The Mag and true faith fanzines have rightly called for Ashley’s business interests to be targeted by the fans of Newcastle United and other supporters who would like to help in the effort to get Mike Ashley out of Newcastle.
Mike Ashley – his business interests will be targeted
The joint statement by the fanzines is as follows:
Like many Newcastle United supporters we have been sickened by the events of the last week and the departure of Kevin Keegan from his position as manager of our club. We believe Kevin had little alternative but to resign given the gross incompetence and mismanagement of Dennis Wise, Executive Director of Football and Derek Llambias, Managing Director who like Kevin were appointed by Mike Ashley.
While Kevin Keegan remained at Newcastle United the fans trusted that the club was moving forward at last, with Keegan’s departure all trust has gone.Both The Mag and true faith believe there has been a fundamental break in trust between board and the support.
Both true faith and The Mag have been inundated by requests from supporters keen to take action against those within the boardroom of Newcastle United.
Having read many hundreds if not thousands of e-mails sent into both fanzines we are recommending the following action in protest at its appalling treatment of Kevin Keegan and the entirely unworkable structure it has established at the club, namely around the club’s transfer policy.
That initial action includes:
* An immediate and indefinite boycott of all Newcastle United merchandise to include replica shirts, other club clothing and any items sold at official NUFC outlets. It will also include the non-purchase of all Newcastle United programmes and magazines as well as food, drinks and beverages of any description. This boycott will include raffle tickets, lotteries and any other products associated with Newcastle United Football Club. This to include also a boycott of all club bars including Shearer’s Bar as well as club cafes, official club tours, visits to the NUFC museum and any other activity which generates an income for Newcastle United.
* This boycott to be extended to any retail outlet or product owned either in full or in part by Mike Ashley e.g. Sports Soccer, Lillywhites etc.
* We do not advocate a boycott (this is backed up overwhelmingly in the emails we have received) of the game against Hull City at SJP on Saturday 13/Sep/08. Newcastle United’s players have done nothing wrong and certain individuals have behaved impeccably given the manner in which their manager and team-mates have been treated this last week. They remain deserving of our support.
* We advocate supporters vocally expressing their disgust against the current regime whether they are at the match or not, which will act as a clear demonstration of the antipathy of supporters towards Ashley, Llambias and Wise. There should be no abuse directed at any Newcastle United player.
* We insist that Mike Ashley does not attend away games amongst the traveling support. He is not a Newcastle United supporter and as far as true faith and The Mag are concerned he is not welcome amongst our ranks. If any effort is made by Ashley to attend future away games we would recommend the away support to vocally remind him he is not wanted amongst us. We do not advocate violent disorder of any description.
Michael Martin,
Editor, true faith
Mark Jensen,
Editor, The Mag
We don’t know what the chances of forcing Mike Ashley out of Newcastle are, but it’s certainly worth the try.
There’s always a chance that some buyer, maybe not even yet identified, will come in and offer the owner something that is acceptable to him, and the nightmare of having Mike Ashley as owner of Newcastle United will be over.
We hope that will happen sooner rather than later, so we can salvage something, like keep Michael Owen at the club, as one example.
Comments welcome.
280 comments so far
The Entertainers
Sep 9, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Comment #241I understand that it is Ashleys club
I understand that Wise is more experienced in football than i ever will be.
I understand we have to move on and appoint a new manager.
BUT DO THE CLUB NOT UNDERSTAND, THE MAJORITY OF FANS WILL NOT ACCEPT OR WANT GUS POYET OR ANY ONE ELSE ASSOCIATED TO DENNIS WISE TO MANAGE OUR CLUB!!!
TOONPIPES
Sep 9, 2008 at 11:16 AM
Comment #242Ahhh TOONCHICKEN, pleased to see you are taking up the fight ……. as i have found out it isnt easy being reasonable and making sense and generally trying to have a sensible discussion on here ………. 100% agree with your comments which remain in line with the points i tried to put accross on friday neet ….. not sure you having much more success securing sensible comments in return, i think i managed one or two on friday but not many more …….. have to say, its time to move on guys, MA is out owner, we shud actually be getting behind the team, the players will be looking for our support and leave the arguing about facts that nobody really knows and picketing lines and pocketing and setting online petitions with 57 names on them and wearing t-shirts with stirring messages about MA out when it was probs one of his companys that manfacture the very t-shirts and marching round and round the stadium – it might make MA dizzy admitedly – that shud do the trick, and questioning Wise sexuality …. MA must be quaking in his boots ……. !! ……. Kev had his chance and he didnt like it so he left us ……. times have changed lets move on …. i await the standard abusive comments …. bring them on.
