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Down the tubes – the proof
NEWCASTLE United have been going down the tubes ever since Mike Ashley took over – but it was still a surprise to see two of their multi-million-pound players on the Underground after their 6-1 defeat by Leyton Orient on Saturday.
Despite their humiliation by the League One side, defender Fabricio Coloccini and striker Xisco raised a smile when spotted by a camera-wielding Toon fan, who was in rather less cheerful mood following the Brisbane Road debacle.
But the pair, who were setting off on a day trip to Palma, looked less happy the next day when spotted returning to Newcastle airport – perhaps by then they had heard caretaker-boss Chris Hughton’s claim Newcastle’s players “were hurting” after the Orient defeat.
The Profitable Group have ended their interest in a takeover of Newcastle, with their commercial director Steve McMahon criticising club owner Ashley for a lack of “communication and response” to their bid. McMahon’s group were among a number of bidders, thought to include consortia from Malaysia and America, attempting to purchase the club .
He said: “We have pulled out. We have put a bid in and had no communication, no response.
“It ’s poor form from Newcastle, but if that’s the way they want to run their business, good luck to them. We wanted to come in and turn the club around because it clearly needs something.”