Some news about the meeting on Tuesday is starting to emerge, but whether it’s true or not is hard to say.
Kevin Keegan – leading the training at Newcastle
It’s from The Sun, so we’ll take it with a pinch of salt, but what they say doesn’t seem too surprising – but there again maybe that’s an indication that it’s just made up.
At the meeting on Tuesday, that Mike Ashley attended, following the rumpus between Keegan and Llambias the previous day, Kevin was said to ask for the following things to keep him at the club:
- Executive Director of Football Wise to leave the club
- Vice-President Tony Jimenez, in charge of player recruitment, to also leave
- Control of all transfers in and out — which he should already have
- The power and responsibility to negotiate all player contracts
We think the fourth point will be a difficult one for Ashley to cede, although Kevin should be giving input on how important the players are to the club, and therefore what Ashley or Wise should give them.
But it seems strange to us that Wise seems to be responsible for players’ contracts, very strange indeed.
It seems like the structure Ashley put together under Chris Mort is in danger of crumbling, because it’s becoming obvious Kevin doesn’t like it, and he wants to be involved with most (all) things at the club, that’s the essence of the man.
If Ashley could appoint a Chairman who is a football man, that could work well, since it appears clear that the bust up on Monday afternoon was between Derek Llambias and Kevin. It seems that even if this current rift is healed, the relationship between Keegan and the Recruitment team is tenuous at best.
The famous Toon insider has been talking to The Sun again and this time they said:
“The way Keegan is trying to pull this round is staggering.”“If he gets his way, he’ll have a power which he hasn’t had since coming back.”
“The players feel surprised and disappointed and they also feel insulted.”
“I’ve never known it so quiet here. It’s like there was a funeral going on, like there had been a death in the family.”
“Kev’s hugely popular among the players, so the mood is nothing like normal — how could it be with so much hanging over the club?”
But this can hardly come as a surprise, because Ashley knows how popular Kevin was and is at Newcastle, that’s one reason he brought him back.
And Kevin’s done one terrific job so far, with not much assistance from the higher-ups, but as in his last reign at the club, he demands almost complete control of things, and is not one to hand off responsibilities.
We also wonder what the players are thinking of all this, and how secure Michael Owen might now feel at the club, with Kevin potentially likely to leave at any time. That will be a situation that we’ll have to watch closely once things get sorted out, one way or the other.
We hope something can be worked out to keep Kevin at the club, because if it can, we’ll continue the upward spiral Kevin has put in place.
But why is all this taking so long?
Comments welcome.
163 comments so far
The Legend Of Jonas
Sep 4, 2008 at 6:16 AM
Comment #81I see the way Ashley has tried to do it, but it just hasn’t worked. I don’t think Keegan should get as much control as he would like, but why he isn’t chief in player negotiations (If the rumours are true) is just an absolute mystery.
The reason I don’t think Keegan should be given ultimate power is because he does have a history of walking out, and not handing over the reigns as it were, and leaves too many pieces to pick up.
Would love to see Wise go and Mort come back. I like Mort, he understands the need for communication and strikes me as honest.
I wouldn’t partake in it myself, but just once, I would love to see the look on their faces if absolutely not one person turned up to St. James’ on a match day. Then they would find out who the club really belongs to..
Keeeguuurn
Sep 4, 2008 at 6:53 AM
Comment #82more keegan tributes
http://tw.youtube.com/watch?v=DXQHW5ANz0I
Tripp
Sep 4, 2008 at 7:00 AM
Comment #83@LoJ
That would be bizarre. Imagine the goal celebrations in an empty stadium (well, what about the travelling fans?). Would certainly get the point across.
Tripp
Sep 4, 2008 at 7:02 AM
Comment #84@Phil #67
Got it mate. Good point about the TV money, I’d forgotten about that one.
AdamCF
Sep 4, 2008 at 7:23 AM
Comment #85One thing I have to say about this debacle is that at least MA and KK are prepared to discuss what needs to happen. It may be heated (they’re both Toon Fans so that’s a given) but at least there sounds like there’s some progress. I guess it’ll just come down to who is gonna cost less to lose. DW or KK?
Tripp
Sep 4, 2008 at 7:32 AM
Comment #86Yeah, at least it’s not already over. If it really is between DW and KK then DW is gone I would think. If it’s Llmabias (how the feck do you spell it again?) and KK I’d have to think that again KK wins. Ashley had to understand what it meant to bring Kevin back and if he didn’t he certainly does now. This needs to get sorted ASAP. The Hull game in hull down on the horizon (sorry, couldn’t resist that one) so there’s still time to put this behind us and not have it continue to unsettle the players. The lads who played in Spain are probably used to this craziness anyways.
clinta
Sep 4, 2008 at 7:38 AM
Comment #87So it looks like KK’s staying, so let’s just get this mess sorted as soon as possible, so the players and management alike can get back to concentrating on football.
and hopefully owen won’t be too turned off by recent events to sign his layest contract offer!
