Former Newcastle United and Rangers striker Peter Lovenkrands has jumped to the defence of Toon owner Mike Ashley.
Ashley also holds a stake in Rangers.
"He was a great guy," said Lovenkrands, 34. "I got on really well with him. He was one of those chairmen who came to socialise with the players.
"We had a really good time with him at Newcastle."
The Dane continued: "I think he loves football. He's just a down-to-earth guy.
"When the wives would turn up for nights out, he would sit down and have a drink and a joke. You don't get that from many chairmen."