The Chronicle has some really good news today – if it’s true – that Kevin Keegan will be offered a stake in Newcastle United worth millions of pounds if he returns as manager.
Johann Rupert – Chairman of Rosemont involved?
And what better way to stop him from walking out from the club again, than offering him a stake – a potentially brilliant move. And it looks like the South African consortium does indeed include the Rupert Family as we reported on Sunday , after one of our South African readers had alerted us that it seemed they could be the group.
Ashley seems willing to accept a reduced amount of around £300M, and perhaps as little as £250M so he doesn’t lose on the deal. The South African consortium are keeping their identities secret until they have studied the club’s books and reached an agreement with Ashley.
Keegan is central to their plans and the new news is that the five strong group of businessmen are prepared to offer him between 5-10% of the club’s value, if he agrees to come back. The Chronicle also does a decent job of speculating on who the businessmen may be and says Brian Joffe, 61, could be part of the group.
Joffe founded investment holding firm Bidvest and is CEO of South African football team Bidvest Wit. He buys failing companies and turns their fortunes around – so it sounds as if he’s in the right place – being after our club right now.
Bidvest’s financial controller David Cleasby said:
“I can’t talk for Mr. Joffe and that is all I can say.”
OK – well that tells us absolutely nothing.
The South African consortium are said to be ready to place £150M down-payment for Newcastle and pay the balance over the next year. As we reported on Sunday one man strongly linked with the deal is billionaire Johann Rupert, who is the current chairman of Swiss-based luxury goods firm Richemont, which owns brands including Cartier and Dunhill. He is part of the famous Rupert family of philanthropists in South Africa, and is the son of its founder.
In our piece on Sunday we said the 57 year old was worth £3.8B, and he already owns English rugby team Saracens, which he bought for £8M.
South African multi-millionaire Vivian Imerman may also be linked to the takeover, and Imerman, 53, was an owner of Del Monte before buying into Scottish whisky firm Whyte and Mackay, which he sold for £595M last year, reports the Chronicle today.
Imerman runs investment firm Vasari Global Ltd in London with fellow South African Gerald Katzeff, who is 61. However, the Chronicle reports that when they contacted Imerman, he denied being involved in a takeover of Newcastle United – but of course if they want to keep their identities secret, what else would he say?
Make no mistake these are the type of people we want to run Newcastle United, and to give Kevin a share of the club is a master-stroke. Only this morning we voiced our concerns that he may walk out again if he comes back. This is a brilliant way to keep him long term at Newcastle.
But there again we think this new group will treat Kevin with the respect he deserves. Same with Shearer hopefully, but it’s still a question if these two can work together at Newcastle.
The other thing is that the next World Cup is in South Africa, so Newcastle United could be front and center with all the football publicity South Africa will be getting in the next couple of years, and another reason why this group seem to know exactly what they are doing.
Now who are the best South African football players?
This has to be good news – if it’s all true.
Comments welcome.
213 comments so far
Ever seen a mackem in Milan?
Oct 1, 2008 at 2:30 PM
Comment #1It is looking very promising with the people who want to buy us. They will take the club forward and hopefully this time it will be a fresh start and we can start moving up the leage. Best South African player i have seen is Stephen Pienaar at Everton and Benni McCarthy in his first season at Blackburn.
Xisco19
Oct 1, 2008 at 2:31 PM
Comment #2Don’t you forget Matty Pattison! xD
JimToon
Oct 1, 2008 at 2:32 PM
Comment #3Shaazzam
tommytrouble
Oct 1, 2008 at 2:36 PM
Comment #4a little bit too much keegan love if that were to be true… I’m not sure what the benefit would be, sounds a bit contrived… I’m all for managers staying long term but surely a normal hefty contract and full power should be enough
Ever seen a mackem in Milan?
Oct 1, 2008 at 2:36 PM
Comment #5Newcastle have confirmed they are looking at bringing their former star Stephen Carr back to the club.
Magpies new interim manager Joe Kinnear has revealed that they are considering making the former Republic of Ireland international an offer to resurrect his St James’ Park career.
Former boss Kevin Keegan released Carr at the end of last season after four years at the club.
“We are looking at his position, but a lot will depend on his fitness,” Kinnear confirmed.
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What is he thinking! Another backwards step if it happens.
TOONPIPES
Oct 1, 2008 at 2:39 PM
Comment #6THE DARKSIDE IS THRIVING AND HITMAN HAS JOINED US … BELTA!
Davies
Oct 1, 2008 at 2:40 PM
Comment #7At least Keegan will have the pleasure of letting him go again.
I keep asking; is Keegan really the right way to go?
He may have a heart attack if he can’t walk out on us again!!!!
TOONPIPES
Oct 1, 2008 at 2:40 PM
Comment #8THE KKLONERS ARE FALLING…… LONG LIVE THE DARKSIDE … TOOOOON ARRMMYYYY
YllekPtoon
Oct 1, 2008 at 2:41 PM
Comment #9Hey all,im a south african and have lived in newcastle for my whole life of nearly 21yrs and have been a toon supporter for 15 of those years.best south african footballer is def benni mcarthy but he is already in th prem.there are near to no footballers in SA that id want to play for NUFC!!!they useless and so is the national team.but sounds like a promising take over indeed
The Entertainers
Oct 1, 2008 at 2:42 PM
Comment #10While its interesting seeing who is bidding for us and who is not, it wouldnt surprise me if a company or individual who has not been mentioned wins.
