Mike Ashley's impossible negotiating stance scuppering a takeover?

I do not believe there is a Newcastle fan out there with optimism for the immediate future of the club.

For three years Rafa Benitez has steadied the ship and dramatically reduced the pain for Mike Ashley. There is no doubt Rafa wanted to stay at almost any cost. I say almost any, he needed modestest backing from the owner, an owner who was never going to budge.

I for one am pleased Rafa has departed company with Ashley because it is only now Mike Ashley will appreciate what he had.

As for the sale, it’s a farce, only possible at one club.. In Rafa's three years in charge, the club has rarely been able to deliver any of his top player targets, because of their apparent impossible negotiating stance.

No doubt it’s the same stance being taken to negotiate the sale of the club. On that basis you would never have the slightest optimism for the sale or future under Mike Ashley.o matter who the next manager is, they will be faced with the same restraints and they most certainly won’t have a C.V. like that of Mr. Benitez.

But if as looks likely, there will be no sale, no player investment and no Rafa Benitez, Mr Ashley is in for a difficult 12 months.

Yes there will be continued unrest from fans, but the turmoil is sure to bring another season of struggle, where his suggested £350m valuation of the club becomes merely a pipe dream.