What if the incoming owners didn't want Rafa but also didn't want to start on the wrong foot with the fans, would it be conceivable that they get Ashley to do the dirty work as part of a deal? I mean it's not like Ashley could be hated any more than he already is.
... or, what if Ashley is going for a scorched earth policy and trying to cause as much heartache and grief for the fans in some sort of sick 'last laugh' on his part before selling up?
... or maybe, just maybe, fuck all's going to happen again.