Gillmag
Sep 9, 2008 at 11:16 AM
Comment #243Just a thought guys
If KK is our Messiah..doesnt that make MA the Anti-christ!
Lost Prophet
Sep 9, 2008 at 11:19 AM
Comment #244Ah only Newcastle can generate such emotion!
I have supported the Toon for 40 years and if I remember correctly the first match Isaw was against coventry in 1967. I have been through relegation, boardroom upheavals and player transfers. The sale of Mcdonald, Beardsley, Waddle and Gascoigne were particular low points. The John Hall revolution and the signing of KK, Shearer and Tino where milestones in Newcastle’s history and the subsequent dismantling of KK’s team and the appointment of crap managers were another blow to say the least – but I never boycotted the team. I was there when KK sold Cole. I was there when Shearer came. I was there when we signed Owen. I was there when we shouted sack the board at Shepherd and Allardyce, and I’m sure that many of you could say the same. But this?
To be honest I think Mike Ashley is a cock. I never liked the fact he wore a black and white shirt instead of a suit like any other respectable chairman. I never liked the fact he stood with the fans and pretended to be one, but I did respect him as a business man and the fact that possibly without him we could have been in serious financial trouble. Whether he has paid off the debt or not is not the issue. Look at Liverpool or Man U if you want to talk about debt. At the end of the day Newcastle United is his to play with as he chooses and unless some other multi-billionaire arrives to buy him out I’m afraid we are stuck with him. Let’s face it, he could run the club into the ground just to spite us and then where would we be?
I’ve always hated Dennis Wise, but if he was brought in to do a specific job – and thats all, then fine, get on with it. The fact that he lives in London is immaterial. I don’t know enough about Jimenez or Ventre to comment. I thought Mort was a decent bloke and Llambias is a ghost!
As much as I loved Keegan as both player and manager I never thought he was the right man for the job this time around, and I will always have the nagging doubt that his Soccer Circus was in the toilet and he needed the cash. KK has always been a quitter, he has a history of walking out that goes right back to his playing days. He is famous for throwing his toys out of the pram when he doesn’t get his way or when the criticism gets too great. However, the handling of his departure and the childish war of words that now rages once more put Newcastle in the public eye for all the wrong reasons.
Unfortunately we as fans are perpetuating that view through our knee-jerk reaction to what we feel is a slight ot our Saviour and Messiah.
So I guess my point is that I will be there on Saturday. I will support my tem. I will sing and shout as I have always done. But I think time will tell the full story – because after all I have seen it all before.
geordiejayne
Sep 9, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Comment #245Black and White…..
If it is true about Poyet then it shows exactly its jobs for the boys.
Certainly NOT run as a business with the people with the BEST CV’s invited for any post at NUFC.
The lot of them have no credible history with football, if it be management, director of football, chairman or whatever.
VERY GOOD BUSINESS SENSE THEN
hitman
Sep 9, 2008 at 11:21 AM
Comment #246toonpipes: you say we have to move on,is poyet the way forward like.when you have managers like zico and terim wanting the job.
geordiejayne
Sep 9, 2008 at 11:22 AM
Comment #247Toonpipes, I actually think the petition has more than 57 names on it, just a fair comment
GM
Sep 9, 2008 at 11:25 AM
Comment #248@ Borm Agin – my thoughts exactly and like you will not be buying programs food etc (not that i normally do anyhow purely liquid diet for me 🙂 ) but will not be spending the usual £30+ in shearers b4 and after the game…boy the strawberry is gona b busy !!
@ Hitman – agree that the players are prob already disillusioned, but the only way that is gona change is to try and pick them up with our support.
geordiejayne
Sep 9, 2008 at 11:25 AM
Comment #249Lost Prophet. I think you are telling the story of a lot of fans that are writing on here. I think alot of us have been there the same as you.
