We think Mike Ashley is a frustrated man right now, because of all the reports in the gossip press, on things he’s not doing, and not even thinking of doing.
Mike Ashley - getting a raw deal from the press?
But that’s probably only a definition of what the gossip press prints.
We don’t want to come over as patronizing to the owner, but we do think Mike is getting a bit of a raw deal in the press, and of course you can’t blame our fans for believing some of the news.
Recent reports suggested Newcastle had held informal discussions with American private equity firm InterMedia Partners over the sale of the club.
Fresh speculation then emerged, just one day later, that claimed a construction company owned by the family of Osama bin Laden were considering a bid, but those claims were later rebuffed by both parties in the Evening Chronicle earlier this week.
In a bid to communicate about these reports Newcastle owner Mike Ashley, who very rarely speaks at all to the press, has talked to the London Evening Standard today:
“That (the rumour of a sale) is not true.”
However, Ashley has for the first time admitted he is seeking additional investors in the club and added:
“I would say that I am keen to have partners in Newcastle. That’s a very expensive seat I sit in.”
On the recent news on the Saudi Binladen Group (SBG), Ashley continued:
“I think I’ll start with people from Newcastle, not in some cave in Afghanistan.”
So from what Mike says it does look like he’s trying to lighten his financial load a little by possibly selling some small interest in the club to others, which could include consortiums.
Maybe that explains why SBG told the Evening Chronicle they were not interested now but could be in six months time.
That probably means they would be interested in investing in Newcastle, and that means they could be willing to buy say 10% of the club.
There seems nothing wrong or untoward about that, as far as we can see.
We think the confusion could be that Mike is indeed seeking partners, who are unwilling to invest in Newcastle United - and we think Mike can sell 20% without losing any control at all.
But these attempts may be being interpreted by the press as Mike trying to sell the club lock, stock and barrel - that seems like a plausible explanation.
As long as Ashley retains ownership of a sufficient percentage of the club, he will still be in complete control of all decisions affecting Newcastle United.
And it would be good for the club, if we do get new investors (partners) because no doubt Mike will want to them to put some money in our transfer fund, as part of the deal. 
He’s a very savvy and experienced businessman.
Finally, we wonder why Mike didn’t put this communication out via the Newcastle United official web site or even the local Evening Chronicle.
Comments welcome, but please keep them civil.
186 responses so far ↓
1 ObaFan2 // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:20
Like I said earlier, obviously £2 billion doesn’t go that far nowadays !
2 Davies // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:22
About time he piped up. I didn’t think he was up for selling anyway. He’s invested too much time in the club at a personal level for his involvement to be purely about money.
3 ToonDaft // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:23
i think this could be damning for our transfer activity this season - “expensive seat I sit in”… he hasn’t pulled any money out yet for players has he?
4 ToonDaft // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:24
surely he needs to speculate to accumulate
5 Tjodalf // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:24
Wonder why he hasnæt asked me yet….but…it could yet come though.
What would I do if I was his partner..?
I would florish like a tomatoplant in the spotlight from the media and I would see to that Keegan gets his men Inler, Derdiyok, Aimar, but I would also get the horrific DC, Lucio, the brasilian, because he would scare all attacking players in the PL….and all this I could do with a PROFIT of £10M….
Come get me Mike!
6 big Si // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:25
Looks to me like we are skint. Explains why we are shopping in bargain basement.
7 Marguerite // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:26
Well this interview explains all the recent conjecture in the press. I wonder just how much of the club he actually owns?
As a very minor shareholder I DID NOT sell mine to him, nor did my mate sell hers.
How many others out there still own their shares?
8 broon ale // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:26
the reason he wouldnt conduct this interview with the chronicle is because you need to respect the journalist.
the club have clearly lost all respect for alan oliver and lee ryder in the comical
9 Kris // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:27
Something fishys going on and we are being kept in the dark maybe this guy isnt the saint we all think he is,surely he can just sell all his buisnesses and retire to looking after our club,come mike youve made enough money just relax !!!!
10 Kris // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:28
We cant be skint if we were willing to spend 17 mil on modric unless they plannned to sell him for double next season ..
11 keith // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:29
Leave it out with the transfer money! Keegan was told when he took over there would be a significant amount of money made available, if that is taken away keegan will walk and it doesnt look like he is going to do that so there must be cash there, just be patient and KEEP THE FAITH
12 WIGAZ // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:29
Getting bored off lack of transfer activity so on fifa 08, my toon team:
Given
Beye
Taylor
Woodgate
Shorey
Quasmera
Butt/Huddlestone
SWP
Joe Cole
Owen
Van Nistlerooy
Oh if only thats we could start with this side on opening day against the mancs! ha ha!
Hope some transfers happen soon!
13 Leo // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:30
mike is a legend after that last comment hahahahahahahahahaha
14 beye the great // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:31
it just shows how small minded the press are that not 1 journalist even thought about mike ashley could just be looking for our investors
15 ToonDaft // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:31
i know, and appreciate i will add, that he paid off our debts but he is still to put any extra money into playing staff - all players have been covered by what we’ve sold even though we have a tiny squad - have to be honest, little worried still, Ash is still even after a year, to convince us that he has serious ambition
16 Obafan // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:32
I will partner him. By saying him which players he needs to buy. Off course I will only tell him who the fans on this blog want as new players and that he only should go after those players
.
17 geordie jock // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:34
I totally agree, this statement should have been released through the local press not the London papers who slag us off all the time. Why do nufc have an official website if even the owner cannot use it to relay info to the fans. Why doesn’t Mike Ashley make an announcement to the fans regarding his intentions for the club and put all us fans in the picture.
18 THELONGSHANKS // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:34
If another billonaire comes in and buys shares thats all good for the toon.Can someone tell me is inler an attacking or defending midfield i.e. a replacement for emre or butt.We need a cb and dm badly and from what i have heard on previous blogs inler looks a great player.
19 Gooderz // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:35
This is just speculation on my part but if Mike Ashley is planning to go through with Freddy Shepherd’s development plans then getting the SBG involved wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. They could help get the work done more cheaply with all their contacts and if they then hold a stake in the club, delays may be less likely (like Wembley and the Olympic venues) as it will be in their best interests to complete the job sooner rather than later.
And with Llambias’ experience in the leisure and entertainment industry, the club are well equipped to run such a development.
