Ashley accused over deal for fitness clubs

Mar 26 2009 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

NEWCASTLE United owner Mike Ashley has come under fire from JJB Sports founder Dave Whelan who accused him of trying to sabotage a deal to save the sportswear company.

The survival hopes of JJB Sports were boosted today after Mr Whelan confirmed his purchase of the chain’s fitness clubs business.

Mr Whelan, who set up the Wigan-based group in the 1970s but sold his stake in 2007, will rebrand the gyms as DW Sports Fitness.com.

He announced the purchase at a press conference in which he lashed out at business rival and Newcastle United Football Club owner Mike Ashley.

In an incendiary speech, Mr Whelan accused Mr Ashley, who owns the Sports Direct retail chain, of risking 12,000 jobs by trying to push JJB into administration.

“Mike, as he was entitled to do, was trying to sabotage this deal and try to get JJB into receivership – which I thought was a little bit underhanded,” he said.

“If JJB were to go into receivership, Mike Ashley could then buy those stores without interfering with competition rules. He approached me 10 days ago and asked me to withdraw and allow JJB to go into receivership.”

Sports Direct declined to comment.