An exclusive has revealed that Newcastle United owners Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi are now targets of legal action by Mike Ashley.

The media scoop comes from The Mail, which reports that a High Court legal action has been launched by Mike Ashley against Amanda Staveley and her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi.

The report says Ashley initiated the legal process through her company St James Holdings, although details have not yet been made public.

The Mail adds that Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi have not yet received a trial but are aware of the case.

The newspaper clarified that when approached, representatives of both sides declined to comment on the matter.

It has been three months since Newcastle United was finally removed from Mike Ashley’s control and takeover day and since then all public commentary from the new NUFC ownership has been positive about the previous owner.

Indeed, in a New Year’s message (see below) from Newcastle United’s new owners, posted just nine days ago on the club’s official website by Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi, they thanked Mike Ashley for the achievement of the agreement and its commitment to transform it. in reality.

The Mail reminds us that as well as holding a 10% stake in the new ownership, Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi also have a management deal to run the club.

As for what the legal action might be, it’s hard not to wonder if it has anything to do with Sports Direct’s removal of the spot from both St James Park and everywhere else at Newcastle United. .

When the SD branding was not instantly removed after the takeover, the new owners of Newcastle United responded stating that there were issues preventing SJP advertisements and anything related to SD from being instantly removed.

However, early December finally saw the start of the massive operation and around a week before Christmas, much to the relief of supporters, the last remaining SD presence disappeared ahead of the home game against Man City. These same fans having always feared that even if Mike Ashley did ever sell the club, he could potentially find some ways to ensure his presence somehow remained at Newcastle United, to continue to piss off the fans.

What we know as Newcastle fans is that Mike Ashley is like a dog with a bone when crossed, after Newcastle United fans came out against Ashley after his disgraceful treatment of Kevin Keegan, the next 13 years saw the then owner appear. take great pleasure in the way he ran the club, in the knowledge of how he liquidated the supporters. Even refusing to allow good communication between the club and the supporters except when it was totally unavoidable. This despite Lee Charnley’s promises on his and the owner’s behalf in August 2019, when Steve Bruce was going to take charge of his first game, that the “mistakes” of the past had been acknowledged and that from then on he would and Mike Ashley would ensure good communication. Needless to say, these promises were never kept. Indeed, the way Ashley and the club have acted throughout the Covid crisis was shocking, with Newcastle fans still the last of all Premier League fans to be offered refunds on unused tickets, etc

If you’re wondering about Mike Ashley’s persistence, just look north of the border and how Rangers are still not fully freed from him due to contracts made before the current Rangers owners took over. control, with Ashley continuing to pursue legal action over various matters and the Glasgow club are still not free to move on.

This reported legal action against Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi coincides with numerous media reports that Mike Ashley has tried to take over Derby County.

The past few months have been almost completely free for Mike Ashley when it comes to talking about him about Newcastle United / football, apparently now over.

Official statement released by the owners of Newcastle United – 31st December 2021:

“The turn of the year is, of course, a time when we all reflect on the past and look to the future.

Despite the current challenges, we see a bright and ultimately successful future for Newcastle United. The Club has incredible fans. It has serious, long-term investors. And the club has a workforce determined to get the best for the football club and the city of Newcastle.

Clearly, we face serious challenges ahead of us, including issues related to the continuation of the pandemic. But we will meet these challenges with fierce determination and a firm resolve to improve every aspect of the Club, while playing a full part in the community we serve.

When we look back over the last twelve months, we were of course delighted to complete the purchase of the Club on October 7th.

This reflected each investor’s patience and belief that we would do the trick. It also reflects the commitment of Mike Ashley and his team – demonstrated over a long period – to ensure that not only does the deal go through, but ownership of the Club passes to people who can take the Club forward. responsibly. We thank Mike and his team for this commitment because, without him, the agreement would not have been possible.

We also thank each and every member of our staff, who embraced the changes that have already been made and demonstrated a tremendous work ethic under very demanding circumstances. We all know we have a lot to do, but we will strive to deliver on the promise of this great Club.

As always, the overwhelming and passionate support of our fans will be crucial as we seek to improve our results on the pitch. We had a very difficult first half of the season, but you were right behind the team and we want to take this opportunity to tell you how much we appreciate it. Our last game at St. James’ Park showed the power that can be generated when players and fans come together and feed each other, and it was wonderful to experience that special atmosphere.

Let’s take that positivity into 2022 as we aim to progress on and off the pitch. We have some very important matches ahead of us and a January transfer window that we have worked tirelessly to prepare for, so let’s meet our challenges head on and look forward to the second half of the season with optimism.

I wish everyone a happy new year.

Amanda and Mehrdad’