Exclusive apartments were also outlined in the plans and if I remember rightly, Jimenez has experience in property development.
But as I said this is all speculative.
20 GM // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:37
Marguerite - doesnt matter how many 1 or 2 shares people held onto at the club when ma was taking it over they are worthless now as it was removed from the stock market, the offer sent out to shareholders was a take it or leave it offer, you left it and lost the £1 /share or whatever it was that was on offer.
Great last comment, maybe the bin ladens wont invest given ma thinks they live in a cave in afganistan
21 keith // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:37
Just a thought if he is looking for investors why not do a barcelona type of thing and get the fans to pool money together and buy some of the club, something like liverppol were trying to do
22 ToonDaft // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:37
another month in jail for barton eh - oh dear
23 xfer // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:39
Though I understand his intention for looking for a partner to further finance the club, and help push the club further, it seems like he does feel the hole could be too big to fill. This is especially evident since he did all he could to buy out the club totally, and then now to sell some, doesnt seem like a good move to me. But then again, hes feeling it.
Judging from his comments, it appears he has invested too much time/money, and would be reluctant to commit a huge amount to KK this summer. We shall wait and see. I hope im wrong.
24 steve // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:40
@ Marguerite - I’m afraid you don’t own any part of Newcastle even though you may still hold your old shares, once Ashley got 90% of shares it’s a compulsory buyout meaning you cannot refuse to sell your shares. It’s more likley you just didn’t contact the share office to cash in your shares - Mike Ashley owns 100% of NUFC
Given that he’s already spent 200 million buying the club and clearing debts along with the fact that Sports Directs stock market value is now less than 20% of the value he sold out at he’s worth considerably less than 2 billion
25 Kris // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:41
longshanks he”s a dm and pretty good one too !! similar to butt in fact that he”s brave and pretty strong
26 GM // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:41
maybe this also explaines why one of the directors was seen skuttling off to dubai, maybe to see DIC
27 Hadrian // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:41
as long as mike sticks his hands in his pockets untill we get firther investment ……….
50 million for the clubs first squads hardly much investment to ask for in the face of things , not in a 100m py compnay .
28 ToonDaft // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:42
this is probs what seems to be hindering us in the transfer market though - he ha splashed out on wages for this recruitment team and we have only managed one man through the door - if he has indeed deffo signed for us legally - when we are in desperate need for many
29 Goatboy // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:43
I’m guessing he doesn’t speak to the press very often in case he comes across as an idiot. Take, for example:
“I think I’ll start with people from Newcastle, not in some cave in Afghanistan.â€
That’s really quite disrespectful. I’m guessing that the owner of the Saudi Binladin Group which was worth 5 billion US dollars in 2002 (probably worth more now) probably owns at least a shed by now.
30 Ashton // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:44
Inler al Newcastle
31 Marguerite // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:44
GM (19) We have quite a lot more than 1 or 2. I will stand corrected if I am wrong, but he cannot just ignore these shares, as far as I understand it if they re not sold voluntarily, then once you have reached a certain quota of other shares then the remainder are ‘compulsorily’ purchased.
Can any of my fellow bloggers shed any expert light on this matter?
32 keith // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:45
ashton has inler signed?
33 broon ale // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:47
So the media speculation was based on some truth. He wants partners coz his money won’t stretch. I think maybe he has bitten off more than he can chew but big business is all about risks. I like his comment about ‘looking for investors in caves’…if he did some research he might know that it is not actually Osama Bin Laden that would have been turning up in a shirt and tie everyday, but his family!
34 Ashton // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:48
according to udinese’s official website” inler la newcastle “
35 Geordie Nick // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:49
marguerite- once ashley got 90% of the shares it was comulsory for everyone else to sell, he owns 100% of the club, you no longer hav any shares in the club and if you did not recieve your moeny for the shares then tht pretty much ur own fault but u ar definitely not a shareholder in nufc and neither is anyone except ashley
36 keith // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:50
My itialian aint the may west but that looks good
37 Ericles // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:51
The important words were about starting in Newcastle…not Afghanistan. Local partners!
At last he has spoken out about the media but used the London bunch. Strange? The media do not like NUFC because they see that we are a sleeping giant that can one day topple their favourites in the top 4.
38 harrier // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:51
Ashton is pulling your plums http://www.udinese.it
39 Ashton // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:52
I really don’t know what’s” la ” stands for
40 ObaFan2 // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:52
mmm can’t see it myself Ashton. Post a link if true plz otherwise plz b quiet
41 Ashton // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:55
http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/SerieA/Squadre/Udinese/
42 Faustino // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:55
Marguerite - you need to speak to the broker you purchased them from as the guys are right, there was a compulsary purchase value set for the remaining minor shareholders.
43 domtoon // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:56
The ‘expensive seat’ comment doesn’t mean anything. Contracts with individual players will be worked out on a one to one basis, just as they are in real life. You don’t seriously consider turning down a potential employer that is perhaps a little stingy in some areas, if they offer you a great contract that will pay you shedloads?
I think there will be a lot more thought and planning going into recruitment of players and far less rushed buys we have seen far too much of these past few seasons and yes, it does stem from Ashley’s astute business nature, but what some people don’t realise is that this is about the long haul and anyone who cannot see that with the changes over the past year is a little blind in my opinion.
My mate and I have this theory that at first, it was a business venture, but now, Ashley has grown to love the club and the adoration of (most) of the fans. I for one haven’t got much bad to say about him (in fact…nothing at the moment)…
-He’s cleared out debt (which although he did out of business sense, still did us a huge favour!);
-He got rid of the FFS seedy regime;
-Apparantly less is being leaked to the press (who knew about Keegan coming back, seriously, cos the bookies sure as hell didn’t and neither did the press! Oh and who knew about Gutierrez before he signed? I presume more of the same is on the cards);
-He sacked BFS and brought Keegan back in his stead, the man, the legend, to manage the Toon for a second time;
-He’s brought in experienced backroom staff who are achieving their goals (Dennis Wise, top bringing in top youngsters and Money to manage them, for example);
-We are being linked to some decent players, but just because we don’t get them in doesn’t mean it’s necessarily bad, just that it wasn’t right, for whatever reason, at the time (unfortunately not everything can be disclosed as this is not very professional). Whilst this might not work out, this transfer period will be evidence of whether things are changing for good. We must as supporters give the new regime a chance - these are very very early days;
-He’s stumped up the cash for making offers i.e. Modric;
-He’s tied down our best young defender, Taylor, with Owen and Oba hopefully not far behind;
-He picked a great chairman to succeed FFS and oversee the radical changes in structure we have seen this past year
-He’s come to many of our games, I’ve met him, spoken with him (briefly), and shaken his hand.
