Mike Ashley to stick by Newcastle United '“ even if club is relegated

In an interview with Sky News, Ashley said he was going nowhere – even if they were relegated.

“I’ve got no choice,” said Ashley. “I think I’m wed to Newcastle United like Sports Direct. They’ve got me and I’ve got them and that’s just the way it is.”

Second-bottom Newcastle United, who drew 1-1 with Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby on Sunday, are battling relegation to the Championship.

But the Sports Direct boss says he believes Rafa Benitez can keep them up.

Benitez was appointed 10 days ago after the club lost faith in Steve McClaren, but the Spaniard has a huge job on his hands to keep the Magpies in the top flight with Newcastle sitting second-bottom of the table.

Ashley added: “It (the derby result) was disappointing because I, personally, want to win every game for Newcastle United and it really doesn’t matter who they are playing.

“I’m a little disappointed but it’s not a disaster.

“I think we’ve got the right man in the job.

“If there’s any chance of us staying up, hopefully Rafa can do the business and keep us up there.”

Ashley, meanwhile, has refused to face MPs in Parliament over staff working conditions despite a formal summons.

The Commons Business, Innovation and Skills committee wants to quiz Ashley over the treatment of workers at the sportswear giant.

They have warned he could be in contempt of Parliament if he fails to attend but Ashley told Sky News he intends to challenge the formal order to appear before MPs which he slammed as an “abuse of the Parliamentary process”.