The Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has given more details of his Newcastle takeover, and we think it important to undersatand the truth behind the takeover and other things about Mike and the club.
Mike Ashley - talks about lots of things
This is the real thing and not sensationalized rubbish that we’ve had from the gossip press – so we are going to simply list what Mike says – and encourage all fans to read it.
Ashley’s full interview is published in Newcastle United’s new official magazine, which is available in shops now.
———————————————————
How Mike bought Newcastle
“It was the quickest I’ve ever done a deal of that size – we’re talking only a few days. I was told there was an opportunity to acquire Sir John Hall’s stake in Newcastle United, that he may be a seller but only if somebody acted without any delay because he didn’t want to cause any form of disruption for the club.â€
“The last thing Sir John wanted was a long drawn-out affair because he feared that wouldn’t be good for Newcastle United.â€
“The deal was put to me on a Saturday. By the Monday, in advance of speaking to Sir John, I’d deposited the equivalent of money we hoped he would accept for his shares at the lawyers and on the Tuesday the deal was effectively done.â€
“By Wednesday (May 23, 2007) the announcement was public and that was the first anyone, including the media, knew about it. Once I was told about it, it was done very quickly. Sir John was ready to act if I was and it was a very straightforward process.â€
He adds: “Maybe I could have bought a smaller club, but it just wouldn’t have been the same challenge. It’s like settling for the high jump when really you want to do the pole vault – you want more excitement so you go higher.â€
“I was being offered the chance to own one of the jewels, one of the diamonds of the Premier League. There was no hesitation, why would there be?â€
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The state of the Newcastle United finances
“Financially, the club was in a difficult position because I really do think that it had over-extended itself.â€
“We first heard about the potential sale on a Saturday and had done the deal by the Wednesday, so if you are asking if we did due diligence before buying then the answer has to be no.â€
“But would I change anything about that process? No. Do I regret anything? Absolutely not. What I will add is that one of the most unfortunate things about Newcastle United finances at the time was the amount of money still owed on players signed in comparison to the amount of income that was due off players who had gone.â€
“There is still £27m net to pay on transfers that were done before I came. So probably in the latter years before we came in could you argue that the club was beginning to lose its way. It has also already taken upfront payments from commercial deals and sponsorships which didn’t help us at all.â€
“It seemed as though the club was in a very downward spiral, one it would have found very hard to come out of.â€
“Apart from the purchase of the club and the associated costs that come with that, I’ve put in a further £100m to reduce debts and expect no interest is paid on that. Yet still we have the outstanding debt of the monies still owed on player transfers.â€
———————————————————
Why Mike sits with the Newcastle fans
“I wear my strip and I go in with the fans because that’s how I’ve always gone to football and I enjoy it.â€
“Nothing beats the atmosphere of being in with the fans.â€
“The fans who make the away trips are so fanatical every game feels like a cup game and it’s tremendous to be part of it.â€
Asked how he feels when the supporters react negatively to the team’s performance, he added: “Honest answer? There were times last season when the fans were singing certain things at certain games and I wanted to join in, I really did.â€
“I feel like they do. I’m in with the fans, and if we are not playing well I take this side because I’m thinking to myself: ‘How can this be? We are Newcastle United and we should be doing better than this’.â€
———————————————————
How Mike gets on with manager Kevin Keegan
“Again, it all happens so quickly. And it was another no-brainer. I took a call from someone who said ‘do you realise Kevin Keegan may be interested in the Newcastle United job again?’
“At first I thought it couldn’t be true. I was out of the country but my reply was ‘if he is interested then tell him I’ll meet him anywhere as soon as I get back’.
“It couldn’t have been an easier choice.â€
Asked about how Keegan’s role fits in with that of Dennis Wise, he said: “Kevin is a great manager and he is happiest working with the players.
“But there’s so much involved in running a club that you must make sure people aren’t spread too thinly. How could Kevin devote all his time to the first team if he also had to look after the Academy? That’s where Dennis Wise comes in.â€
What do you think?
Comments welcome.
236 responses so far ↓
1 Ian // Aug 12, 2008 at 14:37
Your spelling hasn’t been top notch this morning Ed
2 harrier // Aug 12, 2008 at 14:38
i think mike ashley has saved us from what is inevitably happening to man city - and i honestly think he will prove to be one of our greatest assets
3 furrygiblets // Aug 12, 2008 at 15:16
Love your blog Ed but this CPU QUOTA is doing my tree in!
4 Graham // Aug 12, 2008 at 15:23
“There is still £27m net to pay on transfers that were done before I came”.
This really shows how bad the club was being run under Fat Freddy - he’s been gone over a year and we STILL owe £27m on players who may no longer be at the club. Whether or not that includes any interest etc. that it nothing short of scandalous on the part of Shepherd & co. Does this include what we probably still owe previous managers?????
So to put it another way, we were in more than £100m worth of debt when Ashley took over.
He’s saved our club from ruin - no two ways about it. Now get behind him and everyone else at the club - only 4 days to go and I can’t wait!!!
5 HeronMag // Aug 12, 2008 at 15:23
I hope this puts to an end the doom-merchants claims that Ashley is in this just to sell up and walk away.
6 Phil // Aug 12, 2008 at 15:30
He is a really good oke and a fanatical newcastle fan like all of us so lets all get behind mike!!
with him at the top, this club will start goin forward both financially and on the football field
GOOD TIMES AHEAD!!
i cant wait for this season to start already!!
7 HeronMag // Aug 12, 2008 at 15:31
Look at all the optimists… AT LAST!!!!
8 Lesh // Aug 12, 2008 at 15:49
For gawds sake Mike, we recognise it’s been a massive task so far and by the looks of it, progress has been phenominal.
