This week Ian submitted a letter to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee to put pressure on the premier league chiefs to give clarity as to why the proposed takeover of Newcastle United fell through this week. The letter comes after a petition demanding answers from the premier league has reached over 100,000 signatures.

Many fans were optimistic over the prospect of a takeover by a consortium led by Amanda Staveley and backed financially by the Saudi public investment fund. Supporters hailed the possibility for more investment in the club and the city, as well as an end to the unpopular reign of Mike Ashley as chairman of the club. But this week the Saudi PIF announced they would be pulling out of the deal, citing “an unforeseen prolonged process” as the main reason for their withdrawal.

Ian has called for more transparency from the premier league as to why the deal was blocked for so long, something many newcastle fans argue would give them some clarity on what comes as a disappointing revelation for the vast majority.

On sky sports news Ian expressed his own frustrations as a long term fan of Newcastle himself, but also frustration on part of the fans who he believes have been let down by the failure of the takeover he described as “shrouded in utter secrecy”, and suggested “the silence has only united everyone against the premier league”. Speaking to the Chronicle Ian argued further questions must be asked of the premier league about who really holds the power in football in the country.

He suggested that:

“These organisations operate in secrecy and the only thing they bear in mind is the finances for their own organisations when there is a lack of voice from communities up and down this country – many of whom pay their hard-earned cash every week to see their favourite football club but still have no say whatsoever in the running of the clubs.

There are millions more globally who football is their outlet in life and what is dearest to them.

Showing them this lack of respect is outrageous.”