Dear Ms Taylor,

AshleyOut.com note with interest the statements released by Newcastle United Football Club yesterday evening and earlier today in response to Channel 4’s Dispatches programme titled “The Secrets of Sports Direct” that was broadcast yesterday at 8pm.

Firstly we would like to applaud the club’s ability to react with urgency and determination when it considers its dignity as a proud institution under threat. That said, we do consider it remarkable that a slight inaccuracy about Sports Direct’s relationship with the club has brought about this resolve, and not the fact that thousands of the club’s fans are turning their backs to the club in disgust. Or the fact that the decision to weaken the squad and not appoint a proper manager leaves the club on the brink of another relegation. Or even the fact that its chosen “interim” manager has hurled abuse at the club’s fans for the second time this season.

Of particular interest in the Club’s statement was that “in the Club’s view, the broadcaster deliberately misled Newcastle United supporters and provided yet another example of erroneous media reporting which only serves to further antagonise fans”. A rather ironic stance coming from the current administration at the club, considering they have previously admitted in the Premier League Manager’s Arbitration Tribunal that they had “repeatedly and intentionally misled the press, public and the fans of Newcastle United”.

We regret not contacting the club prior to the launch of our website to allow it to comment on its contents, but we realise it is better late than never and we certainly would not want any information on our website to be “wholly inaccurate”. To avoid falling foul of the thorough scrutiny the club seemingly applies in its public relations, we have to date published 37 articles on our website AshleyOut.com and we assure you we have earnestly endeavoured to ensure all articles are factually correct with sources referenced where applicable. In the spirit of your club statement we appreciate that “Newcastle United would like to clarify the facts for the benefit of supporters”, such as:

the fact that the club’s debt has almost doubled since Mike Ashley’s takeover

the fact that the club’s commercial and matchday revenue has declined since Mike Ashley’s takeover, staggeringly countering the trend of other Premier League clubs

the fact that on average since Mike Ashley’s takeover the club has lost five league positions

the fact that in the 13 years before Mike Ashley’s takeover Newcastle United played in Europe no less than 9 times (3CL, 6 Uefa/CWC) whereas since it has qualified for Europe only once

the fact that in the 13 years before Mike Ashley’s takeover Newcastle United reached the last 8 of domestic cup competitions no less than 11 times (2 finals, 2 SF, 7 QF), whereas since it has reached beyond the fourth round only once

and many more

AshleyOut.com hereby offers you an invite to provide comment on the published articles on our website so that we may rectify any factual inaccuracies as long as accurate information is provided to counter any errors.

Should we not receive a response within 7 days of the date of this correspondence we will assume that all content on our website is 100% factually correct to the satisfaction of Newcastle United Football Club.

Yours sincerely,

AshleyOut.com

Frank Rijkaard

Love it.

You’s have my backing lads . the pie man needs to piss off

Absolutely Brilliant lads… Bravo. Quality article, made me smile and laugh about our predicament for the first time in a long long time. (I like the sarcastic underlying tone of the first few paragraphs) Well written. As always keep up the good work

Peter Parker

Good work.

Irate Geordie

I have a conspiracy theory. Are the players along with John Carver TRYING to get the club relegated in order to try and force the almighty fat B45t4rd to sell up? Answers on a postcard to Mr. M. Ashley c/o The Sinking Ship, Championship Headquarters, Down the Swanneeville without TV money. D00 M30

Gary Linney

I had actually thought of that yesterday…with regards to Carver’s managerial performances. He is Newcastle through and through AND because he knows he has the backing of fatboy mike and his crew, he might just be REALLY trying to get us relegated with a view to ashley selling up and moving on! Conspiracy theory? Why not indeed! Ashley OUT!

Another excellent article outlining the pure hypocrisy and lies spewed forward by the club’s propaganda machine.

They’re on the ropes guys, keep swinging!

Unfortunately they’re not on the ropes at all (if only……)

Whatever happens, and for the long-term good of the club do NOT renew your season tickets.

I think I can stand firm by my original quote after the MA interview. They are on the ropes or he wouldn’t have felt the need to calm the waters or extend the season ticket deadline.

We need to keep turning the screw and not fall for the wait and see tactic AGAIN.

Brilliant! Keep up the good work, you have my backing I’ll join you in protests and whatever else you have in store

I sympathise with Newcastle fans who deserve better than Mike Ashley, the vast majority of concerns are valid, a couple however have reasonable explanations in my opinion.