Ashley has his detractors but I have faith and I wish others would as well. If he wants to sell for a huge profit, then that is life I’m afraid, but I genuinely believe he will put alot of effort into taking the club forward. If he wants to bring in partners, then again, it will probably benefit the club as well as Ashley himself. He isn’t a stupid man and I don’t think upsetting the Toon faithful is in his best interests.
The seeds are being sown, that much can be seen.
44 Faustino // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:57
Ashton thats the Daily Mirror story in Italian mate.
Barton didnt get early release….mwahahahaha
45 ObaFan2 // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:00
Ashton, thanks for the link but it’s gazzetta.it which is not official Udinese site but has official site link. Can’t see where it says he’s signed too !
46 Ashton // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:01
Faustino
but there is quotes in the artical i didn’t see any quotes in the mirror !
47 broon ale // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:02
that basically translates as,
“the english media are claiming Gohan Inler is in advanced talks with Newcastle United after the english club activated a release clause in his contract (5million euros). it is even claimed that Kevin keegan has flown over to meet him in person”
this story is similar to the transfer speculation on the official newcastle website
48 Stephen // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:02
Mike is worth the same money as the man.city owner.
Mike lacks ambtion in my opinion..
Yes there is no need to splash cash on ronaldinhio for 20 million and like 200 grand a week on wages thats just silly.
I like the idea he wants to bring young players in to the football club etc..
But that idea is good but it be nice if he brought in players 23-27 years old worth like 10-15 million then the youngsters coming through
but even though his youth policy makes sense cause it worked with arsenal i think he is just looking to make profit
and if your looking to make profit newcastle will never be in the top 4 again even the top 6……
im being realistc this season and i think 10th is the highest we can finish this season..
1 chelsea
2.man united
3liverpool
4.arsenal
5.spurs
6.man city.
7.portsmouth
8.aston villa
9.everton.
10 newcastle or west ham…….
obviously there be shocks but on paper i think that would be about right…cause man city will spend big this summer and have a good manger
49 Davies // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:05
Barton’s in the clink for another month.
50 Fernando // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:07
spurs will be 3rd
51 Faustino // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:08
Ashton - Its a quote of the president of udinese saying Inlar isnt leaving I believe.
Says basically that ‘Inlar is leaving to the contrary of the quotes of the president etc.’
52 Ashton // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:09
ObaFan2
Mate i didn’t say he signed !
53 James // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:11
I get sick of people on here slagging off Mike Ashley. He’s done more for us that anyone could’ve hoped for. He has saved us from becoming Leeds. He’s given over £300 million of his own fortune to save us. How on earth is that being tight fisted????
As for big money transfers, you morons seem to forget one thing….NO TOP CLASS PLAYER IS EVER GOING TO CHOSE US OVER A TEAM IN EUROPE.
So there is no one in the £15-20 million bracket that would come here. Maybe next year if we get into the top six, but it won’t happen this year.
Newcastle have to PROVE they are a top six team, then AND ONLY THEN will Mike Ashley and the club attract the £20 million players.
54 lacedaemonian // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:12
Ashton - That is a few days old story only commenting on what the Daily Mirror published.
55 ObaFan2 // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:13
Ok Ashton
so not really news then 
Thought your 1st post was a typo like at instead of la…. nvm.
56 domtoon // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:13
James well said mate reiterates my points above.
Mike Ashley is a legend. Why can people not see that?
57 Ashton // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:14
Faustino
damn !! i was so excited about ” inler la newcastle ”
i thouht it was like inler to newcastle or something like that any way are you italian ?
58 Whitey // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:15
“I think I’ll start with people from Newcastle, not in some cave in Afghanistan.â€
Mike Ashley = LEGEND
59 ObaFan2 // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:15
James, about £200 million ( I know it’s like talking monopoly money
) but he’s spent next to nothing on the first team so far.
60 Faustino // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:19
No mate just a failed Italian GCSE
61 James // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:20
ObaFan - £300 million, £135 buying us, £100 million clearing our debts, £7 million severance pay to Fat Sam, and £75 million on players wages.
It all comes from Mike Ashley.
62 domtoon // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:23
Okay, imagine if the previous FFS regime had not got us into the state where we were needing to be bailed out £100 million by the new owner. That is ALOT of money that could have been spent on the first team, instead of spending it on clearing the debt to prevent further interest from accumalating.
If anything, blame the OLD regime, not the new.
63 ObaFan2 // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:23
Lol m8, what about club revenue, that covers the wages and also EPL sponsorship which I believe was in the area of £60 million alone.
Not every penny comes out of his pocket.
64 broon ale // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:24
failed italian GCSE? you should of revised more buddy. it was a doddle! I got a B on the higher.
anyways, back to football.
65 Ericles // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:24
Bang on James - well put!!!!
66 James // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:25
ObaFan - well he’ll raise some more pennies when he sells Martins to Arsenal
67 ObaFan2 // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:25
OK so look at it from your point of view, he’s spent about £300 million in a year but recovered about £115 in revenue and EPL sponsorship money………………..
68 Ross // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:26
what an absolutly hilarious line.
“I think I’ll start with people from Newcastle, not in some cave in Afghanistan.â€
some of us may not like the guy just now but coming out with things like that to the press is just brilliant. claiming osama and the rest of his family all just hang around in caves, very funny.
69 ObaFan2 // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:27
OK, I see………. your a good fan then !
70 domtoon // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:27
No, but at least £100 million did to clear the debt.
People always seem to forget that. They also forget what a state we were in prior to the sacking of BFS.
I don’t mind criticism where it’s due, but with the exception of him not pulling in amazing players just yet, I can’t see where he’s gone wrong so far.
As someone said above, we are not going to attract £15-20 players - there is a recent article written today about our previous 2 seasons causing us to lose our allure and pulling power - that is so true.
We need foundations to build upon, and this season will be crucial. So far, I think it looks good. Please, just give them until end of the transfer period. Let them get on with it and you may be pleasantly surprised.
Gutierrez anyone?!