Tripp
Sep 4, 2008 at 7:42 AM
Comment #88You lads will enjoy this one, ran across it looking at the KK youtube vids…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjRoic6yXDg&NR=1
Agreed Clinta. Lets get back to the football, proper attacking football.
mitch
Sep 4, 2008 at 7:54 AM
Comment #89Can I just say that If it is true MA has been aborad all week and when you here KK he always says the money is there from the owner it could be that wise and DL have been the problem as matbe the money is there but such is the structure that it is putting a block on transfers presumably wise MA is a buisness man and will not want his goods damaged also how grown up is this that the toon actualy talk good to see lots of positives if KK comes back
Born Again Geordie
Sep 4, 2008 at 8:11 AM
Comment #90Is it just me or has no one noticed that this was reported in the Sun !!!!!!! Come on lads the sun have – ‘no insider’. It is pure speculation and lets face it – it is nothing none of us could not have come up with – is it ???
Born Again Geordie (self confessed Sun hater !!) lol
Guinea Mag
Sep 4, 2008 at 8:13 AM
Comment #91Hoping KK will get the majority of his demands and decides to stay.
People are blaming Dennis Wise for the debacle, but remember, it was Mike Ashley who appointed Wise and gave him the authority to perform this role!
For the future well being of Newcastle United, KK must stay and be in charge of the team, all transfers in and out and have a major say in players salaries!
The policy of buying young players is excellent but needs to be balanced with buying seasoned pros to ensure the current team moves forward as well as mentoring the next generation.
KK – Please stay buddy, but only on your terms!
mitch
Sep 4, 2008 at 8:18 AM
Comment #92just watching them you tubes of shearer against keane Big Al IS SO COOL CALM keane he is a nutter all because AL called him a wanker which he is I was in the seats just beside that incident that day loads of manure players running all over trying to keep keane off big AL big AL just stands there on his own eyeing keane up In a way I love to hate watching sheare as it reminds me so much of what we lost I hope that I live long enough to see anouther special Geordie wear that number nine shirt with the same atributes as milburn and shearer my list of top 5 geordie legends
5) Peter Beardsley
4) Jackie Milburn
3)Kevin Keegan
2)Alan Shearer
1) Toon Army the 12th Man everpresent
What do you think this is just My Opinion while waiting for news
mitch
Sep 4, 2008 at 8:28 AM
Comment #93Good article LADS LASSEShttp://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/sep/04/premierleague
The Legend Of Jonas
Sep 4, 2008 at 8:28 AM
Comment #94Jackie Milburn? Think you can replace that with Gazza..
Matt Lacey
Sep 4, 2008 at 8:29 AM
Comment #95Why does anyone on here think this Anil Ambani chap would be any better owning this club than Mike Ashley? They’re both businessmen, neither of them know anything about the club and just because Ambani has more money it doesn’t mean he’ll splash it, just because he says so!
He’s just as likely to treat this club in exactly the same way as Mike Ashley.
mitch
Sep 4, 2008 at 8:29 AM
Comment #96http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/sep/04/premierleague
TRY AGAIN
mitch
Sep 4, 2008 at 8:31 AM
Comment #97lEGAND OF JONAS i did put this is my opinion
lesh
Sep 4, 2008 at 8:31 AM
Comment #98An open note to Mike Ashley:
Yesterday’s Guardian sports section poll asked the question:
“Are Newacstle United the worst run club in the country?”
Result: Yes, 83% and No at 17%. And that is from Guardian readers!
Surely Mike, the problems we’re seeing now were flagged up some time ago when Kevin suggested you take a more ‘hands on’ role in managing the club’s affairs?
I ask myself and you a number of questions:
1 -Were senior job roles and the respective scopes of responsibilities clearly defined, before individuals were recruited to them?
2 -Were those roles and responsibilities clearly understood and accepted by each party?
3- When recruiting for those roles were the person and character specifications considered?
4- If so, how much attention given to matching the people to the roles and person specifications?
5- If post holders operated beyond their roles and scope of the posts, was corrective action taken to resolve any misunderstandings and/ or interpersonal conflicts?