And yes you are entitled to you opinion with wich I do not agree to some of it
TOONPIPES
Sep 9, 2008 at 11:25 AM
Comment #250Well, i actually think Poyet has got something to offer .. although not sure hes ready to manage the toon ….. he would ustand the system that MA wants to operate and i like the energy he brings – he seems pretty lucid when he is interviewed on tv.. however, i do prefer terim .. i think he would be excellent and it would be great if we can get him in .. i know people dont like it, but Poyet would be cheaper and who knows that would perhaps release more funds ….. for …… players – we cud mebs go for Lampard or Henry – ha ha! .. What do you reckon hitman?
Born Again Geordie
Sep 9, 2008 at 11:26 AM
Comment #251Lost prophet – Very well put and nice to see someone stating the facts and after all as you say we have seen it all before – just never had this type of media to vent our frustration in the past.
@ geordiejayne – exactly ‘Jobs for the boys’
Born Again Geordie
Sep 9, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Comment #252GM – wey I – The strawberry will be rammed !!!! lol 🙂
hitman
Sep 9, 2008 at 11:32 AM
Comment #253toonpipes,its a no brainer zico or terim,poyet is nothing comperd to these 2.
GM
Sep 9, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Comment #254@ toonpies – agree poyet as I have said is not my choice but if the current setup is staying ie MA is not selling up the one thing he has going for him is that he is friends with wise and the rest of the board – so there may not be this buying behind backs thing as they would speak to each other more openly..as friends do ?
Toon Chicken
Sep 9, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Comment #255geordiejayne – it is exactly that brand of dumb logic that is fueling the hysteria and making a bad situation worse.
I am not against Ashley therefore I am a fan.
How every philosophical of you. Why don’t we all start applying that level of thinking to everything: I am not against brussel sprouts, therefore I eat them with every meal. I am not against horse racing, therefore I don my top hat and tails and quaff champagne at Ascot every weekend.
Let me try and explain to you my standpoint again. I believe Ashley has done more good than bad since he bought our club. He has royally fcuked up on the way this Keegan mess has been handled BUT he does employ a team to look after that for him – therefore I believe it is Llambas that should bare the brunt of the fallout. Keegan walked, he wasn’t sacked, he walked like he always does. Keegan should take some of the blame for where we now find ourselves. HOWEVER I strongly believe there is life after Keegan and it doesn’t involve the death of Ashley.
The majority of people were happy that we were no longer being held ransom to ridiculous transfer fees and wages by end of the road, mercenary footballers. The majority are happy with the players we signed. The majority were happy with the job Wise was doing with regards to top young international talent. The majority enjoyed seeing Ashley amongst the fans down a cheeky pint when he wasn’t supposed to. The majority loved him for bringing back Kev (not me by the way).
Now Kev has gone and you act like he has been out to destroy us from day 1. But let’s get one thing straight – NUFC was there before Kevin Keegan. It will be there after Kevin Keegan. Kevin Keegan is not, has never and will never be bigger than NUFC.
Micky Toon
Sep 9, 2008 at 11:39 AM
Comment #256Lost Prophet – Post of the day.
Also for the people who are marching through Newcastle,I hope you’ve informed the police as they might take offence if you haven’t. They could arrest people under the criminal justice act that prevents unauthorised gatherings of people in public places. Protesting outside the ground may also cause grief as they will try to move you on for “health and safety” reasons.
By all means march through the town (wish I could be there) but be careful.
I also wish people would keep to the facts rather than come up with conspiracy and “man down the pub told me” info.
Like I keep saying, where was all this ire when sir bobby was sacked? Much better person to get angry about than quitter Keegan.
Steven
Sep 9, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Comment #257well whatever is done at least we will not fold over like those hammer supporters. Dennis Wise is the main issue, he undoubtedly led to KK’s resignation, not the lack of funding but Wise’s position.
What a waste of a season
TOONPIPES
Sep 9, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Comment #258@ Hitman …. Nah, its not as clear cut as that … will keep the comments as light hearted and strightfoward as possible in interest preventing this from becoming too draining …… MA has specific system and will not budge on it – Zico/Terim are vastly experienced and wont like being told to conform, not sure either of them 2 have ustanding of what take to work in the north-east, i reckon Poyet has better idea for his personal experience in the prem as player/coach … Poyet is younger and possibly hungrier more modern style of manager – you see what happened with Kev when you are already a legend, you dont need to stick around …….. Poyet is more in keeping with the MA ideal of buying good quality young + upcoming ….. so i can see the benefits of Poyet tho i probs prefer Terim on balance as i said initially …. what you think about that ?
