It's because of movements like this one that Ashley has finally had to shift from the cheapskate policy of hiring has-beens and drunks rather than qualified professionals with a good reputation. The dancing nincompoop Pardew was forced out by none other and ultimately that is why we now have a world class manager in charge.
I 100% agree its down to their great work that we now have Rafa, but is their stance 100% Ashley out, or would they accept he remains if the likes of Rafa and other footballing people take full control?