Ashley met with Newcastle’s squad and manager Rafa Benitez on Monday.
The Guardian have claimed that Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has promised the Toon squad bonuses and an end-of-the-season holiday if the squad can avoid relegation from the Premier League.
Ashley met with manager Rafa Benitez and the rest of the Newcastle squad at a restaurant on Monday evening with the relationship between owner and playing staff said to be somewhat strained.
Fans are angry with Ashley as he failed to back Benitez in the window, promising the Spaniard that he could spend any money he generated. But even then, Newcastle made around £20million profit in incomings and outgoings.
Details of the meal have now reportedly emerged with the Guardian claiming Ashley has been enlightened to the real danger that Newcastle could be relegated – despite finishing tenth in the Premier League last season.
It is claimed that Newcastle’s squad will be given an end-of-season holiday and bonuses if they are to avoid finishing in the bottom three, with the club currently sitting in 18th place with two points from five matches.
Newcastle are next in action against Manchester United at St. James’ Park, a fixture in which they won 1-0 last season thanks to a Matt Ritchie winner and a Martin Dubravka-inspired performance.
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