Newcastle Are Up for Sale, Says Ashley

Newcastle United's billionaire owner, Mike Ashley, has confirmed he wants to sell the club just 16 months after staging a £134.4million takeover.

Ashley and his executive director (football) Dennis Wise have borne the brunt of a furious backlash from supporters in the 10 days since the manager Kevin Keegan walked out in protest over the club's transfer policy.

Thousands staged demonstrations outside St James' Park before and after yesterday's embarrassing 2-1 Premier League defeat by Hull demanding that Ashley sell up and that Wise be removed from his post. They could now get at least one of their wishes after the sportswear magnate revealed that he is ready to listen to offers.

"I am not stupid and have listened to the fans," Ashley said in a lengthy statement. "I have really loved taking my kids to the games, being next to them and all the fans.

"But I am now a dad who can't take his kids to a football game on a Saturday because I am advised that we would be assaulted. Therefore, I am no longer prepared to subsidize Newcastle United."

"I am putting the club up for sale. I hope that the fans get what they want and that the next owner is someone who can lavish the amount of money on the club that the fans want."