Mike Ashley and Newcastle fans

Credit: Getty

Oliver Walton

Sat 20 December 2025 11:21, UK

Newcastle fans have warned Sheffield Wednesday supporters not to get excited about being owned by their former chief Mike Ashley as he edges closer to a takeover at Hillsborough.

Newcastle have been one of the rising forces in the Premier League and Europe in recent years, but things were not always so positive on Tyneside.

Prior to PIF taking over at St James’ Park, they were owned by controversial Sports Direct mogul Ashley between 2007 and 2021.

The Walsall-born businessman was initially seen as a hero, but he caused uproar at the club over the years for prioritising his business endeavours over sporting interests, as they were relegated twice under his stewardship.

His 2021 departure was met with joy from the Magpies, who have since gone from strength to strength, but Ashley could be about to return to English football as Wednesday seek new ownership.

Former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley stands with his arms folded at Sheffield Wednesday's Hillsborough home.Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking MediaAshley is the favourite to take over at Wednesday as the only current bidder

Wednesday are up for sale right now, with their well-publicised struggles under Dejphon Chansiri meaning they are currently in administration and on minus nine points in the Championship.

Ashley submitted a bid to become the new Owls owner last month, believed to be around the £20million mark, but faced competition from an American consortium led by John McEvoy and the Storch family.

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A new report from ITV’s Arif Ahmed has revealed that Ashley is set to be named as Wednesday’s preferred bidder after the American group were unable to come up with a non-refundable deposit to buy the club.

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If he does become the Owls’ new owner, they are set to be hit with a 15-point deduction next season as a result of his bid being so low, and Wednesday fans will be fearing more woe after Newcastle supporters learned of his potential return to the game.

Newcastle fans destroy Ashley as Wednesday warned of what he could do to their club

One optimistic Wednesday fan took to X in light of the news to say: “Mike Ashley (is a) self-made billionaire. A proper businessman (who will) steady the ship. The ground will be updated, as will the training ground.

“In 5 years we will be in a good place. He will look to make it an interesting club to buy for someone with big money. Take that every day of the week.“

The post was widely reacted to by concerned Newcastle supporters, who warned of their experience with Ashley, as one replied: “He’ll strip it drier than it is. Headlines are all he cares about. You had a battle to lose your previous owners. This is a battle you don’t need, nor do you deserve. Please, please, please don’t think it’s the option. From all at NUFC.”

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Another said: “Sports Direct arena incoming with Sports Direct plastered all over, but not a single penny of advertising will go to the club, all club shop sales go directly to him, He’ll run you on a shoestring budget and won’t spend until he makes a decent profit by cutting costs. Good luck.”

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While one fan replied to say: “He’s a parasite, don’t let him anywhere near your club, just ask Newcastle and Rangers fans! Left a skeleton of a club at NUFC.”

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