Mike Ashley may not be Father Christmas but he’s just what the high street needs

It’s striking that so few retailers are prepared to speak out about their frustrations with the market - but the Sports Direct owner is different, says Chris Blackhurst

Friday 14 December 2018 19:36 GMT
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The much-maligned businessman made his thoughts on Debenhams clear this week
The much-maligned businessman made his thoughts on Debenhams clear this week

The headline in the Financial Times provoked more than a double-take. “Mike Ashley is the plain-speaking business hero we need.”

Mike Ashley, the bully boy behind pile it high, flog it cheap sports gear, serial user of zero hours contracts, and hate figure to a large portion of the Newcastle United faithful for his refusal to spend heavily. That Mike Ashley.

Has the FT taken leave of its senses? The same title that exposed the scandal of the macho bad behaviour surrounding the Presidents Club dinner now praising the business boss who vomited into a fireplace after consuming 12 pints in a pub during a management meeting?

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