Premier League club Newcastle United was taken off the market by owner Mike Ashley yesterday.

Ashley, who made his fortune in sportswear, put the club up for sale three months ago after saying he could no longer attend home matches because of abuse from fans.

A statement on the club's official website (www.nufc.premiumtv.co.uk) said there had been interest but Ashley had decided to stay and support manager Joe Kinnear.

"I have withdrawn Newcastle United from the market and for me 2009 will be the year in which we drive the club forward together," Ashley told the website.

"Even when I haven't been at games I have remained a keen supporter, kicking and heading every ball and cheering the team on TV and being first to congratulate (manager) Joe (Kinnear) whenever there's a good result."

Ashley revealed the club had failed to find a suitable buyer. He added: "When I took the decision to put the club up for sale in September I made a point of saying two things were very important.

"Firstly any potential buyer would have to show they had the best interests of Newcastle United at heart and had both the commitment and finance to be worthy custodians of such a fine football club before I would even consider doing a deal.

"And secondly, I gave you my word that as long as I remain owner, this club would continue to be run responsibly at all levels. I hope you will accept that I have stood by that pledge."

Ashley completed his takeover of the club in July 2007 for £134 million ($197.6 million) and often sat with fans during club matches wearing a replica shirt.

However, he fell foul of the fans in September after the popular Kevin Keegan quit as manager saying he did not have full control over the buying and selling of players.

Newcastle suffered a 5-1 home thrashing by Premier League leaders Liverpool yesterday.