71 harrier // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:28
I agree with James 100%
72 marat18 // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:29
now when MA is our owner everyone seems to think that he pays for everything, but you forget that NUFC have some revenue, think about money you lot pay for tickets and club merchandise, new Sky deal and EPL bonuses.
73 broon ale // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:29
I think the comment about caves in afghanistan is slightly bad practice from someone like Mike Ashley. they’re not from a cave in Afghanistan…they’re actually one of the richest families in the world..and have one of the biggest construction companies in the world..
they are not connected in any way shape or form to their infamous relative.
They would be able to provide funds big enough to challenge any team in the europe
74 Ashton // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:30
do you know by any chance whats la stands for ?
**** la sunderlando
75 harrier // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:31
broon ale - the press had pictures of newcastle players with bin laden’s head photoshopped on top ……
76 Obafan // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:31
If MA paid the debt all by himself or not doesn’t interest me. The only thing that interests me is the fact that MA does not seem to know at which time he has to do something.
1. Sacking BSA (good thing to do that) but the moment was not right, in the middle of the January window (remember Arshavin). If KK was appointed sooner we would have had 1 or 2 new players in at that time.
2. Summer window and MA states he is searching partners (fair to do so), but why didn’t he start his search soones. Now all the attantion should go to form a new team (finding key players) for next season so we can build on a team stating now. No, we are going to search a partner and then perhaps we can try to find some new players (when it prob will be too late).
I hope I’m wrong about this, but the time of announcing does not feel good IMO.
77 harrier // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:33
Obafan - remember Ashley not having any involvement during the course of the year? Remember he setup a board to run the club? The board sacked fat sam.
AND finding a partner has nothing to do with funding player transfers! Kevin Keegan is not going to go find partners right now, he is going to find players.
78 Black and White Blood // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:34
In my opinion MA has saved the club from being another Leeds - simple as! We’ve got to give the guy a chance. Did we really want another FS running the club - NO!!! MA’s stabilising the club for the duration, not only this season. You wouldn’t build a house without first creating a solid foundation, well I would not. We would all like to see a whole new array of world class signings, but the fact is, without Europe we don’t have much to offer…. Why are we any different to the likes of Everton and Portsmouth who have been able to progressively establish a successful club without jeopardising their future? All of us seem to want instant success!!! Let us do things correctly for once, in time we will reap the fruits of success! Nevertheless, who knows what’s going on behind closed doors, for me, MA and KK have proven their intent with both Woodgate and Modric by offering more money then Spurs…. MA and KK are not as daft as we like to think, let’s give them a chance. Surly we are only able to judge at the end of next season if the correct decisions were made.
79 James // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:34
A year ago, when Shepherd was in charge, we were facing bankruptcy and had Fat Sam and several other wasters on massive contracts.
Mike Ashley took over and :
- Cleared our debts
- Listened to the fans and got rid of Sam
- Brought back Keegan
- Invested in a proper youth academy to rival any team in Europe
- Slashed the crazy wage bill that was crippling us
-Banned Shepherd from being allowed inside SJP
And that’s only his first year
Whatever some people think of Ashley, he is simply an amazing owner, and I for one am glad he is in charge
80 marat18 // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:34
domtoon,
all you (and I) know about the state of the club prior FFS departure and debt clearence is what MA told us.
81 domtoon // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:35
You should care that he bailed us out Obafan or we’d be Leeds in 2-3 seasons.
Some supporters are so ungrateful to the facts.
82 domtoon // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:36
marat18
Well all any of us know is what anyone tells us so I’m not sure what you’re getting at there…
Some stories are more credible than others and I don’t think you’re allowed to lie about such things as it may have detrimental effect to other parties.
Please correct me if I’m wrong.
Besides I think it’s safe to say not many people approved of FFS’s reign.
83 harrier // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:38
Marat - you do not believe he cleared our debts because we cannot personally look at the companies financial books?
I am curious because I have seen this argument before. For whatever reason some folk have it in their head that MA is up to nooo goooood. So as a result he clearly must of been lying about clearing our debts, and then they use this as evidence about the evils of MA
84 Obafan // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:40
domtoon - I don’t think that I say that I am not happy that MA did those things. I know he saved the club, cause the Shephard regime was a very bad one. The only thing that he should do in another way IMO is announcing things (changes) at another moment.
85 ObaFan2 // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:41
I’m not disagreeing about what MA has forked out but I am a little concerned about the lack of action regarding first team signings.
Budget buys? or maybe a class signing or two if we’re lucky?
However, ever patient I’m waiting to see what happens in the next month or so. I still have faith but him looking for investors because it’s “an expensive seat at SJP” is a little worrying and again bad timing IMO.
86 harrier // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:42
I don’t see why changing managers in January was so detrimental….it saved us from relegation
87 Chicken // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:43
I seriously doubt Mike Ashley made that comment about caves in Afghanistan. You don’t become one of the richest men in Britain by making derogatory comments like that about equally rich and powerful people (at least not when a journalist is with you) no matter how much in jest they may be.
88 James // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:44
Harrier - personally I think Owen saved us from relegation. His goals and leadership turned our season around.
89 Vitorbarbosa // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:44
It doesn’t matter if MA splash out his own cash or not but the way he is running the club right now is better than FFS era.
He wants the club to be sustainable, meaning the account is in green or black every year. Only by doing this we will have our presence, forever.
We are behind some teams at the moment, which is due to our disappointing seasons a couple of years back. We will not be able to attract potential world class player, and we shouldn’t get them at this point as we will not be able to support financially.
So, please be patient. I know we want to see success instantly but our futures lie in the future. It’s not today nor tomorrow.
We all like to see new signings which doesn’t happen so often but remember that our squad is so small. These new arrivals will be here. It just a matter of time, and who.
90 domtoon // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:44
Obafan sorry man, I understand now.
It’s true but sometimes information can be a very privileged thing and I’m happy for them to get on with it, given a reasonable amount of time which is in my opinion:
-The end of the transfer period before criticising their recruitment policies;
-Next season for a top 10 finish, which in my view is definitely achievable;
-Next summer transfer period to see if we can boost the club’s ‘allure’ as Ed nicely puts it in his other article;
-2009-2010 season to truly compete for Europe;
-And beyond on a hopefully upward trajectory.
Also, you have to remember in 2-3 years alot of our newly recruited youngsters will be coming through, and hopefully that will be a BIG thing. Whilst it may still fail, would we have had this additional bonus to look forward to under FFS? Would we heck!!