Micky Toon
Sep 9, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Comment #259Toon Chicken – Problem is you can do a thousand good things, but you do one bad thing and that will be your legacy.
I guess I am also a pro-ashley bum boy now.
Toon Chicken
Sep 9, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Comment #260Lost Prophet – great post.
It’s very reassuring to hear the opinion of another level head.
I am sure there are many more of us out there – they’re probably too scared of being shouted down or called an ‘ass-licker’ or something equally dumb by the lynch mob baying for blood.
TOONPIPES
Sep 9, 2008 at 11:45 AM
Comment #261MickeyToon … welcome !! … seems the army is growing .. we may yet see some sense!! … Lost Prophet is in on it n’all .. haway the lads …. lets get behind the team ..,. onwards and upwards .. toooooon arrrrrrmyyyyyyyyyyyy
Toon Chicken
Sep 9, 2008 at 11:47 AM
Comment #262Toonpipes – I like your thinking on the potential Poyet appointment – very positive.
Personally I think we could do better with someone with a more proven track record. That said, every successful manger has to start somewhere and I have been very impressed with the way he conducts himself and heard nothing but good about him from Leeds fans.
TOONPIPES
Sep 9, 2008 at 11:47 AM
Comment #263geordiejayne … more than 57!! .. crikey – look oooooot we are going to present a petition to the owner of the club .. ”’PLEASE LEAVE” ..that shud do it .. all 58 signatures putting so much pressure on MA that he capitulates and does one .. leaving us in the hands of ……. FREDDY SHEPHERD – that wud be just great ..
Nick 69
Sep 9, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Comment #264seems the army is growing, haha, we will see how big the ashley army is come saturday in the toon then wont we
hitman
Sep 9, 2008 at 11:51 AM
Comment #265zico has already says he has no probs working with directors of football,as hes done it in the past,i dont know if terim has tho.the probs with poyet(i have nothing against him)he will be seen as a puppet to wise,plus i dont think ashley will be that daft,well then again.
hitman
Sep 9, 2008 at 11:52 AM
Comment #266toonpipes theres over 5,000 signed it.
Nick 69
Sep 9, 2008 at 11:54 AM
Comment #267toonpipes- at least a petition shows we are willing to stick up for the club and what we believe in, instd of bowing down to the cockney brigade who are ripping the club apart. u will see come saturday tht u are very much in the monority, and ur sitting behind ur computer takin the p*ss out of ppl who protest, why dont u try takin the p*ss out of all the protesters outside st james on saturday
Lost Prophet
Sep 9, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Comment #268Born again -Mickey Toon -Toon Chicken – Toon Pipes, thanks.
Its depressing to see us all arguing amongst ourselves. somone even compared it to the civil war the other day and likened us to the roundheads. If my history is correct the roundheads won the war but arsed it up and the people ended up begging for the monarchy to come back. Like I said time will tell.
TOONPIPES
Sep 9, 2008 at 12:01 PM
Comment #269Nick69 .. im all for sticking up for something if i think it is worthwhile .. hence why i am prepared to argue with you (generally) about this whole issue … i dont think MA is ripping the club apart .. i think Keegan has done that with his actions … await the abusive comments.
sweendog
Sep 9, 2008 at 12:04 PM
Comment #270Mitch .. what do you mean ownership by the fans .. is there a website etc set up for this .. I’ve not heard anything … I do think this is a good idea and should be publicised more.
TOONPIPES
Sep 9, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Comment #271Hitman .. noted – thanks, my sarcasim must have masked the fact that i still DO NOT AGREE with the protests or petitions … regardless of how many people sign then .. not becauase it wont do anything or help but because i dont think there is anything to stand against .. ok, i think there should be better communication from the board to the fans and a better ustanding of what is going on and the direction .. but i still think what MA is doing is generally correct and i ustand his actions .. sorry if you disagree .. just dont start with your arguments of friday night like ” toonpipes you blow” or i will really be forced to re-consider my position .. memorable outstanding arugment that was hitman ..