Not a whinge I assure you and it may seem like detail but it’s a very important detail….. pleeeeeez have your colleagues look at the club/ fans/ media communications machine. As you know, no news leads to speculation, mischief, and false hope.
It’s gone from famine to feast of late so let’s just see a balance and find that happy medium.
Superrrrrrb so far.
9 SteveM // Aug 12, 2008 at 16:21
The most interesting part of the article in my opinion was the section at the end titled “What about all the fuss over the so-caled showdown talks in london at the end of last saeson?”
MA says “the point he (KK) was making is that their was a definite gap between the top four and the chasing pack,
That comes down to finance. Those clubs are getting into the Champions League every year, it generates them extra money and they can use it to park players to stop others buying them.”
this is a strong allegation about the top 4 using their extra revenue to prevent fair competition in th league
MA goes on to say “You could look at the premier league as a marathon. It’s supposed to be an even race but really some clubs are running with a rucksack of rocks on their backs compared to others”
MA has just said the premier league is NOT a fair sporting event.
In the same official club magazine KK says on “the big four” Its very difficult to talk about the top four in this league because you get criticised if you tell the truth. Fifth place is almost the league for a lot of us at the moment, and while that may change as we build or grow, the top four are still spending money and bringing in lots of players to ensure they keep their position and keep everybody else away.”
From this I believe that it is NUFC position that the present league system regarding CL placing is intrinsically unfair and that they may even be considering a league without the top four. Certainly the 5th place team Everton is likely to support Newcastle in this due to Everton’s owners comments about not being able to make the jump from 5th place to 4th. Spurs and Villa seem to be prepared to make a go at over taking Liverpool this season - which is the reason why I believe Liverpool have deliberately tried to unsettle and sign players from both these clubs - to prevent Villa and Spurs becoming a threat to Liverpool. All is not well in the premier league and I predict that the days of the ‘big four’ are coming to a close - The patience of Newcastle Everton etc about the unfair playing field has started to wear thin and I expect these clubs to lead a serious push to a fairer league system - one that will probably end up in the courts - but will lead to a league where Newcastle and Everton actually have a fair chance of winning a trophy. Vive Football!
10 Ian-original one // Aug 12, 2008 at 16:30
It is good that he is talking, it is better for everyone.
I still think it is simply because he couldnt find an investor/buyer and now has to get on with running this properly and protecting his investment, but whatever the reason I do not care as long as someone cares about our club.
If Ashley has to hang on to it all for a few years it may just get under his skin and when the recession lifts maybe he wont want a partner/buyer, who knows.
Anyhow, please dont get mixed up with me and the new Ian above.
11 HeronMag // Aug 12, 2008 at 16:30
Thought I’d point a few positives today because the media more often than not seems to potray us a a ‘club in crisis’.
1. KK is back
2. Ashley is a billionaire who has stabilized this club financially and is looking for further investment.
3. We have close ties with Chris Mort and his legal team to help us in transfers (e.g. Gutierrez)
4. We have a committed youth policy and exciting youngsters like Carroll, Taylor, Lua-Lua, Kadar and Tozer.
5. We have no european commitments, meaning we can concentrate totally on the domestic campaign.
6. Michael Owen plays up front for us - a world class player.
7. We have on of the best stadiums in the country.
8. We can fill our stadium, unlike some other ‘big’ clubs.
9. Our first team is filled with developing talents like Guthrie, Milner, Enrique and N’Zogbia.
10. We are on the verge of signing a top class centre half.
All in all things don’t look too bad
12 James // Aug 12, 2008 at 16:38
I still think the MAJOR signing is :
QUARASMA
With the deal being done before the Euros.
13 Born Again Geordie // Aug 12, 2008 at 16:50
Perhaps this will put pay to everyone slagging MA off and look forward to the new season!!!!!
Big W - come out, come out wherever you are ??? lol
14 scoundrel days // Aug 12, 2008 at 16:51
to be fair we can’t slate BigWillie til tomorrow, if there’s not 3 signings tomorrow then we need an explanation which we hope he will give. he has in the past!
15 ObaFan2 // Aug 12, 2008 at 16:58
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16 ObaFan2 // Aug 12, 2008 at 17:06
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17 ObaFan2 // Aug 12, 2008 at 17:07
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18 macitect // Aug 12, 2008 at 17:08
Article is fantastic. I want to believe that it’s earnest and honest and that MA is really in this for the long haul.
If that were the case I would be much better able to relax about the transfer situation. It took ManU many years to build up to where they are. I think the notion that the top four cannot be broken into is bollocks - but it is not something to be done in one season. It takes a few years to develop players who will perform for club and/or be sold for top dollar. Along with responsible ownership, good decisions and a bit of luck of course!
Keep it up MA! But for crying shame give MO a bloody contract!
19 ObaFan2 // Aug 12, 2008 at 17:08
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and again
20 toonfan1 // Aug 12, 2008 at 17:11
we should all use the forum that ed made months ago so that the site does not keep crashing. http://www.nufcblog.com/forum
21 itoons // Aug 12, 2008 at 17:20
well it appears he’s prepared to stump up the cash when appropriate. So why not wait for Owen to either prove his fitness, then offer a decent contract or prove he’s just a fragile has-been and spend the money on someone who’s gonna be fit.
MA is proving to be a very shrewd gent thus far and aside from his lack of communication has not so much as put a foot wrong….
surely it cant be fair on the rest of the league if we have 2 messiahs!!!!
22 Toon_Ksk // Aug 12, 2008 at 17:30
Where is Daiv?
