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The official ownership group of Newcastle United, St. James Holdings Limited, announced on Monday through the club that it is actively seeking new ownership groups to submit bids for the club. The full text of the release can be found both here and below, and more information from Friend of the Blog Lee Ryder can be found here. The release follows weeks of significant speculation around the future of Mike Ashley’s relationship with Newcastle, speculation that reached its peak following Amanda Staveley’s attendance at the home match against Liverpool in early October.
While all of us with a vested interest in Newcastle United have learned to take any positive messaging from Ashley and co. with a grain of salt, the release has a newfound air of sincerity to it, acknowledging the group’s inability to deliver the sort of investment that Newcastle and its supporters deserve. Additionally, the release states that current ownership is open to hearing bids with significant portions of the final sale price being deferred, which would seem to indicate that they are looking to sell as soon as possible.
This is, of course, only the first official step of a long process toward sale of the club, but it’s more than Newcastle supporters have had in the past. Given reports of NDAs being required of all interested parties, it may be a while before we hear more news. Stay tuned to Coming Home Newcastle for all things United.
Full Transcript:
As one of the Premier League's oldest and best supported football clubs - and for the benefit of its many fans and supporters in the UK and across the world - Newcastle United requires a clear direction and a path to a bright and successful future.
To give the club the best possible opportunity of securing the positioning and investment necessary to take it to the next level, at what is an important time in its history, its present ownership has determined that it is in the best interests of Newcastle United and its fans for the club to be put up for sale.
To give an incoming owner the maximum possible flexibility to make meaningful investment in the club, including in its playing squad, the sale process will give interested parties the opportunity of deferring substantial payments.
A process will now commence of identifying new ownership for the club that will be capable of delivering the sustained investment in and dedication to the club that is necessary for it to achieve its ambitions.