So, 2-3 seasons before we’re truly competing regularly for top 6, and even this is optimistic I think. Unfortunately alot can happen in this time and all remains to be seen, and not many people share this patience :o(
91 harrier // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:45
You say lack of action - I am positive there is action going on behind the scenes, but we will only know about it when there is success. People say that there are no signings cause Mike won’t get his wallet out, but how do they know that mike isn’t funding transfers? They believe it because the S*n and the daily mail published stories saying that we would have no transfer budget from their “inside source” following the london meeting with keegan. They reported that Ashley was unhappy with keegan, people believed it and sided with keegan (obviously) and now everyone thinks Ashley is up to no good.
92 craig chisholm // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:45
its all a load of waffle by mike ashley i think. what does he mean ‘its an expensive seat i sit in’? the club made a profit when we had heavy debt - now we have no debt, less wages bigger tv revenue etc his profit will be even bigger - how is it an expensive seat like?? its a profitable seat. The truth i think we will all find is in todays release of his companies profits - very timley eh!!. His empire has taken its biggest ever hit in his history this last 12 months, with profits tumbling by 51%. There lies your answer lads. He will be skimming off the PROFITABLE newcastle to spread it in other areas. Is anyone else arsed off with having to worry about newcatle’s finances - mike ashley does not worry about our issues thats for sure. Every other footy team seem to cope and get by. half the teams i nthe prem have average gates at half of ours but they dont seem to waffle on about money woes. I dont buy it, like i say, his seat is a profitable one, not an expensive one. He made his initial investment which was heavy, since that point thet company runs its self and pays its way. How much does he want to sell off? Hey, fat fred has 40 million spare - i bet he would chuck it in …… watch this space!!!
93 marat18 // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:48
harrier and domtoon.
I remmeber Ed posted an article here about world richest clubs or something, where in analysis someone who made this top-list said that we still have debts.
That’s why I’m not sure that MA paid out our debts, I’m sure he paid out some, but 100%? Just not sure.
As I already told here, I’m not calling for his head, but I still expect some more actions from him to get me on his side
94 Black and White Blood // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:48
Would extra investors really be such a bad thing..?
Ok lets look at the Liverpool situation, not the best Partneship in the PL I grant you, nevertheless, lets look at the signings they’ve made, oh and the plans for a new ground! Hmmm we require as much investment as possible!
I’m behind you MA…
95 harrier // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:52
Hey - fat fred would spend money by taking out a loan against future ticket sales and tv revenue. This is what Gillette and Hicks do, this is what the Glazers do. You know why? Becuase a football club as a business is unlikely to make 50-100 million in profit a year. Where does that money come from? Debt is where. The goal of Ashley is to make NUFC a *stable* and sustainable business (the only way to ensure its future). We do not make 50 odd million in profit so he would either have to invest it him-self or add debt. That is not what we want, we want a club which can sustain its-self without outside investment or debt, as that club would be economically safe.
96 harrier // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:52
Marat - that list was from 2006
97 Black and White Blood // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:53
domtoon I agree with your previous post 100%
98 Black and White Blood // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:55
harrier I agree, there is only so much one person can pump into a club!
99 brownrob // Jul 10, 2008 at 15:59
Arsenal seem to be doing well? how much do they spend every year? less than us
And they have to pay off the emirates, which is £24m a year!!!
Out of interest, how many clubs in the Premier League are in the Black?
Us for 1… who else?
100 harrier // Jul 10, 2008 at 16:02
Very few brownrob. Even less with Spurs overinvestment, there is no way they have an income to cover how much they are spending so either firesales will start or they are taking on debt. Everton are in the red, likely Middlesbrough, and Sunderland are as well. Chelsea owes Roman some daft amount of money. I don’t see Thakswin just giving man city all that money either, he is likely loaning it the same way abromovich is. Man U and Pool are both taking debt to pay for players. Pool especially if they get their new stadium.
101 Black and White Blood // Jul 10, 2008 at 16:02
brownrob - Well said!
102 normski1930z // Jul 10, 2008 at 16:09
dont worry about thaksin he is probably the most corrupt man ever he stole millions of pounds from the very poor thai ppl and is absolutely hated in thailand the only way he will stay out of jail is by paying his way out of it bcos the thai king absolutely hates him also and what the thai king says goes ….
103 domtoon // Jul 10, 2008 at 16:09
I just hope MA doesn’t get sick of all the criticism and sack the Toon off and sell us back to someone like or worse than FFS. I wouldn’t be very happy with the way he is viewed by many of the Toon faithful with the effort he has put in.
Call them gimmicks or whatever, turning up to matches etc. I truly believe he’s in it for the good of the Toon.
Facts are facts and they cannot be avoided. Bits being leaked about the club being sold will be blown out of all proportion and where fact cannot be clearly identified, I think we should treat the stories in the press with great caution (I’m referring to the links with this US Intermedia firm by the way, not the latest ‘partners’ situation - that HAS come from the horse’s mouth).
Let’s face it, who do you trust more, NUFC, or the Toon hating Southern Press? Let fact become face and don’t get too worked up about stories in the press as they are very very biased against us.
104 MAG PIE // Jul 10, 2008 at 16:10
I agree with what has been said about Ashley making us financially sound. I’d be interested in what our friend, fernando has to say on the subject of Tottingham becoming the next Leeds if the massive spending gamble which appears to be underway does not produce Champs League. Seriously, fernando, wherte is the money coming from?
105 toon4life // Jul 10, 2008 at 16:11
all this stuff bout amounts to spend and there being nothing is depressing…
think of it this way, if we weren’t gonna spend much why did we bid so much for modric? ok he rejected us for the yids but its still a sign of intent in the transfer market.
im sure a satisfactory amount will be spent..just give it some time.
106 marat18 // Jul 10, 2008 at 16:14
harrier,
thanks for that info.
but anyway, debt clearence is a bit overvalued. MU, Pool, Arsenal etc all have debts, the matter is are they well-structured or not.
But once again, I will wait for 1st of September to give my final opinion on MA.
I hope I will eat my words sooner rather then latter. Inler in in these coming days will be a perfect start
107 normski1930z // Jul 10, 2008 at 16:14
i for one am a little bit dubious about the whole modric thing, apprently we bid 16 million but i am not sure about this bcos basically we dont not have any proof…. just a thought.
