Premier League: Newcastle fans urge Mike Ashley to spend

A group of Newcastle supporters' organisations have lost patience with the club owner, they have written and published an open letter to Mike Ashley, urging him to spend some cash on a few new players during the January transfer window. The Magpies are in obvious danger of getting relegated at the end of the season, they are currently in 15th place and just two points above the relegation zone. On the other hand, owner Mike Ashley is still looking to sell the club, but so far it seems there weren't any acceptable offers. In December he said that he would have wanted to sell the club before the January transfer window. The fans' letter says: "Dear Mike Ashley. We are writing to urge you to do what is right for Newcastle United this month and we hope, for a change, you are willing to listen to us and act accordingly. This is a critical month for the football club, both in terms of your stated desire to sell and the need to strengthen the squad, as repeatedly requested by the manager Rafa Benitez. We are hoping you see the sense in striving to do both, but if you cannot find a suitable buyer, then it is imperative that you still release the funds needed to improve the squad. To fail to do so, would seem both reckless and foolish given the damage you know relegation will do. The ongoing takeover cannot be used an excuse not to spend money in the January transfer window. If you refuse to spend money this month, the risk of relegation not only increases, it will also mean the manager will not sign the new contract you have offered to him." In fact, manager Rafa Benitez wants to remain at the club but he said he would not sign a new deal if the club don't allow him to strengthen the squad. Newcastle have won just one of their last eight league matches after an exciting three-game winning streak in November. "You have repeatedly said that you want Benitez to stay, so do the things needed to make sure that happens. In short, back him and give him what he needs in this window," the fans added in the letter. "We know we have had a difficult relationship in the past, but at this point, we want to look forward, not backwards. Please do what is right this month." Newcastle are 11/4 at Bet365 to get relegated from the Premier League at the end of the season.