Mike Ashley

Owner of Newcastle United Football Club and a 71 per cent stake in Sports Direct. Close to Chris Ronnie, the former chief executive of JJB Sports. Sports Direct has dabbled in buying stakes in rivals, including JJB Sports, Blacks Leisure and JD Sports Fashion. The JJB stake has already been subject to an OFT enquiry.

Sir David Jones

Executive chairman of JJB Sports and saviour of Next in the early 1990s. Replaced Chris Ronnie and steered JJB through the first stage of a rescue operation despite predatory opposition from Mike Ashley. Now embroiled in a dispute over a loan from Mike Ashley.

Chris Ronnie

Former semi-professional squash player turned sportswear retailer who took charge of JJB Sports in 2007 after buying a 29 per cent stake from Dave Whelan, which he subsequently lost in the Icelandic banking collapse. Worked under Mike Ashley at Sports Direct. Sacked for gross misconduct by JJB in March after the share fracas.

Dave Whelan

Founder of JJB Sports and owner of Wigan Athletic. Sold his JJB stake to Chris Ronnie for £190 million in 2007. Bought JJB’s gym business for £84 million in March, despite opposition from Mike Ashley. Long-standing rival of Mike Ashley, who acted as a whistle-blower in an Office of Fair Trading investigation of the sportswear industry nine years ago.

Simon Bentley

Chairman of Sports Direct and a trusted lieutenant of Mike Ashley. He is also deputy chairman of Mischon de Reya, Sports Direct’s law firm which is representing Sports Direct over the loan to Sir David Jones. Mr Bentley is also a former chairman of Blacks Leisure, a persistent Sports Direct takeover target.

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