Just look at our transfers and our board keep secrets better than MI5!
There is still plenty of time to get the right buyer and i hope Ashley salvages some of reputation by bringing in quality, wealthy owners, with Newcastle at the heart of its plans.
Maybe then the fans could be more forgiving towards you. …….Maybe?
TOONPIPES
Oct 1, 2008 at 2:44 PM
Comment #11Davies, Keegan is not the way to go .. i loved that man for the mid/late nineties and now im broken hearted .. tbh, its still a right laugh when hes in charge + if he would agree to being a coach with a DOF alongside him, it would be a rollercoaster ride .. but if we want a sensible appointment, then not him …..
sweendog
Oct 1, 2008 at 2:44 PM
Comment #12All very positive news .. not sure about shearer in the mix though but Kk and being backed .. top 8 could still be a possibility if things move very fast .. fingers crossed.
hitman
Oct 1, 2008 at 2:44 PM
Comment #13what you going on aboot ya numpty
Ever seen a mackem in Milan?
Oct 1, 2008 at 2:45 PM
Comment #14Given the choice i would bring in a new coach that is proven to be a quality manager. How can we or the players trust a man who could walk out at any time when the going gets tough? He has proved in most if not all of his jobs that is what he will do. This is an ideal opportunity to bring in a new coach and move the club forward for a change. Before you say i have something against Keegan i dont. I would like him to come back but if we can get a better manager than him i think we should.
TOONPIPES
Oct 1, 2008 at 2:46 PM
Comment #15Steven Carr!! .. yikers .. but if we have to, we have to ……………..
TOONPIPES
Oct 1, 2008 at 2:46 PM
Comment #16Hitman … Nooo son! .. where you been … hows it gan, was hoping that would get ya oot …. we sweet or what ? .. mozza said you werent happy bout somethin .. haway man, ive got nee beef with you thought we were mates .. !
Kash
Oct 1, 2008 at 2:47 PM
Comment #17I couldn’t give 2 FOCKS as to who’s gonna buy us. The most important detail, which everyone is missing, is HOW MUCH WILL THEY SPEND IN JANUARY TO STAVE OF THE THREAT OF RELEGATION?????????
We need at least 7 players to come in, pretty much a whole new midfield, 2 fullbacks and a CB!!!
hitman
Oct 1, 2008 at 2:49 PM
Comment #18stop brining me tag into your comments when im not here,im not on your side never have and never will pipes.
TOONPIPES
Oct 1, 2008 at 2:51 PM
Comment #19So are we sweet or not ? .. i’m only messin man, not many others been battlin (friendly banter) bout this as long as we have and i divent want yee p issed of with us … i saw you werent sure about Kev .. and im a little suprised .. whats made you change your mind ? ..
canada willie
Oct 1, 2008 at 2:53 PM
Comment #20This seems more like it. Someone who knows what they are doing and are familiar with large organisations. At least they are doing a proper due diligence and the price will reflect the reality of the current situation
I suspect they will grow United and then sell them on in a few years when the market improves.
The price will be less than Ashley wants but this is no less than he deserves for screwing up the Club
hitman
Oct 1, 2008 at 2:54 PM
Comment #21just because i dont want keegan back,dosnt mean i want ashley to stay,new start all round,new owner new manager, as soon as ashley does 1 the better this club will be.
Toon Chicken
Oct 1, 2008 at 2:56 PM
Comment #22Ed – you’re getting as bad as the Sun man.
You say it looks like Rupert is part of the SA consortium, but in the very same article you’re quoting it actually says, “When contacted by the Chronicle, a spokesman said neither Richemont nor Mr Rupert were interested in buying Newcastle United.”
It’s these sort of articles that just feed the KK hysteria.
TOONPIPES
Oct 1, 2008 at 2:58 PM
Comment #23Ok .. fair enuff .. in fact im probs with you that MA probs should go .. i mean, im not happy i still think he would be wicked for us, BUT been so much s hit that it probs impossible for him to continue .. i actually more concerned with the players pulling their f ingers out their a rses and playing football .. not acceptable at the moment .. hope Kinnear can get them goin .. get vinnie in to crash some heads together ..
Tom_Toon
Oct 1, 2008 at 2:58 PM
Comment #24Teko Modise is SA’s most ‘techinically gifted’ player according to Perreira.
They are mad to offer KK 5-10%.
hitman
Oct 1, 2008 at 2:59 PM
Comment #25as soon as keegan walked i says on here bring in van gaal,i wanted him in when sir bob got the elbow,he is just what this club needs.
Angryman the Angry Fan
Oct 1, 2008 at 3:00 PM
Comment #26Toonpipes, if anyone is changing tack mate, its YOU!!
i have noticed your posts have been becoming more and more milder with regards to your CASHLEY worship and you very rarely mention your god given hero anymore!!
