Dennis Wise defends Mike Ashley

Ashley's tenure at Newcastle has been marked by two relegations, and a constant lack of investment in players or facilities at the club. This summer it has continued as the retail magnate has undermined Rafael Benitez at almost every step, witholding transfer funds despite promising the manager would have 'every penny' available to him. 

During a tribunal in 2015, Ashley admitted to court that he deliberately lied and misled the supporters of the club and the public. However, Wise has seen it differently. 

"Unfortunately whatever he does, he will constantly take stick. It's as simple as that," said Wise on 'Sky Sports'. 

"There are a lot of people out there that don't help the situation. They want to bring it onto him.

"People complain about them not spending enough money but if you trade well at a football club and you're able to bring players in and take players out and make money, I don't see what the problem is with that."

Newcastle made a net profit of around €30m this window, despite benefitting from the new, lucrative Premier League television deal.