23 Burnsie // Aug 12, 2008 at 17:42
firstly lads that i dnt post on here a lot bt i read this blog everyday without fail, every article and this is by far the bitchiest blog going at the minute. some of the comments made about our players, our owner, other clubs, players we are linked with and most importantly each other, our own kind, are absolutely disgusting and uncalled for. day after day the majority of lads on this site just seem to come on and slag everything and i mean everything off. its getting crazy man. just read some of the previous posts. they are shocking. i bet i get slagged off for righting this, i hope i dnt cos im a canny lad just wantn to point this out. banter ok bt howay man some posts and comments are getting out of hand. secondly, about the ‘major’ signing thing that kicked off last nite…apparently its coloccini (ok hes defo), derdiyok and matias fernandez. now its fernandez that im curios about optimisticly curious. it simply comes down to the fact that he is chilean and our technical director, Jeff Vetere, is of chilean origin. now ok this might just be a coincidence bt i tell you what if we do sign him you can garuantee that it will all make sense…cheers lads
24 macitect // Aug 12, 2008 at 17:53
@toonfan1 - I thought that the forum was dead. thanks for posting the link.
@itoons - you’re probably right about MO. he’s another guy that I really want to believe is earnest and really wants to perform for the Toon and KK. I think it’s gamble. if he feels he isn’t getting what he’s worth he might fall to more injuries, whereas if things are all sorted and he can just get on with scoring the injuries might subside. I think injuries have a lot to do with the psychology of the player…
Always loved MO - hope it works for him and the club and he helps lead the way back up to European football.
25 51times // Aug 12, 2008 at 17:59
Burnsie - We can all be very angry people, but in our own way I think we get along just fine.
26 The Entertainers // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:01
I know things havent moved at the pace i’d hoped for when the billionair arrived!
But even before he arrived i had my doubts about FFS and always dreaded the Leeds situation happening at my club!
It appears this was a real posibility and i’m grateful for that alone. And as i’ve said numerous occassions i have a huge amount of faith in Ashley.
Just a word on Ashley and i’m not one for spreading rumours or conspiracy theories on here, but theres always a first time! ha ha
I must stress these comments come third hand:
Ashely invited a number of season ticket holders to a private lunch over the weekend, appartrently to haer some of the fans opinions and quell some rumours.
Although i was earwigging at work when this conversation was going on between senior members of staff what i did hear was :
*Keegan has been very specific regarding players he wanted.
*He gave Ashley a list of about 7 players and expected to get 5, with the other 2 being possibilities. Giuterierez was only ever a possibility !
*Aimar turned us down, for lower wages due to his wife (Where have we heard that before)
Modric did the same as he wanted to be in London, again for lower wages!
*Regarding Owen talks are on going and are still very hopeful.
Now i know theres no ground breaking news there and its third hand but i thought i’d share all the same.
27 James // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:05
BREAKING NEWS :
Warnock has just handed a transfer request in at Blackburn because he wants to move to Newcastle.
Was just on Sky Sports
28 Frankieboy // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:12
Been saying it all along MA is a successful businessman who knows what he is doing and the means of success.
He has taken over a sinking ship, bailed out the crippling ballast (Fat Freddie),replaced crew as required, plugged the holes and steadied that ship.
All now starting to look shipshape………..Full steam ahead captain.
Have faith, as most are now realising.
29 Chris F // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:13
toonfan1, i didnt even know there WAS a forum.
i know ive suggested it to ed a few times, but never got any feedback.
the fact it doesn’t seem to be linked to from anywhere obvious on the site doesn’t help either, i guess.
but as the forum is apparently on the same server, the same issues will persist.
30 cockney magpie // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:15
i just read it on the website but it says nothing about him wanting to join us
31 Frankieboy // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:15
James, apparently Paul Ince is adamant nobody else is leaving after losing Friedel and Bentley.
I would be quite happy to see Warnock arrive. I was surprised when Liverpool let him go to be honest
32 Edd Case // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:16
Well, no announcements then…lol.
No sign of Big Willie or anyone else…
Well, I guess I’m a muppet because I really believed in that story. Well done Big Willie, you got me and I’m not afraid to come out and say so.
Shame on you and the others though. It was either a bad joke or you’re own source is winding you up - either way, I bleed black and white and you are out of order to mess with with me and everyone else here on the site.
Still, maybe I’m being harsh and there really is something in the pipeline - I’ll be the first to say sorry if there is but at the minute, it looks like it’s all a big wind-up…cheers.
33 51times // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:17
It would seem the players at Blackburn have taken a disliking to Ince.
34 toonfanjonny // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:17
always optomistic im going to the open day tomorrow and hoping for some new signings, so Big Willie you’ve got until tomorra
35 51times // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:18
Edd Case - Big Willie said it was tomorrow.
36 A geordiedoonsooth // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:18
Where’s Big Willie today I hope he’s around tomorrow as that is the day he said things would happen. We wait with baited breath (but not much hope)
37 ToonWhitters // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:20
Of course ‘Big Willie’ stated that it would be announced by the club today to get the crowds up before 2moro. Oh well…
38 cockney magpie // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:21
i think we hav been made fools of
39 Dave // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:22
There would’ve been an announcement by now, like i said yesterday everyone got too excited. Coincidence that Big Willie isn’t online today? I think not.
40 AndyNUFC // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:22
Just got a call off my mate, he said he’s spoke to Paul and tomorrow only Coloccini will be there. I had said before that he thought that the other 2 signings would be there and all apologies by the way.
However, that doesn’t mean we aren’t getting 2 more players in.
He said that the reason was that Smith’s deal is being held up which means the Derdiyok deal is being held up.
41 toonfanjonny // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:24
Larsson isn’t moving according to Mcleish
42 ToonSg // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:25
how about the big signing?
43 Frankieboy // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:25
Ower my head this, been away last week so what’s all this about “big Willie” and who is he.
