Simon Jordan has joked his infamous 'deader than a dead thing from dead land' declaration on the Newcastle United takeover was a 'call to action' which helped complete the deal. The sale of the Magpies to the consortium backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund was finally confirmed on October 7, almost a year ago.
Toon fans keen to see the end of the Mike Ashley era had endured numerous twists and turns in a saga which lasted more than two years. Hopes of an unlikely breakthrough with the Premier League began to mount in the closing days of September last year.
However, Jordan dismissed claims of the takeover being resurrected while arguing any talk of an agreement was being pushed by the soon-to-be new owners of Newcastle. A week later, hundreds of supporters gathered outside St James' Park to celebrate the announcement of the sale going through.
READ MORE: 'Excited' Jamie Reuben opens up as Newcastle 'only getting started' amid Al-Rumayyan's speech
Fellow talkSPORT presenter Jim White mischievously invited Jordan to reflect on his proclamation almost one year on. The former Crystal Palace owner did not back down however, and labelled his 'robust statement' as a 'call to action' which delivered for the Magpies.
Jordan told talkSPORT: "You've got to see it for what it is. I put a CTA out there, a call to action, and ultimately it triggered a response that I never imagined. The Saudis would cop to the fact they pirated broadcasters, they fell on their swords and admitted they pirated beIN's signal and the deal was done.
"So I take credit for that, I take credit for putting out a robust statement saying it's deader than a dead thing from dead land - which was my credibility at the time. Ultimately about an hour later [I] got an email through from someone quite influential in a certain space that said the Saudis have just copped to the piracy issue between beIN and the Saudi broadcaster, and that will lead to a potential situation with the Premier League. I remember saying as I walked out of the door I think I'm going to find myself in an invidious position.
When pushed by White if he's claiming he helped the deal 'go over the line', Jordan added: "You've got to see the psychological effects of a significant call to action, calling people out. It makes people raise their games."
READ NEXT
Test your knowledge of Newcastle United's first year under new ownership
Newcastle owners' stadium plan makes sense as opposition players' St James' Park fear emerges
Eddie Howe's emotional phone call as Newcastle 'warrior' says goodbye
Leicester talks will have a big say on Newcastle's dream James Maddison transfer after bids
Graeme Souness' explosive first Newcastle meeting as he turns air blue with words to players
