Dave Whelan/Mike Ashley

[Everhelpful]

Dave Whelan has slammed Mike Ashley for taking Newcastle to where they are now,(Relegation places) saying Ashley has no class. Anyone agree with him?

[paraffin]

If you're referring to Dave Whelan who owns Wigan, I'm only an onlooker, but any time I've ever seen him interviewed he's polite and articulate.
If he did use the phrase "Ashley has no class" it would appear to be out of character.

[Everhelpful]

Read Sky Sports News,paraffin,it's all on there.

[paraffin]

Yes, thanks Everhelpful, I've just read it. Dave Whelan's from the "old school" and dresses accordingly, suit, tie etc, whereas Ashley does try to come across as "one of the lads".
I understand where Whelan's coming from now. Ashley should at least make an effort in the boardroom when meeting visiting chairmen, directors, visitors etc.

[Everhelpful]

Couldn't agree more,paraffin.

[Davethedog]

The thing he is saying is that the MD/chairman sets the tone for the entire organisation.

How would you feel about your MD if he turned up in a football shirt and jeans and stood next to you in the pub swigging beer from a bottle.

My old Nan used to say about people who put on airs and graces (normaly women) shes all fur coat and no knickers, now strictly speaking it doesn'y aplly, but I think it exactly Mike Ashley.

Dave whelan conducts himself as paraffin says as a gentleman and even in this day and age is something I think should be standard not an exception.

[jimmysipples]

Sorry to jump in so late on this question but i was just wondering what you's thought of this..... i totally agree that i think that chairmen should be suited and booted for the occasion and look respectful and to be a man of power and authority around the club. it gives the air of confidence in the man and i suppose in the club to a degree. However, can people slam a man for acting like one of the lads whenever for years people at many clubs have slagged and deemed the chairman and board distant and unapproachable? I cant criticise a man for trying to be more down to earth and part of the grass roots of a club, but i think Ashley has maybe went too far. Maybe if he dressed up in a club suit from time to time it would be acceptable. Would he like someone to show up for an interview in a newcastle shirt? does he allow players to travel to away games never dressed in a suit? I can see what he has tried to do but he has gone too far. Unfortunately no matter how much you love your club, if you have money, buyin the club will somehow someday end in disaster. Too down to earth, too unapproachable. Whatever your extreme, it only works if the team is doing the business on the pitch. If Newcastle were top of the league an in the Champ League, the fans would be embracing him in the stands for his down to earth approach.

[tali1]

Whelan is simply mouthing off because Wigan are having their day in the sun
He'll shut up once they're back in mid table of Div1 or 2