There have been two reports in the last few days on reports that Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley may be willing to sell the club, but Derek Llambias has today accused some of trying to unsettle the club.
Derek Llambias – somebody is trying to destabilize this club
Today Newcastle United’s Managing Director, Derek Llambias, has again spoken out against the rumors surrounding the club about possible takeovers, which we know has some Newcastle fans very angry.
He has spoken out, after reports the family of Osama bin Laden had contacted the club about a potential deal.
But the Evening Chronicle is reporting today that The Bin Laden family construction business has made no approach at all to Newcastle.
Those reports came after rumors that a New York-based firm, InterMedia, had been approached by Newcastle about a takeover.
So we’d love to know who it is that’s spreading these rumors, and reports even said the New York-based private equity firm, after Llambias’ denial, that they had been approached.
Somebody is up to no good here, and they are trying to get at the club for some reason.
Mr Llambias said today:
“At a time when everyone at Newcastle United is working hard to prepare for the new season ahead, it is annoying that we have to continually correct inaccurate newspaper stories.”
“Whoever is putting these stories around is clearly trying to destabilize the club and you wonder what their motives are for doing this.”
“By putting a new management structure in place this year, by investing in new signings at first team and academy level, and by introducing cheaper tickets for our younger fans, the long-term commitment and vision for Newcastle United is there for all to see.”
“Those actions speak louder than any words and I’m sure supporters see these stories for what they are – utter nonsense.â€
Excellent comments by Derek, and he needed to do that because even we were starting to suspect there may be something in the reports.
SBG (Saudi Bin Laden Group) has severed links with Osama bin Laden since 9/11 and their International Relations Officer Mr Yahia al Yahia today told the Newcastle Evening Chronicle:
“It is the wrong information. We are not interested.”
“Nobody has asked us about it. We are not interested at this time. Maybe in the future, about six months or so.”
“We have not spoken to anybody in Newcastle. Nobody has visited Newcastle.â€
It’s also good work by the Chronicle to actually approach the company who was supposed to be interested in the purchase of the club, and get the denial, from the horses mouth, as it were.
We’ll have to be wary of these reports on Newcastle, because some of the media out there seem to have it in for the club.
If we knew who they were we’d have it in for them.
44 comments so far
Martin
Jul 8, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Comment #41I’ve read the link and fair play – it does make a few really good points. But I think it’s really unfair to say Ashley hasn’t done anything for the club!
Yes of course bringing back Keegan was the most notable change which has accured under his tenure and I’m just as synacle as other fans when I think Ashley did it partly to distance himself from the Allardyce reign (completely opposite styles of play etc.) and keep the fans sweet…But even if it was just a PR stunt – that decisions kept us in the Premier League and gave us a manager we know can play possitive, winning-mentality football….two thumbs up from me!
Then of course there is the wage bill – like you said, Ashley has never denied or confirmed reports on this HOWEVER if he doesn’t lower it, we are no worse off than under Shephard, and if he does – GOOD it’s astranomical when you consider the success we’ve had with it in the past 3/4 seasons…
Youngsters – there is no denying, even for a pessamist/realist that Newcastle seem to have a real desire to sign up youth talent…Not just bring em through the accademy from an early ege or buy them in at 18 (Milner/Zog etc.) but going for players from all ages and all parts of the world – If it’s good enough for Arsenal I see not why we should complain?
The singing section…This was suggested by the fans (through a representative) at a board meeting and Ashley took a fairly bold decision to make it happen…It would have been a lot easier to say “we’ll think about it” and then dismiss the idea as it was bound to ruffle a few feathers of those moved around hte ground by the change! Surely the only interpretation from this action is that Ashley genuinely wants to create a real cauldren like atmosphere – turning SJP back into the Fortress it once was under Bobby and indeed Kev in the past!
I, like you, am in the dark with regards to Ashley’s aims for the club…But I just don’t think we should dismiss him, or let the boo-boys start getting at him…We’ve got a transfer window, a pre-season schedule and a Premier League campaign to go before I think people can really judge Ashley fairly!
Ian
Jul 8, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Comment #42I agree with what you have said there martin-fair play.
However one statement from Ashley or someone officially on his behalf would kill all speculation, ‘the club will not be sold this season’, that is all they have to say.
Even if they did that, then they still need to get to grips with the media, to keep the stadium full, display the sponsors names and have the tv show as many Newcastle games as possible.
Also I can ever see Newcastle getting away without having at least one star player, Owen with his name, and Martins with his playing skills and acrobatics attracts interest, without them for many the team would be dull, and Newcastle is in the entertainment business.
Leo
Jul 8, 2008 at 1:17 PM
Comment #43why would not drinking be a sensitive matter tapir? i have nothing against their beliefs i was just asking because many of my friends who are muslim drink but they wouldnt consider bringing drink into their parents home, mainly because they would get their arses kicked
Martin
Jul 8, 2008 at 3:54 PM
Comment #44Leo, i suppose this being a centre for discussion it’s a fair point…
Some Muslim’s (as you say, generally older generations) are completely against even being in an area where drinks are consumed…There was a girl I went to school with who used to sneak out and go down the town, as her Mam wouldn’t even approve of her being out when people around her were drinking…
I imagine however, that they would approach it as a business, rather than a religious/moral crusade and continue to serve alcohol!