44 Ross // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:27
howay lads, trusting people on a blog is like trusting the papers to be right, anyone could write up a well thought out story if they wanted to.
however, it doesnt mean we’re not looking to continue signing new players. just gotta take time, if they’re gonna come then they’ll get here eventually.
45 Black and White Blood // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:27
Liar liar pants on fire, your hair sticks up like a telephone wire…..!
46 toonfanjonny // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:28
booooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
47 cockney magpie // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:29
Frankieboy, Big Willie is somebody who comes on ere and last night he claimed he had a contact at SJP who told him that 2day Coloccini would be announced along with Derdiyok and one other MAJOR signing.
48 Black and White Blood // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:35
Big Willie where are you, come out to play…..Liar liar pants on fire, your pubic hair sticks up like a telephone wire…..!
….Obviously not meant in the GAY sense..!
Ed….PLEASE try and sort this CPU issue out, I spend more time trying to access this site, then I actually do using it!
49 Ashton // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:38
AndyNUFC
you are full of shit so just stop pretending to know something that we dont you squeaky miserable
50 Black and White Blood // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:39
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12876_3971540,00.html
51 AndyNUFC // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:40
Whatever Ashton, you don’t have to believe me if you don’t want to, but i’m genuinely just passing on information i’ve been given.
52 Big Willie // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:43
Sorry for the late replies. Collocini is going 2 be brought out on the pitch 2moro. S.Warnock is almost a done deal, he just needs to pass a medical, should be completed by thursday. Derdiyok is only being signed if we can offload smith or ameobi, newcastle want £4m for smith but everon and aston villa wont match that! Hull are interested in Ameobi but we want too much for him. Also the big signing is INLER, however arsenal made an eleventh hour bid for him today, so we may lose out on him and therefore our second choice is the real mallorca cm!
53 Black and White Blood // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:44
My contacts at SJP say’s we have signed Pele, Maradonna and even brought the late great George Best back! My really reliable source also said that there is going to be a major signing announced, he was at the training ground today. They signed last week, but won’t be officially unveiled until tomorrow after noon.
Big Will, how do we refer to you now…..Big Billy Liar by any chance..?
54 ronaldeano // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:47
I cant belive ‘big Willie’ had you all EXPECTING another 2 signings.
I read his bullcrap this morning and had a little chuckel to myself. I wanted to belive him, but the more i think about it, the more it seems to be so far fetched.
Damn you Big Willie!!!
55 ronaldeano // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:50
@NO, its ‘Fernando’ back with another name. big willie.
But ‘Fernando’ is just kidding himself.
Thair lass recons he has an extreemly SMALL willie!
56 furrygiblets // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:50
Yawn no one knows f all and are just going of stories on a number of different websites. How hard was it to guess that shock horror it wasn’t gunna be announced today and shock horror its just Collocini.
Not saying you are lying Andy mate but can you see where everyone is coming from?
57 Black and White Blood // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:51
ronaldeano - I agree, I was saying the same as you last night….I wish people would use their heads and wake up and smell the Nescafe!
It is good to have a new target to direct all my hate towards tho!!!!….Only joking Big Billy Liar!
58 AndyNUFC // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:51
To be fair Big Willie was telling people pretty much the same stuff I was getting told, and my source is incredibly reliable.
59 Big Willie // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:52
wait and see then lads!!
60 Black and White Blood // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:53
No no no….Fernando is a willie!
61 big willie // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:55
get real
62 JAY K // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:57
Andy
why talk shite ya source knows as much as you me and the next person nowt
63 Ashton // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:57
Just got a call from my source he told me that tomorrow we will sign the whole manu team
you heard it here first !
64 Ameritoon // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:58
I woke up this morning like a little boy on Christmas. I checked the official site first. Nothing but no worries the server was backed up on here so there must be big news!? Alas nowt. Right now I’ll be happy with just Curlychinny!
Good to finally hear from MA on the other hand and hope for Big news tomorrow but I’ll TRY not to get my hopes up. Shame on the likes of Big Willie if he was pullin our legs!
65 AndyNUFC // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:58
Ashton, just because you don’t believe me, is there much need to take the piss out of me?
66 Magpies NUFC // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:59
So lets get it straight yesterday we were guna unveil 3 signs on wednesday, 24 hours later 2 of them are down the swanner and we’re back to square one of waiting for Coloccini sign!?!?!?!
67 Tom_Toon // Aug 12, 2008 at 18:59
I know who the big signing is, na-na-na-nah-na-nanah.
68 AndyNUFC // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:02
Nah Magpies, Coloccini is a done deal, but like I said because of Smith’s deal being held up, so is Derdiyok’s and this other blokey’s.
69 Toon1978 // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:03
Tom Toon
Who is it……………..Ant and Dec, i hope so hehehe.
70 eskimo81 // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:03
andynufc- you probably only know that coloccini is going to be there because it was announced earlier in the chronicle. i dont believe you have a source for one minute and i think you are just looking for a bit of attention
71 Dave // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:03
For god sake, there IS NO BIG SIGNING!
72 ronaldeano // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:04
Hahahahahahaha.
Looks like big tinky winky has made us look like utter buffoons!!
I bet he is sitting by his pc atm with his cockney spud pals, laughing his baldy little nuts off
73 Tom_Toon // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:04
Begins with a H.
74 cockney magpie // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:04
Tom Toon my southerner friend please tell me u actually know something lol
75 Big Willie // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:04
HAVE NONE OF U READ MY PREVIOUS COMMENT! THATS THE LATEST NEWS I HAVE!!!
76 AndyNUFC // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:05
Ronaldeano I do believe Big Willie a bit, he was gettin roughly the same info i was getting.
77 toonfan1 // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:05
are u pulling our legs tom??