108 sean667 // Jul 10, 2008 at 16:16
living in a cave omg….lmao how un pc, still about time he talked to someone.
Hey ed could we get him on the bolg?
109 sean667 // Jul 10, 2008 at 16:18
we dragged our feet at a vital moment i recon, the the bright lights nipped in.
110 Hadrian // Jul 10, 2008 at 16:21
we are talking about a 50m investment in a business with 100m turnover .
whats mikes problem ?
didnt we break a profit in the last set of figures released ? 8m ?
so even if we finished 12th for 5 years (that wouldnt be the point of investment like) mike could stick 50m into the squad and break even in about 5 year .
that before you add on things like higher league finish , reduced wage costs , then you have all the commercial oppertunitys from building on saint james’ .
just cut the fluff mike and invest in the playing squad .
and would people stop saying they will wait till end of august to judge the new regime , by then its to late !!!
what we meant todo ? tell them they ballsed up then watch another season like the last one ?
they should be judged on what they are doing now ! as now is what they get paid for .
111 Obafan // Jul 10, 2008 at 16:23
domtoon - I hope you’re righ. Next season to go for top 10, but still to achieve we need a few more players (squad is too thin) and in 2 season the battle for Europe. If it is that way I’ll be glad. But then when we should qualify for Europe we still have to aim higher and not stop like 2 seasons ago.
112 normski1930z // Jul 10, 2008 at 16:23
hadrian we wouldnt need to invest that big even if he invested 30 to 35 million we could get some really good players for that mate….
113 ObaFan2 // Jul 10, 2008 at 16:25
MAG PIE, not really bothered what fernando has to say tbh.
craig chisholm post 92 , valid point and as MA seems to be getting rid of non performing over paid players the seat will only become more profitable as long as we remain in the EPL.
114 Maestro // Jul 10, 2008 at 16:25
The Premier League debt table:
Manchester United: £660m (At June 2006).
Liverpool: £350m (At January 2008).
Arsenal: £307m (At November 2007).
Fulham: £159m (At June 2006).
Newcastle: £110m (’Liabilities’ at June 2007 – before Mike Ashley takeover).
To much talk about the debt…
And Joe Lewis lost £500m on Bear Stearns, but Tottenham keep spending…
115 harrier // Jul 10, 2008 at 16:26
I believe that is what he is doing Hadrian. But you cant just shove 20 million in a clubs face and expect to sign the player….
116 Ed Harrison // Jul 10, 2008 at 16:28
Maestro - our debt is now zero right now though.
117 Hadrian // Jul 10, 2008 at 16:30
No Ed , the clubs in debt 70-80m to mike ashley .
he didnt pay anything off , just like abramovich hasnt given 500m to chelsea , they are loans to the club .
mike sell’s he will want that back or in with the price .
118 Fernando // Jul 10, 2008 at 16:31
Mag Pie. Spurs have 40mill to spend this summer with another 20mill to spend if certain players become available. That is not including money from players sold. We still have the money from carrick and defoe which is just short of 30 mill. Add premiership money and the fact that enic are rich and levy and the owner are spurs fans who will shell out to take us to the top. We will never do a leeds. I cant think of to many players we have signed and then lost money on . We bought carrick for 3mill and sold for 18mill. Lennon, hudd, robinson, defoe, keane, bale , carrick, dos santos all bought for less than 8mill each. It is only the last 2 summers we have spent big but all those players have a resale value including bent who we have paid 10 mill for. He hasnt hit the targets in his contract for us to shell out the remaining 6 mill. I reckon the board think l arse and the bin dippers are there for the taking and for once i actually think we will make the champs league this coming season.
119 ObaFan2 // Jul 10, 2008 at 16:31
Wasn’t the wage bill 70% of income and already reduced last season and being reduced again for this season coming…. target is what? 45-50% of income.
Owning NUFC can be a nice little earner in less than 3 years !
120 normski1930z // Jul 10, 2008 at 16:32
its safe to say that we have no debt at the minute ed but when are we gonna start buyin players after all no debt doesnt win football matches!!!!
121 Bob // Jul 10, 2008 at 16:33
Great posts from domtoon!
122 Fernando // Jul 10, 2008 at 16:33
i thought i was banned!
123 broon ale // Jul 10, 2008 at 16:33
fernando, thats very nice but we still beat you more than any other team in the league.
why are you visiting the pages of your bogie team?
124 matty_g // Jul 10, 2008 at 16:33
for starters, there haven’t been that many notable signings in the transfer market as of yet. Sidwell to Villa - Crouch to Pompey and Spurs have 2 notable signings. We have managed to pull out a surprise in signing an Argentine international. The market is just a little slow for transfers, and i for one believe that as NUFC is so quiet at the moment, we MUST be busy trying to sign some worthy additions to make a difference. Personally i think Ashley has done all the right things possible because NONE of us know the ins and outs of the club unless any of us work there, so give the guy a break and judge him and the signings at the start of the season and not 10 days into the transfer window. We are supposed to support the team, as FANS, not criticise every time we dont understand something.
125 steve // Jul 10, 2008 at 16:33
@Hadrian - a 100 million turnover of which 72% goes straight out the door on players wages!
This all makes me laugh, on one hand we slag FFS for trying to buy a superstar and almost bankrupting the club then we slag Ashley off for not spending all his cash on a few superstars!
Let’s face it we’ve gone out and spent millions on players who haven’t performed, maybe it’s time to try and build a sustainable future and just stabalise for a couple of years while we do it.
Yet another season where the fans expect UEFA cup at a minimum and huge investment - look at what fat sam spent his cash on last year Smith, Barton, Rozenhal - they all cost good money and we all praised them on this blog when they signed and reckoned those players would take us to at least a top six spot.
Slow down man - I know it’s frustrating but we just aren’t going to get instant success by chucking money at mediocre players
126 broon ale // Jul 10, 2008 at 16:36
won 5 games on the bounce, scoring no less than 3 goals in each game, oba scoring in every one of them. We have scored more goals against spurs than any other team. Gained more points in the premier league history even though we have had one season fewer. scored more goals and conceeded less. played champions league football and average higher attendaces. superior in every catergory.
what ever you want to bring up fernando i always ask firstly, why are you here? and why do we always beat you even though you think we are crap?
127 normski1930z // Jul 10, 2008 at 16:37
fernando dont be delusional tour mob arent anywhere near as good as arsenal even with your new players….
