NUFC Sent List Of "Facts" By Ashley Out Campaign In Open Letter

Newcastle United and Sports Direct appear to be coming in for criticism from just about every angle this week - with the Ashley Out campaign the latest to stick their boot in by issuing an open letter to the club outlining "facts" about how the Magpies are run. AshleyOut.com claim that the "facts" are that, since Mike Ashley's takeover of the club in 2007, Newcastle's debt has almost doubled, their commercial and matchday revenue has declined, they have dropped five league positions, their qualification for European competition has diminished, and their domestic cup performances have also suffered. On Tuesday, the club responded to Channel 4's Dispatches expose "The Secrets of Sports Direct" with two statements in which they accused the broadcaster of making "wholly inaccurate" claims and of attempting to "further antagonise fans". The programme claimed the retail arm of Newcastle United is worth £3.4 million to Sports Direct - and that the club receives no money from Ashley to advertise his company around St James€™ Park - but NUFC denied this, and AshleyOut.com have now sent an open letter to Wendy Taylor, the Head of Media at the Magpies.

In a letter totalling more than 1,000 words, AshleyOut.com lay out five "facts" about the club that they say they "will assume" are "100% factually correct to the satisfaction of Newcastle United Football Club" if they do not receive a response within seven days. They are as follows:

"The fact that the club's debt has almost doubled since Mike Ashley's takeover. "The fact that the club's commercial and matchday revenue has declined since Mike Ashley's takeover, staggeringly countering the trend of other Premier League clubs. "The fact that on average since Mike Ashley's takeover the club has lost five league positions. "The fact that in the 13 years before Mike Ashley's takeover Newcastle United played in Europe no less than nine times (three Champions League, six UEFA Cup/UEFA Cup Winners' Cup), whereas since it has qualified for Europe only once. "The fact that in the 13 years before Mike Ashley's takeover Newcastle United reached the last eight of domestic cup competitions no less than 11 times (two finals, two semi-finals, seven quarter-finals), whereas since it has reached beyond the fourth round only once."

A section of Magpies supporters who support the campaign protested against Ashley€™s ownership during the 3-2 home defeat to Swansea City on Monday - as well as joining Rangers fans in standing outside Sports Direct shops and €œboycotting€ buying products from the retail shop. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCultureNUFC on Twitter and Facebook.