78 Toon1978 // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:05
Dave
Your probably right mate, but i hope for the sake of NUFC and its fans you are not right. Because we are desperate for a creative midfielder.
79 gordond // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:06
Tom Toon you don’t know stop trying to wind us all up.
80 cockney magpie // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:06
are u suggesting its Thierry Henry?
81 furrygiblets // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:06
We don’t know that your source is anymore reliable than the man down the pub though cause everytime a deadline comes up you somehow manage to move the goalposts.
82 Toon1978 // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:06
Begins with h……………………erm HENRY hehehehe very much doubt it.
83 Toon1978 // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:07
Happy gilmore
84 cockney magpie // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:07
Tom please dont mess with my head at the mo lol i cant believe whats happenin to me!! i actually went on google and typed in “footballers that begin with H” lol !!
85 Big Willie // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:07
Sorry for the late replies. Collocini is going 2 be brought out on the pitch 2moro. S.Warnock is almost a done deal, he just needs to pass a medical, should be completed by thursday. Derdiyok is only being signed if we can offload smith or ameobi, newcastle want £4m for smith but everon and aston villa wont match that! Hull are interested in Ameobi but we want too much for him. Also the big signing is INLER, however arsenal made an eleventh hour bid for him today, so we may lose out on him and therefore our second choice is the real mallorca cm!
OK!!!!!!!!!!
86 JAY K // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:07
andy thts nwt then u no nowt
87 Dave // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:13
Ah 78 I hope I am wrong!
It’s just it doesn’t make much sense to me, but hey-ho I’ll be a happy chappy if I’m wrong.
88 WIGAZ // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:13
Spread the joy Tom Toon! is it Jimmy Nail? he can score loads of goals with those crocodile shoes! lol, Big Will where you at? hope your nor in some mackem boozer tellin all your mackem m8’s about how you wound up the mags! for shame if your full of it m8? for shame! come out & explain yourself!
89 daiv // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:14
Three days to Man U game and we’ve signed a decent player and a Liverpool reserve. Total of 4 mil. We’ve let 6 players go an MA is well into pocket. KK wants to keep Smith. Seriously worried about KKs sanity. All the mid table and better teams are significantly strengthening their squads. MA is looking forward to the new season. Why?
90 WIGAZ // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:14
An H Tom? please dont say it’s Heskey! OH NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
91 ObaFan2 // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:14
Humpty Dumpty more like… he’s big
92 ronaldeano // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:15
Higuain? Lol!!
93 harrier // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:15
huntlaar?????
94 Cheeseburgerhead // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:15
Xavi Hernandez.
95 Toon1978 // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:15
Read this, very interesting indeed.
http://forums.chroniclelive.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=11364
96 ObaFan2 // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:16
MA will lend the club £100 mil but who wants to sign for us? I’m sure we’ll get there in the end.
97 Toon1978 // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:16
Think Tom Toon may have us gullable type on a little wind up. haha
98 WIGAZ // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:17
Tom are you being serious coz in my mind i’ve got Henry, Huntaler & Hernan Crespo? did you mean his last name begins with H or his 1st? I would leap for Joy if it was Henry but highly doubt it!
99 harrier // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:19
daiv -
man city - down the toilet - may not even exist in two weeks
blackburn - can’t buy a player - there best players leaving
everton - not ONE single transfer this season except for losing johnson
tottenham - have signed a single reserve goalkeeper since they let go of 25 goal machine robbie keane which means 4 players in and 5 players out
pompey - just about the only team 5-10 that has strengthened
west ham - nowt
100 Chicken // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:19
I called this ‘Big Willie’ out as soon as he started harping on last week.
It’s obvious what’s going on when someone says they know something but can’t name names. What a load of sh!te. Don’t forget it’s the school holidays now - loads of bored kids sat in front of the internet with nowt to do.
101 Tom_Toon // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:19
Somebody has siad their name.
102 ronaldeano // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:20
Im going to the training day tomorow with me young-un.
When i get back, the only thing that i will know, is that Coloccini has signed, THATS IT!!!!
103 Pete // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:21
Honestly, if this signing is so massive. How could it depend on Alan Smith(useless) going to Aston Villa or Everton? When we supposedly got the money to spend if the right player came in. Hardly makes sense
104 ObaFan2 // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:21
Humty Dumpty….. Huntelaar…. is my bet… heard it a few weeks ago.
105 toonfan1 // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:21
lol it cant be henry can it??/ will u tell us tom toon pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee????
106 Tom_Toon // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:21
Wages.
107 Toon1978 // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:21
Xavi Hernandez
108 ronaldeano // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:28
TT, stop talking sh!te mate!!
109 Tom_Toon // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:28
Well done ObaFan2, have a sticker.
110 toonfan1 // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:30
so if it is huntelaar- when will he be announced?
111 Toon1978 // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:30
Tom Toon
Are you winding us up mate, have you a source and where did you hear this from, i dont believe for one minute that Huntelaar would come to NUFC when he’s linked witht he likes of Manure.
112 harrier // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:30
wait - that is my sticker if you mean huntlaar
113 Jinal // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:31
I don’t know who it is, but since his name apparently starts with ‘H’, I think it’s Henry.
Keegan said back in February that if he could buy any player in the world, he would go for Thierry Henry. Maybe there is a problem with Michael Owen’s contract renewal?
As I said, I know nothing - just my 2 cents.
114 ronaldeano // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:31
Humpty dumpty man!!!!
not Huntelaar lol!!
115 harrier // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:32
ah touche ronaldeano touche
116 Tom_Toon // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:33
My souce is Henry Picard, he does have links with Llambias.
117 ronaldeano // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:33
H, meaning….. Hot air= NOWT!!!
Some gullable people on here!
