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Ashley regime 'not helping morale' at Newcastle

Mike Ashley has been a controversial owner of Newcastle United © Getty Images

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Newcastle United are in a state of disarray and ripe for a takeover, according to sources inside St James' Park, who have revealed to ESPNsoccernet the extent of the troubles within the North East club.

The sacking of the highly popular Chris Hughton has left the dressing room in a state of disbelief, anger and sympathy for the boss so ruthlessly kicked out after guiding the club back into the Premier League at the first attempt.

Owner Mike Ashley and his regime are running a tight ship at St James', but for some it is too tight. A source said: "It is so shoestring here, that the players are not receiving any bonuses, and I am sure that has never happened at any club, at any time, ever before.

"That is pretty hard on the young players, especially at this time of year. It doesn't help with morale, no bonuses for winning, or anything. No bonuses at all.

"The club didn't seem to want to give Chris Hughton a new contract or allow him to appoint his No. 2, and now they want an experienced manager, so one can only hope they have the budget for that, or else they will end up with someone out of work and desperate to take whatever they are offered.

"It has been this way for a while, mind you, but the players have been willing to play for Chris because he is so well liked, you couldn't find a nicer guy if you tried. So there is so much going on behind the scenes that you would hardly credit the fact that the team has produced some good results this season, and it's never easy for a team which has just come up.

"Everyone believes Chris did a good job getting the club back into the big time, but he wasn't even rewarded with a new contract. This hasn't gone down well here.

"The sacking of Chris is just the tip of the iceberg, there is total confusion behind the scenes. No one knows if Mike Ashley is selling the club or what he is planning."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.