Say if that actually is Ashley's line of thought on the matter, say he actually thinks that's the only way he can start afresh...
(a) what sort of calibre of player does that suggest he's looking to bring in?
(b) what sort of calibre of player will he actually be able to attract - with them knowing the set-up isn't exactly generous and they won't be well-remunerated etc?
I know the argument goes that he's a "pile 'em high, sell 'em cheap" bargain basement entrepreneur, but in terms of taking the club forward and nurturing it as a saleable asset, it doesn't really stack up.