Mike Ashley should hang his head in shame over some of his actions at Newcastle United.
The prior owner is despised on Tyneside for 14 years of misery, mismanagement, and neglect.
Newcastle United was demoted twice during Mike Ashley’s ownership. Fortunately, they were able to return to the top flight on their first attempt. However, Toon fans will remember the 2016/17 season more fondly than the 2009/10 campaign.
Rafael Benitez was in charge, and Newcastle appeared to be on the verge of success. In Newcastle’s first season back in the Premier League, Benitez led the team to a 10th-place finish. The Spaniard signed players who continue to play for the club today. Martin Dubravka and defender Fabian Schar remain key members of Newcastle’s first-team squad, with the latter appearing in nearly every Premier League game this season.
Ashley was never one for blowing the cash on transfers. Jarrod Bowen almost joined Newcastle, but Ashey was unwilling to spend the £18 million required to bring him in. He went on to win a European trophy.
Newcastle could have bought another star for just £16.5 million following a successful loan stint, but Ashley was once again unwilling to spend the money.
Salomon Rondon could’ve stayed at Newcastle
Salomon Rondon, a former Newcastle striker, was outstanding during his loan time on Tyneside. The Venezuelan really embraced the city and its fans, and his performances on the pitch reflected this.
Rondon scored 12 goals and assisted seven times during his loan spell with the Magpies, and he has used what he learned under Benitez everywhere he has gone since.
Benitez was impressed enough by his performance to request that Ashley pay his £16.5 million release clause in order to permanently sign him to the club. Ashley refused, and Benitez left the club.
Despite his hasty departure, Rondon still loves Newcastle and has stated that he would have returned if given the opportunity.
In an interview with the Guardian, Rondon said: “But if I had the opportunity to sign again for Newcastle, I would definitely do it because they gave me a lot and I felt so much when I was at St James’.”
He has been doing well since leaving Newcastle. Rondon was named a nominee for the greatest FIFA men’s XI in 2024 after an outstanding season with Mexican club Pachuca, which also plays in black and white.
Salomon Rondon’s career after Newcastle
It’s fair to say Rondon’s career has taken many unexpected turns since leaving Newcastle in 2019. In 2019, Rondon returned to Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang to play under Benitez. He was later loaned to CSKA Moscow in February 2021.
Rondon reunited with Benitez at Everton, marking both players’ triumphant return to the Premier League.
Rondon made his Everton debut alongside Andros Townsend, whom Benitez had managed at Newcastle. Unfortunately, the move did not work out for either of them, with Benitez getting fired and Rondon scoring only three times in two seasons.
Rondon began his career at River Plate before joining Pachuca in 2024, where he is still playing. The 35-year-old Venezuelan is slowing down, scoring only three goals in eight league games. But Newcastle fans will never forget his contributions that season, and they wish they had seen more of him.
READ MORE ON:https://sportip.co.uk/