118 WIGAZ // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:34
Tom are you serious Huntelaar? now tom you dont normally BS on here so i would trust you but do you have a relaible source? & if so mark it out of 10! Will this be announced 2moro then? & does that mean Derdiyok was BS?
119 daiv // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:34
Harrier
Fair play to you. I mean the top 4 and Spuds and Pompey.
All pulling away from us.
The rest I stand by. You cannot be happpy with our transfer activity a few days before Man U. The feel about the club is totally different under KK this time than 10 years ago, and its not for the better. I hope Im wrong but I reckon he’ll walk before end of season.
120 Chris H // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:34
Are people on here really that stupid that they can’t see Tom Toon winding them up.
121 Toon1978 // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:41
Chris H
I have already said he is winding us up. But i want to believe him thats the sad thing lol.
122 Tom_Toon // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:41
My other source Tom and his mate Ato told me while i was in Worcester meeting Mr Heinz.
123 JJ // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:47
Ye, does he speak to you from the grave TT : ).
That how you got a decent knowledge of Russian players: you got Stalin as a sorce?
124 Cheeseburgerhead // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:48
Get about 2 mins on this site before it crashes.
125 colocolo // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:48
the big signing is david trezeguet…………
126 JJ // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:54
Ye, does he speak to you from the grave TT : ).
That how you got a decent knowledge of Russian players: you got Stalin as a sorce?
Check out Gabriel Heinze on Wiki…..
BREAKING NEWS!!!!!!!
127 JJ // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:55
Starts with an “H” is it him Tom?????????????
128 gordond // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:57
Damn CPU
129 Dave // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:57
I doubt it would be Huntelaar, if anyone.
His idol, and new manager, Van Basten has named him as club captain for the 08/09 season, takes a pretty stern b*stard to quit Ajax after that.
130 Tom_Toon // Aug 12, 2008 at 19:57
131 Dan13 // Aug 12, 2008 at 20:06
damn u theobald!
132 Ross // Aug 12, 2008 at 20:14
cant beleive people even questioned the credability of tom toons claim there, ridiculous.
we’re getting messi on a weeks trial starting monday.
133 The Entertainers // Aug 12, 2008 at 20:21
We all know Kev’s number one target IS Henry!
He said so as much and Ashley apparently confirmed he was on a hit list this summer ,over the weekend to a selected audience only.
Whether we have bid or he would come are up for debate. But what we do know is Kev would welcome him with open arms and Ashley would like nothing better than to give the fans a MEGASTAR.
Right back down to earth again and look forward to next Liverpool reserve arriving ha ha.
134 Toon1978 // Aug 12, 2008 at 20:24
The Entertainers
Did you post that article on the Chronicle site about a meeting and about us signing a centre back and it wont be Colocinni as we already have him AND about a HUGE player coming in towards the end of the transfer window?
135 harrier // Aug 12, 2008 at 20:26
no offense daiv - but i think you are totally and utterly off base - the feeling around SJP has been built up by a resentful media - and the fans ceased on to this. I think some fans will keep looking for reasons to be resentful towards ashley and co and they will slowly be proven wrong in every instance. Just my opinion anywho.
136 Ross // Aug 12, 2008 at 20:26
did henry not say that he loved arsenal too much to play for any other prem club apart from them?
137 AndyNUFC // Aug 12, 2008 at 20:27
I love how everyone’s like “WOW, WHAT? WHO IS IT TOM, TELL US TELL US!!” when TT says it, but when I say anything it’s “you’re full of shit blah blah blah”…
138 Tom_Toon // Aug 12, 2008 at 20:29
Have you not read my comments.
My mates TOM and ATO (sauce) told me, while Henry Picard (HP) is another sauce, i saw TOM and ATO when i was in Worcester (sauce) speaking to Mr Heinz.
ahaha
139 JJ // Aug 12, 2008 at 20:30
Yes Andy because you dont have proof on Wiki like Tom does!!!!!!!!
140 Toon1978 // Aug 12, 2008 at 20:31
HEHEHEHEHEHE
Crafty sh1t Tom Toon, i will refuse to believe anybody now until i see the player in a black n white shirt.
141 JJ // Aug 12, 2008 at 20:32
See he even names his sauces… dont get so jealous!!!!!!
142 AndyNUFC // Aug 12, 2008 at 20:32
Haha fair comment, eeee honestly, a couple months ago I was like everyone else, reading people’s sources and “inside info” etc, and suddenly since I’ve been telling people what my mate thinks suddenly i’ve become some arsehole that intentionally spreads shit ! :\
143 ronaldeano // Aug 12, 2008 at 20:32
@Andy, what makes you sure that your ’sauce’ is NOT taking you for a complete MUG mate?!!
I personaly dont belive one word of it!!!
144 The Entertainers // Aug 12, 2008 at 20:38
@ Toon 1978
No mate that was not me. I am completely faithful to this site and am a one site man !
I work in Newcastle for the largest company in the city, which has a number of links to the club. Granted none too special to shout about too loudly, but i hear the rumours from time to time and most DONT come to anything i have to admit.
BUT….
today at work it was a buzz with the potential extra signings happening today ! Ok that didnt happen, but it makes complete sense to hold off until Wednesday, when all the cameras are there and more importantly to Ashley the fans.
I’m letting myself getting carried away, but we can but hope.
145 A.L 9 // Aug 12, 2008 at 20:40
Who’s Big W lads?
146 Big Willie // Aug 12, 2008 at 20:41
Inler has turned us down!!! looks like Warnock is coming and probs Derdiyok. Smith and Ameobi will both be there 2moro but are both considering contracts from other clubs at the moment. Also we have apparently made a big offer for a cm(either arshavin or xavi)!!!
