Dennis Wise, left, and Mike Ashley.

The former Chelsea midfielder had an ill-fated spell as executive director (football) at the club 11 years ago while Kevin Keegan was manager.

Keegan, unable to work with Wise, eventually resigned from his post at St James’s Park – and the club was relegated.

Wise, an associate of Ashley, has defended the club’s owner – who is trying to sell the club – in an interview with Sky Sports.

“I know Mike Ashley, and he cares for Newcastle, even if fans say he doesn’t,” said Wise, speaking from Royal Ascot. “He runs them in a structured way, he’s not there to pile hundreds of millions into the club.