I’m afraid Mike, that if the answers to those questions are ‘yes’, then those who’ve broken the rules should either have been dismissed or resigned long before all of this blew up and taken on the media proportions it has.
If the answer’s ‘no’, then the problem you’re faced with is how to extricate Newcastle United from this mess and soon.
If the root cause(s) of the problem has been identified and that/ root cause(s) have been identified, then he/ she/ they must go…. preferably quietly and quickly.
Your’e in a tight spot Mike, the media’s playing up Kevin’s supposed demands and I do not believe they’re as extreme as some reporters would have us believe. He can’t be seen to win as others can’t be seen to win. It needs strong management and a love for Newcastle United to resolve this Mike.
Kevin Keegan’s voiced his love for and commitment to NUFC for long enough.
You too have voiced your commitment.
Has the Director of Football done so? If so, I must have missed it!
Will you please show the commitment you’ve professed?
Anyone with any foresight could’ve seen this coming moths ago and if the Director of Football or whoever is at the root of the problem, then he/ they should go. Anyone who genuinely feels for this club ( and I include Kevin in this) should resign, before the damage is beyond repair.
Act quickly Mike, please.
Sincerely
Lesh (and the fans?)
Dave o
Sep 4, 2008 at 8:32 AM
Comment #99Ill tell you why D Wise is there, he and Ashley
are partners in building developements in Cyprus. Old pals acts are hard to break up so don’t be surprised if wisey stays. He doe’s not have a real job within the team it’s just a rich mans game to them. Ashley must sell up ASAP or we will so far behind the other teams no one will want to invest in us.
Estechco
Sep 4, 2008 at 8:37 AM
Comment #100It’s not rocket science really…
How come the director in charge of the academy has more say/power than the manager of the first team.
Re-define the chain of command and who ever isn’t happy come the end of it, can take a running jump?
dick
Sep 4, 2008 at 8:37 AM
Comment #101trying to sort this mess out will be some trick, the way I look at we are dammed if KK goes and dammed if he stays. Cant believe nothing in press but what is obvious KK had very little say in who came or went, how will he coach these players he did not want in, we have no fit left back, the cracks are showing in coloccini’s game,poor in the air gets dragged out of position easily. N’ zogbia doe’nt want to play for us. we are in the sh**
James
Sep 4, 2008 at 8:46 AM
Comment #102It’s good to see OWEN fighting for his manager and the reputation of Newcastle.
A lesser player would just sulk and demand to leave.
But Owen and Keegan are standing their ground.
REVOLUTION! 🙂
Bobby Ollox
Sep 4, 2008 at 8:48 AM
Comment #103The obvious thing that is coming out is that this will only be resolved now through change. The revelation that every single player was put up for sale completely undermines the current administration completely ? . How can you expect the players to give their all on the pitch, when no loyalty was shown at all. ?
To my mind, the only viable change that can be made is the one that KK is looking for. Charismatic figure, respected by fans and players alike running the club.
Keegan suddenly has a strong hand – the man is a genius.
Nick
Sep 4, 2008 at 8:55 AM
Comment #104I just can’t get my head around Ashley turning down the Abu Dhabi group. I will never forgive him for that. it will haunt me all my days while city win everything in sight and buy fabulous players.
To suddenly up the asking price from 275M to 400M when Ashley’s greedy eyes lit up just leaves me totally gutted.
This Indian guy (although he would be an improvement) comes nowhere near the the Abu Dhabi crowd. Their family is worth 55o billion !!!!!!!!!!!
How can one man (Ashley) be so selfish, greedy and egotistical and play with the hopes and dreams of 1000’s of NUFC fans.
I’m not sure I buy the telegraph’s version of a player revolt. The recently signed latin guys would probably be quite happy with the likes of Marcelino, Poyet or Martinez as manager with all their contacts.
Sadly it’s only people we could do without, like Smith, Duff, barton (awful PR) and the already hugely overpaid, disloyal and injury prone owen who might feel obligated to say something.
James
Sep 4, 2008 at 8:59 AM
Comment #105@Nick – I wouldn’t want them in charge at all. Hughes admitted he never knew they had bid for Robinho. They also bid for Torres, and he didn’t know about that.
They put no trust or faith in a manager at all, and are only interested in PR stunts.
Despite the nonsense at Newcastle I’m glad we are not Man City
ronaldeano
Sep 4, 2008 at 9:00 AM
Comment #106Kevin Keegan would have a job at NUFC for life if i owned the club. He would also have full controll of transfers and first team affairs.