TOONPIPES
Sep 9, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Comment #272Nick69 .. dreary me .. is that it! .. are threatening me from BEHIND A COMPUTER .. have i challenged you mentally ? has it made you re-think .. sorry think for the first time ? .. is that why you making threats .. see it is this that has disgusted me so much – complete lack of thought by fellow geordies .. you are a disgrace – open your mind lad and get a grip .. just cos you dont agre with something doesnt mean you hit it or threaten to make it be quiet .. wat a t osser
Incognito
Sep 9, 2008 at 12:23 PM
Comment #273I’m just hoping that the fans’ feelings don’t soften over time and result in a poor protest at the weekend. This is exactly what Ashley will be hoping for and I can quite imagine it happening.
Marty
Sep 9, 2008 at 12:29 PM
Comment #274CRAIG CHISHOLM,I am in no way a MA fan but some of you guys are acting like ALAN OLIVER and making up stuff.
I simply want MA out and to sell to some1 that will spend and make us great and a joy to watch.
Killng all his Businesses like many ANARCHISTS on here want to do is just plain stupid.
People could get locked up for some of he things being planned.
No better than JOEY then,thus taking this club down into the sewers.
I hope we can get him out and start over,so lets stand side by side and voice our anger at him in a non-moronic way.Banners,flags whatever but Support our team as they have done nout wrong.
Just my thoughts
shearer4pm
Sep 9, 2008 at 1:31 PM
Comment #275i agree with marty 100%
lets jus see what happens, this was always goin to happen, im not saying that its right in any form but eventully he was goin to leave,
jus as long as it aint poyet and wise, that would be disasterous 3 yrs ago they were at swindon
GaryToon4Life
Sep 9, 2008 at 1:42 PM
Comment #276http://www.gopetition.co.uk/online/21764/sign.html get it signed and march on. we must be united in protest. 3pm march from the gate to sjp
Nick 69
Sep 9, 2008 at 1:57 PM
Comment #277toonpipes- when exactly did i threaten u??? oh thts rite, i didnt, i said ur happy to sit behind ur computer mockin ppl who are protesting so if ur so against us protesting etc, why dont u do something about it tellm eveyone who is protestin what u think, i dont need to open my mind, but u need to open ur eyes and read things properly b4 accusing ppl of threatening u u f*kin bell end
ToonRich
Sep 9, 2008 at 2:15 PM
Comment #278I read this on another forum earlier, written by a Spurs fan of all people…
“Is anyone else worried, nay scared witless, about Dennis Wise? That nasty little thug – who was an average player (at best) – and his ‘friends’ seem to be slowly taking over English football from the inside. Firstly, what qualifications does he have to be the Director of Football anywhere, let alone a club like Newcastle? Remeber, Leeds literally fell apart when Poyet left, it was nothing to do with Wise. Milan have Cesare Maldini. Bayern Munich have Franz Beckenbauer. Real Madrid have Predrag Mijatovic. Legends in world football all, and then Newcastle have a nasty little man who must be laughing all the way to the bank. In addition to that, his old Chelsea mates are all over the place. Di Matteo took over at MK Dons, Zola potentially at West Ham, Poyet is being talked about as the new NUFC manager. What’s going on? Somebody stop him immediately. For the love of football… ”
Some very good points I thought – Does Wise have all the qualifications needed for a role within an EPL club??
I just want him out, with MA /DL to follow 🙂
Stamford Toon
Sep 9, 2008 at 6:02 PM
Comment #279I have to admit to not having read all of the comments on this site, but while out this afternoon and thinking about those who suggest boycotting MA’s companies here is something for you to think about. A significant drop in trade will first of all result in redundancies for some of his employees. It could well be that a number of those are Geordies. Do you expect Toon fans to leave their jobs as a prorest of his actions. How would you feel if this made you redundant and would you hand in your notice in protest. All actions have consequnces have you thought them through or can you only see the possibility of hurting MA. I am not sure you have sufficient clout to do that as most of his concerns are national rather than local.
VanToon
Sep 9, 2008 at 6:30 PM
Comment #280Does anyone know if Ashley has any business interests here in Vancouver, Canada? If so, please reply so I can spread the word and boycott it.