128 ObaFan2 // Jul 10, 2008 at 16:37
steve, plz don’t generalise as not all Toon fans think the same…. just have to read some comments on this blog to see the difference in attitdes between supporters.
Top 10 is my target for this season coming but would be happy with some more good football to watch tbh.
129 Hadrian // Jul 10, 2008 at 16:38
steve , great we sit on our hands for a few years and stabalise , pay a small fortune out in support , watch a mediocre team for a couple of years .
all the while mike pulls in over 10mill a year profit & wisey picks up 3* his leed’s wage .
you cant have it both ways , full 52k stadiums and nothing to keep them comming back .
that stadium is filled on a dream of winning something , you think we are going to fill it if people dont think we have any ambition ?
130 steve // Jul 10, 2008 at 16:38
Oh and another thing - why oh why do Spurs fans come on this blog to comment on the Spuds.
We really don’t give a flying fernando - this blog was set up by a dedicated toon fan for which we’re very grateful, to discuss and debate goings on at NUFC.
All Toon fans - I know it’s hard not to respond to his drivel but the reality is that if you respond he’ll just keep posting, it’s like a little kid and sweets, once you give in they keep asking and asking
Why don’t you go and set up a Spurs blog and talk about spurs to actual spurs fans.
@Hadrian - stabalising and inproving the team is not a lack of ambition - I’d imagine we’d see some extremely entertaining football and enjoy a good cup run (maybe even win one) playing a good mix of experience and youth that we’ve bought and are buying
131 Fernando // Jul 10, 2008 at 16:39
broon ale it is my job to look at fan sites! Its great you have beaten us so many times, lucky you. I dont care if we never beat you again so long as we keep winning trophies!
132 broon ale // Jul 10, 2008 at 16:39
always beat you fernando! 5 in a row!! Ouch!
were you at white hart lane last season for th3 4-1? what about the season before for the 2-3?
what did you feel like when oba nearly burst your net?
133 matty_g // Jul 10, 2008 at 16:40
being realistic, i’d be happy with a top 10 finish this season but with a better brand of football, which, we all know King Kev can provide. We will sign more players as there is no way we could get through the season with the paper thin squad we have. Truth is, gone are the days when a transfer is completed in 24-48 hrs.
134 ObaFan2 // Jul 10, 2008 at 16:41
Why even respond to non-Toon fans tbh but some good replies broon ale
135 broon ale // Jul 10, 2008 at 16:41
how good was adebayors goal against spurs last season? absolutely brilliant!
nearly as good as oba’s
136 Matthew // Jul 10, 2008 at 16:42
Hadrian // Jul 10, 2008 at 16:30
No Ed , the clubs in debt 70-80m to mike ashley .
he didnt pay anything off , just like abramovich hasnt given 500m to chelsea , they are loans to the club .
mike sell’s he will want that back or in with the price .
—————————-
NUFC owe Mike Ashley nothing however the club not having any debt will add value to the club around the same amount, he’s just saved the club interest payments on the deal.
Abramovich is different that he pumped in millions to finance players that don’t add a similar amount to the clubs value, so it’s all recorded as a loan from him.
137 normski1930z // Jul 10, 2008 at 16:42
oba goal in that game broon ale was one of the best goals i have ever witnessed in the flesh up there with shearers against everton at sjp…
138 domtoon // Jul 10, 2008 at 16:42
Cheers Bob.
I’ve been glued to this thread this afternoon because these words have come from the Ashley himself.
I honestly believe we have more to be positive about than not. Come the last week of transfer period, it may be the total opposite, but we must remain positive, support the club and not criticise what we don’t understand, as matty_g so rightly says.
139 daiv // Jul 10, 2008 at 16:43
Seems like the press does not make everything up. MA has been forced into a corner (out of the stands into the director’s box?) and has had to make some sort of admission. We might believe the press when it is good news eg a tasty signing but rubbish the press when it is bad.
We will know whether MA is doing a good job or not when the season ticket sales are announced. Individuals on this blog can suppoprt or criticize MA . That is one person’s opinion. The fans who but season tickets are the ones who have the final say about whether he is doing a good job or not. Season ticket sales or the lack of them might just panic Mr Ashley into putting his hands in his pockets.
140 natedawg // Jul 10, 2008 at 23:20
cool we are back and a funky new site to bot as well
141 Hammy // Jul 10, 2008 at 23:21
Holy Cow…..2 hours of my life just disappeared!!
142 natedawg // Jul 10, 2008 at 23:21
ok that was weird did any one else get a different style of this site
143 scottish mag // Jul 10, 2008 at 23:24
yeah notice how tha comments have gone back aswell and the last ones have dissapeared
144 tanya toon // Jul 10, 2008 at 23:29
Hammy you questioned my sexuality, typical bloke two hour memory.
145 tanya toon // Jul 10, 2008 at 23:30
And I hope you were not referring to me! (HOLY COW)
146 tanya toon // Jul 10, 2008 at 23:31
HEY GUYS- Heres a good un what is the worst item you have ever bought on EBAY?
147 Mac // Jul 10, 2008 at 23:35
Who cares if he wants to sell 20%of the club let him he needs to recoup some of his money. Anyway back to players. Or midfield could be sorted for 16 million. Inler,Aimar and larsson. Get rid of Duff for about 3-4,Geremi 1 maybe 2 that’s all profit. That would leave Inler,Aimar,Larsson,Milner,N’zobia,Butt,Barton. Definately miles better than last season
148 AndyT // Jul 10, 2008 at 23:36
Marguerite , I hate to tell you but that just makes you a little poorer on principal. He aquired enough to enforce a compulsory purchase of the shares. You may not think you sold, but you did. There is a fund sitting in some lawyers client bank account waiting for you to claim some of it. I suggest you dig out the forms you got, because you should write to the law firm that processed the buyout and find out how to get your cash.
149 tom tomb // Jul 10, 2008 at 23:39
TANYA-A dvd of Spurs goals v the toon over the last 15 years, it only lasted 43 seconds.
150 Mac // Jul 10, 2008 at 23:44
ooooops i forgot about spider man
151 Hammy // Jul 10, 2008 at 23:48
ebay? what’s that…..
152 toonoot // Jul 10, 2008 at 23:50
The banner is lousy. That isn’t SJP and the Ed Harrison’s Blog statement is a bit of a sycophantic ego embarrassment Ed. Please change it back. It’s tacky.