147 Ross // Aug 12, 2008 at 20:43
i reckon coloccini at best will be there tomorrow.
colo probably and just an normal training session apart from that.
they cant just hope a huge number of fans turn up tomorrow and have new players waiting. if 400 people turn up tomorrow morning what will ashley do with his 3 signings, complete anti climax.
as we’re the toon, i know there will be thousands there, but im pretty certain there’ll be no new faces bar colo.
148 Cooper // Aug 12, 2008 at 20:43
Colocinni will our fourth and final signing of the summer after bassong, guthrie and jonas.
i rest my case.
149 magsie // Aug 12, 2008 at 20:49
Goal.com has just reported Warnock being trailed by Toon and Everscum but he would prefer the toon move!
150 ObaFan2 // Aug 12, 2008 at 20:50
harrier, u can have the sticker
lol
I must admit the one and only name I’ve ever heard linked to us (from what I considered an interesting source) and posted about a few weeks ago was Huntelaar and hope to God it’s true.
You know if it’s a done deal TT? Or still a target
151 harrier // Aug 12, 2008 at 20:51
Cooper - Ashley and Keegan have both said that there will be more than Coloccini.
152 Cooper // Aug 12, 2008 at 20:53
I know - but i still think collo will be the last one - we will see on sep 1st
153 Toon1978 // Aug 12, 2008 at 20:54
The Entertainers
I know the players i would love at NUFC but sadly i think we have very little chance of getting them. I think the big signing will be Colocinni with a few youngsters to follow alough it looks likely we will sign Warnock now which will be a good signing. I really do hope we sign Turan or Fernandez,Xavi ,just one player of that calibre. Here’s to hoping.
154 C // Aug 12, 2008 at 20:55
Why do you think there is a Buzz, so that people will show up tomorrow.
155 harrier // Aug 12, 2008 at 20:56
why cooper - when all evidence points to the contrary? it seems like being pessimistic for the sake of it
156 Ross // Aug 12, 2008 at 20:56
jesus christ obafan2,lol
157 toonfan1 // Aug 12, 2008 at 20:56
coloccini will be at the training session tomorrow anyway. it said it in an article in the chronicle but i duno if he will be confirmed as a toon signing
158 daTank // Aug 12, 2008 at 21:16
colicinni nd bassong will b unveiled 2morrow at d open day, the major signing will b owen signin a contract extension
deridok n warnock coud also b ere by dis time nxt wk, warnock will b in talks wit many clubs however nd deridok will cum dependin dat smith or preferably 2 newcastle dat ameobi is sold!!
newcastle are also lookin 2 pull off off anutha coup in a high profile AM b4 d window closes!! i no newcastle ave bin in contact wit both arshavin nd xavi’s nd r really keen on d latter dependin on arsenal nd d oda top 4 sides not showin an interest in him……heres hoppin either sign a contract
dis is reliable info
159 James // Aug 12, 2008 at 21:17
I demand that Mike Ashley phones up Sky Sports and tells them who the mystery signing is because it’s driving us all nuts on here
Currently, the options are :
HUNTALEER - Hinted at the Ajax tournament that he might not be playing for Ajax this season. Anyone who saw the interview on Setanta and that glint in his eye will know he knows something about moving to another club.
INLER - don’t want him. and said he’d rather play for Arsenal (allegedly)
QUARASMA - Told reporters before the Euros he had agreed to join a new club before the end of August
XAVI - It would take £30 million to get him, but beyond Messi we couldn’t sign a better player. Got booed in Barca’s last two games for comments he made against the league and club. Declared he wants to play in the Premiership.
HESKEY - Wigan would be reluctant to let him go…thankfully
HENRY - Won’t leave Barca for anyone other than Arsenal
MOUNTINHO - Available and willing to join Everton..so why not us?
VELOSO - If you believe reports in the summer we bid £16 million for him before the Euros and the bid was neither rejected or accepted. He was waiting for a bigger club and none have bid for him
ARDA TURAN - I think his agent annoyed our board and they walked away from the deal.
XABI ALONSO - Liverpool need the cash for him quickly so they can get Barry. A strong possibility.
JOE COLE - Villa and Liverpool supposed to bidding after he was left out of Chelsea’s last two pre season games and is set to be replaced by Kaka.
160 sweendog // Aug 12, 2008 at 21:19
Big Willie .. don’t believe you .. I could have made up all that info you’re saying without any “contacts” .. you had us going a little bit .. all I can say is fingers crossed we get derdiyok or some striker in cause we badly need one who can score and importantly stay fit.
161 Cooper // Aug 12, 2008 at 21:20
Ed, at least im not coming on here and saying we are signing xavi, joe cole, quaresma etc
Anyone know why collo hasnt even been confirmed yet? - things are moving way too slow for my liking
Remember “new signing to be announced in next 24 hours” - 1 day later: nothing, 1 week later: nothing
what is going on with all this bull?
162 Ross // Aug 12, 2008 at 21:20
james-who says their is a mystery signing. big willie?
163 sweendog // Aug 12, 2008 at 21:21
Cooper he’s defo signed .. why would MA have his name on his shirt otherwise .. so don’t worry ..
164 sweendog // Aug 12, 2008 at 21:28
Also Big willie it looks like the CM playmaker is actually from Real Mallorca .. doesn’t look to be XAVI, which you’re probably not to suprised at
165 Waddle’s mullet // Aug 12, 2008 at 21:32
Lads, thats not big willie!
He never give away the name of the big signing so why now.
by the the way everybody with so called contacts has gone quiet.
but this will happen!
but when god knows?
look how long it has taken for collicini.
you just have to read ashleys comments at the corporate night the other night!
And he wants one over Spurs (modric deal)!
