Newcastle's Plight In Numbers - What Exactly Would Relegation Mean?

7. £42 Million - Amount By Which Mike Ashley Had To Increase His Loan To The Club Last Time The Magpies Were Relegated

Unfortunately for those who thought relegation to the Championship would mean Newcastle would become less reliant on Mike Ashley's billions then you will have to think again - because, when the Magpies were demoted in 2009, the Sports Direct owner pumped in an additional £42 million in order to cover costs. The club became even more reliant on the sportswear tycoon during the 2009-10 Championship season, and in all likelihood he would increase his £129 million interest-free loan to the Magpies should they find themselves in the second tier once more. A budget deficit of almost £25 million was covered by Ashley last time, but it would likely be even higher second time around - meaning he would have an even greater vested interest in the club, and wouldn't likely leave any time in the near future...