NO director of football etc, it dosent work
rooks
Sep 4, 2008 at 9:03 AM
Comment #107interesting that the ‘demands’ in this article make no mention of Llambias being replaced / keeping his snout out even tho that was who was involved in the ‘rumpus’ (ooer). Maybe the press are just picking up on Wise cos he’s a household name & universally hated!
also good article on the bbc site this morning –
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/philmcnulty/2008/09/newcastle_left_in_chaos.html
Please let this be sorted today, I have work to do and spending too much time on here
Born Again Geordie
Sep 4, 2008 at 9:07 AM
Comment #108ronaldeano – I think you speak for us all there mate !!! nice one 😀
ronaldeano
Sep 4, 2008 at 9:11 AM
Comment #109BAG, i wish i was rich enough to buy it!!! 🙂
One day maybe!
ToonEskimo
Sep 4, 2008 at 9:16 AM
Comment #110The club currently stands at about 5 million on ebay, plenty of time to get your bids in, there are some hilarious questions and answers.
Thanks to YORKIE DAVE for the link.
Nick
Sep 4, 2008 at 9:18 AM
Comment #111James do you really believe that or are just trying to convince yourself?
mushy
Sep 4, 2008 at 9:18 AM
Comment #112So if you did buy the club, how much would you have to spend to stop folks on here calling you a tight-arse ?
ToonEskimo
Sep 4, 2008 at 9:19 AM
Comment #113Here is the link, guys check this out…hilarious
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=180285137714&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=008
🙂
The Entertainers
Sep 4, 2008 at 9:22 AM
Comment #114A little of topic but thought i’d share :
We all know that the daily rags love to have a go at Newcastle and lets be honest we dont help ourself.
There are decent papers out there who try to give a balanced argument:
The independant
The telegraph
Then there are others who write a bit of anti newcastle stuff as its sells them more papers:
See all red tops !!
Then theres one paper who seems to have another agenda altogether. Whos journo’s appear to not write fact, but fiction. Warpped fiction at that.
The Daily Mail is ANTI NEWCASTLE and one jouno inparticular, who will not even write in his own name only THE HATCHET MAN!:
HATCHET MAN: Clueless Ashley reaches new levels of inanity;
HATCHET MAN: Toon owner Mike Ashley offers Newcastle fans free pain relief – by the pint
HATCHET MAN: Fair play to Arsenal for sticking the boot into Newcastle bad boy Barton
Keegan a clown in Ashley circus: ‘Messiah’ is humiliated by owner
HATCHET MAN: Good riddance to flying Magpie Ashley
Newcastle set to change hands again after the shabby farce that was the Mike Ashley era,
HATCHET MAN: Even the Monty Python crew couldn’t come up with a circus bout like Newcastle’s Keegan v Ashley
Wouldnt even wipe my **** with it!
ANON
Sep 4, 2008 at 9:23 AM
Comment #115Joinas the leg end
You have more f***ing faces than Spyro!!
Where’s your butt buddy foul mouth faustio today or is he your alter ego?
WesToon
Sep 4, 2008 at 9:24 AM
Comment #116@ James // Sep 4, 2008 at 8:59
Agreed mate,im glad we havent sold our souls to the devil yet!!!
C’mon ashley…do the rite thing mate,like some1 said..it aint F@@king rocket science as to what needs to be done
WISE OUT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!
ronaldeano
Sep 4, 2008 at 9:26 AM
Comment #117@mushy, i would give KK enough money to get the players HE wants and have enough depth in the squad to compete.
Thats all you need as Keegan has proved before.
Im sure KK would have loads of time for the young-un’s who come through the academy also
Kaizer Soze
Sep 4, 2008 at 9:27 AM
Comment #118Kevin Keegan as New Technical Director & Alan Shearer as New Manager!!!
If Carlesberg ran football clubs…………………………….
mushy
Sep 4, 2008 at 9:31 AM
Comment #119@westoon and james
I’m impressed by your moral stance re “…selling you soul to the Arab devils”. No sarcasm here, I am truly impressed.
I just wonder how many other supporters would agree that we are in a better position now, rather than be taken over by a £550 billion owner stating top 4 this season and premiership title next season. Interesting
hadrian
Sep 4, 2008 at 9:32 AM
Comment #120you only need an initial investment in the players for the first two year , the 3 year after that you run the club to break even , spending the tv money and hopefully the cash from a higher league position and if things have went well the europe money , after 5 year then you start taking some cash out .
lets not forget after any investment if the club has done well , then the value of the club with rise to reflect that sucsess .
people go on about how much chelski owe roman , but he bought it cheap as chips and now its worth ten times what he paid if he were to sell .