166 Tom_Toon // Aug 12, 2008 at 21:35
Aye, that isnt Big Willi as their comments took so long to moderate.
167 gordond // Aug 12, 2008 at 21:35
I’m sure we will get our signings i believe in god(KK)
168 sweendog // Aug 12, 2008 at 21:37
test
169 sweendog // Aug 12, 2008 at 21:38
Waddle’s mullet you need the correct email address to post with a username so I think it is big willie ..
170 sweendog // Aug 12, 2008 at 21:39
Tom_Toon .. yep you could be right there
171 WIGAZ // Aug 12, 2008 at 21:40
All these lil bits of “i heard this & i heard that” it’s really starting to Piss me off! dont get me wrong i love the banta & hearing who wants who at the club, but it’s the club thats pissing me off! unless we get 3 signings all done & dusted then fine, but if not i’m not a fan at the way the club is being run! unless new signings (If F##kin any!) have been training with us for weeks then we’re effectivley goin to throw brand new players in to a team with guys they have never played with before & have no idea how each others game works, oh yeah & not to forget we’ll be doin this against the Best team in Europe! Great planning there lads, 1 word sums it up “SHAMBLES!!!” Nuff said!
172 sweendog // Aug 12, 2008 at 21:40
still think we’ve got derdiyok and thats who is being shown tommorrow alongside collicini
173 Rich // Aug 12, 2008 at 21:41
It was also said the “big signing” (the existence of which I don’t want to debate) smashed the £18m or so paid for Owen. Can’t see us splashing that kind of cash for Inler…
174 Waddle's mullet // Aug 12, 2008 at 21:41
sweendog
Can’t be, he said he would not reveal the name of the big name signing.
so why now after looking a fool all day.
Looks like warnock on his way though and a attacking midfielder.
175 sweendog // Aug 12, 2008 at 21:43
cheer up wigaz ..
176 sweendog // Aug 12, 2008 at 21:43
KK will sort it out .. we’ve the makings of top 6 .. just 2-3 pieces missing..
177 toontoon // Aug 12, 2008 at 21:43
i hope we get xavi-but we wont. I hope Big Willie is right about der….. lol nd warnock!!! who are his sources tho? sum1 sed its terry macs son, is that true???
178 Waddle's mullet // Aug 12, 2008 at 21:50
post gone missing.
why no arda on gala intro site???
http://www.galatasaray.org/
179 Cooper // Aug 12, 2008 at 21:51
Iv been teling everyone all day:
XAVI was training with barca this morning.
so it is physically impossible.
i do agree with WIGAZ like, even if signings to come theyre not going to produce straight away
At the end of the day we are going to get tortuted of manu whoever we sign
180 WIGAZ // Aug 12, 2008 at 21:51
Cheers Sweendog! signings will cheer me up so tired of this cloak & dagger bollocks! i will always have faith in KK it’s just the owner i’m not sure about m8! i hope i’m on here 2moro wooping & hollering at 3 quality buys, u lads goin up to SJP 2moro i may pass in whilst out & about like.
181 Big Willie // Aug 12, 2008 at 21:51
This is me!!! I decided 2 tell u the big name signing(INLER) becuase he is v.unlikely to sign now and therefore there is no point in leaving you all in the dark. Sadly he will probs choose Arsenal over us!! As far as i know only coloccini will be presented 2 the fans 2moro, as warnock wont sign till thursday. Also the derdiyok deal isnt going through till smith and ameobi leave! Also i cant say who my contact is, but you all know the name of my contact!!
182 sweendog // Aug 12, 2008 at 21:53
Waddle’s mullet .. you could be onto something there .. seeing as we did bid before the euros and nobody else has come in for him .. let me have a check..
183 A.L 9 // Aug 12, 2008 at 21:54
So if he said ‘I will not reveal the name of tis big name signing’ then obviosly he’s talking bollox, he’s basically hoping we sign someone with a bit of a reputation and then he’ll come out and say’thats him, I told you so’, if he did know who it was i’m sure he’d be more than eager to get the credit for it.
184 scoundrel days // Aug 12, 2008 at 21:54
it’s not BigWillie
1. Not his style of writing and…
2. it’s BigWillie not Big Willie with a space in between.
Now go away numb nuts!
185 Aaron // Aug 12, 2008 at 21:54
Why is everyone on here quoting Ashley with rumours. Ashley has never once been quoted as saying he will make a big start signing, though im sure he would like to!
Also an article in the Chron states “Keegan joked on Saturday night that, while Gutierrez speaks fluent English, his next signing cannot speak any English at all.” - Make of that what you will, but please please stop quoting and stating opinions as facts, its tiresome!
186 James // Aug 12, 2008 at 22:07
Anyone still doubting that Coloccini has signed, should check out Sky Sports and their updated squad list. Coloccini is in and has the number 5 shirt.
As for the big signing, not sure it’s gonna happen. Give me Coloccini and Owen resigned and that will do me.
187 Ross // Aug 12, 2008 at 22:08
its not bigwillie, simply because inler coming to the premier league wouldnt not be classed as a major signing for any club.
he’d be a good signing, a shrewd signing, he would not be in any way major because he isnt exactly popular throughout british fans.
188 C // Aug 12, 2008 at 22:12
it’s not big willie because of this and that. Give me a break it’s like that scene in Life of Brian. Only the true savior would say he isn’t the real savior.
189 daTank // Aug 12, 2008 at 22:12
4 sum unknown reason my last msg is still awaiting moderation, ere goes again
colicinni nd bassong will b unveiled 2morrow at d open day, the major signing will b owen signin a contract extension
deridok n warnock coud also b ere by dis time nxt wk, warnock will b in talks wit many clubs however nd deridok will cum dependin dat smith or preferably 2 newcastle dat ameob