Hedging your bets are you!!
ME I think your turn coat scum, always have been and always will be.
CASHLEY OUT!!
TOONPIPES
Oct 1, 2008 at 3:00 PM
Comment #27Chicken you seen they talkin about Carr coming back ….. shambles ..
hitman
Oct 1, 2008 at 3:03 PM
Comment #28did anyone listern to steve claridges phone in on setanta,he says he heard from a good friend the reason kk let milner go was wise and co says they could get swinztiger(soz for spelling),so kk let milner go,the next day wise and co asked keegan if they no anyone at bayern.
hitman
Oct 1, 2008 at 3:04 PM
Comment #29*if he knows
Brave New Toon - Taylor is a legend
Oct 1, 2008 at 3:05 PM
Comment #30macken in milan
A proven manegerial track record?…
Kevin keegan then.
or maybe a fancy foriegn manager/coach…
Gullit?Ramos?… get a grip man.
pipes
why do we need a dof at all?
Black Caesar
Oct 1, 2008 at 3:05 PM
Comment #31Mr ED I have lost confidence in you totally!!! What is it with you and Kevin Keegan? As someone who puts himself out as knowing football you should know Keegan is a mediocre manager!!
You backed Ashley and his cronies etc etc etc – your judgmentis useless!
…………………..
TOONPIPES
Oct 1, 2008 at 3:06 PM
Comment #32Angry Man, sadly you have missed the point …. all along, the thing i have been MOST against was the hysteria immediately after Keegan walking, wherein you and loads of others blamed MA 100% and said KK was 100% right to go. Reason why i have argued so much is cos i dont blv and never will blv that it was 100% MA fault – defacto KK has to have been at fault to some extent … i also considered it 100% unacceptable for KK to walk – the principle of it is un-acceptable as i do not see enuff excuses … now you have calmed down and people like me have argued so much, you are finally seeing that all i am looking for is a balanced approach to the situation rather than everyone jumping up and down saying MA ooooot when clearly the end result would be the instability we are currently experiencing .. in all honesty if Keegan had sayed and worked it out, i would have been quite happy ……..
Toon Chicken
Oct 1, 2008 at 3:06 PM
Comment #33If this SA consortium want to keep Keegan at the club why not just make him honorary lifetime club mascot.
Whenever we’re loosing and it looks like some fans are about to start booing and flapping their anti-whoever banners, the club can just wheel out KK and let him run up and down the touchline to remind the bedsheet brigade of the gold old days. He’d be like the personification of valium for the mob.
TOONPIPES
Oct 1, 2008 at 3:07 PM
Comment #34And divent call us ‘scum’, your use of such a word is ironic yu dum dum
Temuri K's Shiny Bonce
Oct 1, 2008 at 3:08 PM
Comment #35I’ve heard that Schweinsteiger story only the way I heard it was that a fee had been agreed with Bayern for him so Wise and Lambs Arse told Keegan he could sell Milner as they were sure that Jiminez could close the deal. Keegan did Jimenez didn’t
TOONPIPES
Oct 1, 2008 at 3:08 PM
Comment #36Hitman, didnt see that but the story about sweinsteiger has come up a few time so mebs there is some truth in that ….. would explain why Kev said he agreed to let Milner go … otherside of the coin was that he did do cos he thought he was gettin a replacement ..
murvar
Oct 1, 2008 at 3:09 PM
Comment #37Now you lot stop attacking Monsieur Le Pipe. He’s a national (well a north east) treasure and adds greatly to the gaiety of nations (in the old-fashioned sense I hasten to add. He’s the Toon equivalent of Mary, Mary – Quite Contrary. He professes to admire Ashley cos heknows it will wind up right-minded peole like me, and he says nasty theins about KK cos he likes being mentioned in other people’s responses. OH OH! I’ve fallen for it again!
micepie
Oct 1, 2008 at 3:09 PM
Comment #38On KK again:
Well, it was wrong of KK to walk out in all ways except principles. He should still have worked on though until the end of the season, so if KK is re-appointed he should make some apologies as well as re-affirm his determination to succeed.
Like others I believe that another and younger manager could well be the best way forward for us BUT I feel that KK will at least be a good stepping stone to a future next level. If he came back soon we could probably rely on playing attractive football and finishing mid-table this season. With a totally new manager (or coach) it is more of a risk, when this season we probably just want to solidify and stabilise.
I’d go for KK again for this season and next, then hand to baton to someone else. The exception, for me, would be if we appoint a manager/coach soon who already has Prem experience like Sven. If that’s the case we’d be in safe hands.
Brave New Toon - Taylor is a legend
Oct 1, 2008 at 3:09 PM
Comment #39black caeser
explain., mediocre
TOONPIPES
Oct 1, 2008 at 3:10 PM
Comment #40Noo Murvar .. hows it gan .. jus back for walkin the dog ? – are ye hips up to it ? … I do support MA .. and i dont support Keegans antics .. BUT quite clearly MA position is untenable so … mebs we have to move on .. doesnt mean i wudnt have prefered him to stay .. is that to complex for you to understand ? ? !!