Mike Ashley is expected to miss Newcastle United’s relegation decider against West Ham this weekend, according to The Telegraph.
The controversial owner is continuing to avoid the angered Geordie faithful who blame him for the appointment of John Carver as interim boss which could see their beloved Newcastle relegated for the second time in six years this weekend.
Although managing director Lee Charnley – deals with the day-to-day running of the club – opted to appoint John Carver as Alan Pardew’s successor, Mike Ashley drew up the club’s policy to prioritise profits over footballing ambition.
However, interim boss John Carver reiterated that he does not know whether the controversial owner will attend for the first time in over a month. In his pre-match press conference, Carver admitted: “I don’t really know [if Mike Ashley] will be at the game to be honest,”
“He wasn’t there last weekend and he still got some stick didn’t he? It wouldn’t bother me at all if he came. But if he doesn’t come, I’m sure he will phone me beforehand, and if he does come, I’m sure he’ll come and see me before the game.
“I really don’t know what his plans are. I can’t decide what Mike’s going to do. All I can decide is what we’re going to do on Sunday.”
Carver also confirmed Mike Williamson is in contention for this weekend’s fixture, despite accusing the defender of deliberately getting sent off in Newcastle’s 3-0 defeat to Leicester.
“I’ve shaken hands with Mike,” said Carver. “It’s forgotten. I’m like that. I can fall out with someone one day and be their best friend the next- just look at Craig Bellamy. I don’t hold a grudge and that’s important. I’ll say what I have to say, as I did with Mike but then I’ll clean the slate.
“But it’s going to be important to pick the kind of characters that can handle the game. Being able to handle the situation is going to be absolutely crucial. It’s important that the players can deal with whatever is thrown at them.”
