comparison were purchased for around £50m, Ashley is asking for £350m for Newcastle.

It just goes back to Ashley seeing the club as a cash cow, he is content maintaining what he has because he will continue to benefit financially. The only way he will change that stance if he further betters himself financially.