153 scottish mag // Jul 11, 2008 at 0:20
why do u ave 2 slag off ed toonoot, that it is 3 times now u have said the same thing its getting sad now
154 geordiekk // Jul 11, 2008 at 0:37
Ashley, who bought the club 14 months ago for £137 million, also denied rumours that he is a Tottenham Hotspur supporter. “It’s not true,†he said. “I absolutely hate Spurs and always have done.â€
155 geordiekk // Jul 11, 2008 at 0:39
http://qprreport.blogspot.com/2008/07/newcastles-chairman-wants-to-emulate.html
is this the full interview its quality if it is he is quoted
156 iain // Jul 11, 2008 at 0:44
geordiekk beat me to it…
the times has the full interview.
157 geordiekk // Jul 11, 2008 at 0:52
glad thats spuds fan talk has been put to rest!
158 chuck // Jul 11, 2008 at 3:06
An expensive chair = I bought a great toy, having got really wealthy fast,figured it was badly run , used my business acumen, instate a policy emulating a successfull team(Arsenal), buy young and cheap, get rid of the high priced stars= successfull team + make a few bucks.
Bask in the glow of the geordie faithfull with my
winning side.
Reality= recession, business losses, cost of running a club that can compete in the PL= help!
Can find help in Newcastle=unlikely.
Angry, insult the Ben Laden family= not smart.
Future= a few cheap signings, a season fighting relegation, not good.
Why did I buy this club again?
159 The Entertainers // Jul 11, 2008 at 8:34
Ashley is a very rich man, however i get the feeling most of his wealth is made up in investments and does not have disposable cash like Roman or Man C owner.
I am a bit disappointed that Ashley has taken so long to realise he needs more investors at the club, as here we are again weeks away from the start of the season and the transfer window open and we dont have the funds to really spend big.
However the question is what does Ashley think of as ‘BIG’ signings,
He may well let Kev have the cash to buy Inler, Derdiyok etc…..and althought these are good players they are not the cream of the crop and it may well be the very best that Ashleys wants and he now accepts he will need help to spend OVER 50 million a season, if he truely wants ‘his team to challenge at Spurs, Manu Chelsea, whih was one of his few quotes.
I’m not too worried Ashley wont give us cash to spend, it just wont be mega bucks. But at least he is attempting to amend this and look for investment.
Again this is a long term view, but wont appease the fans who were hoping for short term success.
160 Ian // Jul 11, 2008 at 8:40
When is selling not selling? When it only involves selling part of the club????
The press have been spot on, the trips abroad were probably to raise finance, trouble is after his last floatation deal he probably will not be top choice,everyone except himself lost out on that one and he bought back more of his company back at a cheap rate, if he had made a success of it then he wouldnt have a problem selling shares in newcastle.
No matter how rich he is, he needs to sort his PR, that cave in Afghanistan was a shocking remark to a family who are ultra rich, highly respected and have distanced themselves from Osama, he will be lucky to avoid a court case on that one.
Let us hope someone who is a genuine Newcastle fan will buy a share of the club, it doesnt look like the money is forthcoming, Keegan will not leave if reports about his finances are true, and really I would rather he stayed, if we havent got the money and are going to struggle to stay up, he is more capable than most of holding the team together.
Freddy is still sitting with his millions, they should let him back in, but keep him in a quieter role and see if they can get some other North East men in. Not those Halls as they got us in this mess to start with. Freddy didnt want to leave so I do not see why he couldnt come back.
I just want some Newcastle fans in and quickly before we lose this window too, we cant keep being lucky and waste these windows and stay up forever, one of these days we are going to trip up good and proper.
161 Fernando // Jul 11, 2008 at 8:42
@BROON ALE- That Oba goal was a bit special but not as special as winning a cup at the new wembley!
162 Ian // Jul 11, 2008 at 8:43
Chuck-good summary, that is my gut feeling, bit of an ego buy, everyone fails to make money buying football clubs, but I will show them….
163 ronaldeano // Jul 11, 2008 at 8:49
the cup that none of the ‘big’ clubs give a toss about anyway!
Thats how you beat Chelsea, they couldent be arsed to give you lot a game that day.
@Fernando, come back with your sad comments when you have finished 3rd 4th and 5th in succession and got into the last 16 of the champions league!
you sad little man
164 Hadji // Jul 11, 2008 at 8:59
Ronealdano….They want the whole Primera divizion in their team.
165 The Entertainers // Jul 11, 2008 at 9:03
I doubt Ashleys ‘Cave’ remark was aimed at the Bin Laden family.
But rather the gutter press, who were linking us with Osmam himself.
And for me Ashley can have as many digs at him as he feels. Whats he going to do, take him to court ?
166 ronaldeano // Jul 11, 2008 at 9:08
@Hadji, Spurs will NEVER be bigger or better than the great Newcastle united!
They win a trophy and qualify for the uefa cup. So what!
The likes of Fernando and his other sad mates that waste their time on a ‘bigger’ clubs blog site, seem to think that they are going to win the PL, uefa cup blah blah…. When in fact, their non-English speaking manager sent his team out against the toon last year and was put firmly in his place by KK and the lads! We are the ones who should be in Europe next year, not the lucky spuds that cought Chelsea on an ‘off day’!!! And they KNOW IT!!!!
167 Ben_BKK // Jul 11, 2008 at 9:23
“WIGAZ // Jul 10, 2008 at 14:29
Getting bored off lack of transfer activity so on fifa 08, my toon team:
Given
Beye
Taylor
Woodgate
Shorey
Quasmera
Butt/Huddlestone
SWP
Joe Cole
Owen
Van Nistlerooy
Oh if only thats we could start with this side on opening day against the mancs! ha ha!
Hope some transfers happen soon!”
I have to say, I think my FIFA 08 team would own yours
Given
Sergio Ramos Taylor Micah Richards Clichy
Joe Cole Fabregas Nasri
Sergio Aguero Martins Van Persie
Now, imagine THAT team on the first day of the season
168 Ian // Jul 11, 2008 at 9:36
The entertainers, the family would, they have nothing to do with caves or terrorism, they do business with the USA and everywhere else. I think you may be right about cash tied up.
Anyhow lets hope they dont and we just get on with business as usual.
He would be better getting a £50m loan and make sure the club stays up if he cant get investors, the NUFC as