I’m wedded to Newcastle, declares owner Mike Ashley

Owner Mike Ashley will stand by Newcastle even if they are relegated because he is “wedded” to the club.

The controversial Sports Direct magnate faces the prospect of seeing the Magpies slip out of the Premier League for the second time in his near nine-year stint as owner if they cannot turn their season around over the final eight games.

But Ashley, who this month sanctioned the appointment of former Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez in place of the sacked Steve McClaren, insists he is going nowhere should the worst happen.