Newcastle manager Joe Kinnear has hinted today that Kevin Keegan’s status with Newcastle fans may be undermined, once the truth surrounding his resignation finally comes out.
Kevin Keegan – resigned in early September
We don’t have any real facts on what went on during the afternoon of Monday, 1st September, and we thought that players Xisco and Gonzalez had been brought in behind Kevin’s back – but that may not be the case, as hinted by Joe today in The People.
The Newcastle club is still in some disarray and we could be bottom of the league today if Bolton get at least a draw in today’s home game against Manchester City.
Joe has obviously been told at least the Ashley side of the story on the Keegan exit and said today:
“I could tell you lots of things about that. You will have to wait and see.” “You might be pleasantly surprised.” “You are making an assumption — like most of the journalists up here — and 75 per cent of you are wrong.”
“Wait until you see the statements, that is all I am saying. All will be revealed.” “Maybe Mike Ashley will be accepted. Maybe he will come back and won’t sell the place. Maybe he will invest in the club. Who knows?”
“It only needs the team to go on a small run and people will easily forget. I am saying forget, but I don’t know what the man has done.” “It is difficult. He has put £240million into the club and he can’t come and watch the team.”
“But he could make his peace with the fans. It isn’t all of them. He hasn’t been given a fair crack of the whip by the Press.” “He is a down to earth fellah who loves his football. His kids love it. I don’t know what mistakes he has made because I haven’t been here to look at them.”
We think that maybe Joe is trying to make the case that Ashley stays becasue he will most liekly continue as manager, which would obviously delight him, to say the least.
But Ashley is still trying to sell the club and according to yesterday’s reports Keith Harris is still negotiasting but there has been little progress these last two weeks.
Of course Kevin Keegan has sued the Newcastle club, so now’s not the time for people to be making any statements about what happened, but this is the first we’ve heard that the blow-up with keegan and the Board may be different than has been widely reported.
Ashley may be struggling a little to find a buyer to pay the £280M he wants for the club, and sources close to investment banker Keith Harris, who is trying to broker the sale, have said there were no developments last week. The first thing Mike should do is to reduce the price to £250M, which will still make him a little profit, and there will be more chance the club can be sold.
But that doesn’t say the sale will not go forward, and that’s what we’ll hope for. However, if Mike can’t sell the club our fans will need to look at what’s best for the club this season. We have to think that even more upheaval against Mike Ashley, would be very damaging to us, and to our Premier League status this season. It would have to have a negative impact on the players.
We must put the club first, and support whoever the manager is, and it’s Joe right now so the next thing we can do is support the lads tomorrow night against Aston Villa. No doubt that will be a tough game.
But fortune favors the brave, as we’ve seen this week with Spurs and Harry Redknapp, and Hull City have been doing it all season, so we trust the lads will have lots of fighting spirit on MOnday night and come out like a steam train against Villa and even get all 3 points.
Comments welcome.
91 comments so far
Sav
Nov 2, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Comment #41Look. Ashley bought the club in a hurry. For what he thought it was worth. He claimed only then did he find out about the extra debt hidden in the accounts.
First, its now HIS club, so paying off the debt is for his benefit, not the fans’.
Second, the debt he had to clear has no business
being added to the value. They do NOT make the club a more valuable asset, as Ashley did not know about them on the first place. The club is still worth more like what Ashley paid for it. He had thought he was making a swift move without due diligence and got himself a pig in a poke.
Third, Ashley has put nothing else in since. He has made profit on transfers plus he has pocketed season ticket revenue and TV revenue since and not a word about it.
Keegan was shafted. Those who say he should have stayed under unacceptible conditions are pathetic. Joe arrived well after the fact and should keep his nose out. Mike Ashley may pay his wages but he is not required to suck up or schmooze the fans on his employer’s behalf. Ashley can speak for himself and most of us are still reeling from the disgusting ‘It is a fact’ statement the club issued after KK’s departure.
Joe should also read Ashley’s unequivocal statement that he will put no more money into the club. New purchases will be paid for by selling fit, available players. (sadly not Smith or Viduka).
Sav
Nov 2, 2008 at 12:15 PM
Comment #42Ashley Out!
ObaMartins
Nov 2, 2008 at 12:21 PM
Comment #43Joe Kinnear has just lost what little bit of support i had for him as Manager, it was clear from the start Ashley was using Kinnear to get the fans onside with the bits of information he was releasing about the sale of the Club “Keegan was Used & Abused by Ashley , Wise and Co..” he cannot sell the Club for a massive profit so intends to stay on untill he can…..GET OUT ASHLEY & take your Puppet KINNEAR with you ……
Knownowt
Nov 2, 2008 at 12:24 PM
Comment #44It seems that most responses to this theme suggest that Kinnear’s comments are part of an MA promotion. I fully agree with this but without knowing the real facts, would like to pose some simple questions.
Why did Kinnear feel he needed to say anything?
What would he gain if Ashley stayed?
What would he lose if Ashley left?
Since Ashley was very sensitive to KK making public statements, why is Kinnear coming out on such a regular basis talking on such a range of issues; usually linked with his desire to continue long term or in support of Ashley’s position?
Making statements of this nature on the day before an important game which, if we lose could see us bottom of the league, isn’t too clever considering the effect it may have of further unsettling the team.
Of course he was apparently taking to The News of the World, famed for the accuracy and integrity of it’s reporting.
NorthernPaul
Nov 2, 2008 at 12:27 PM
Comment #45“Silence of the Llambias”
Great name dude, made me chuckle!
I think all JFK’s press talk is pointing to Ashley staying. I hope not, but it does seem like propaganda to back Ashley up and sort of prepare the fans for that news.
I really hope he goes, the slaaag!
Chester Geordie
Nov 2, 2008 at 12:48 PM
Comment #46Sav it does nt make anyone pathetic to say KK should have stayed,we all have our opinon and have the right to voice it.I hate the fat man with a passion but thats twice KK has walked away from our club and i think in doing so he made a bad situation worse,just take a look at the table to see what i mean.I just wish KK had come out and publically stated what was happening and that the players the dwarf had brought in would nt be selected as they were nt players KK wanted or needed.We needed him to stay we are in deep shit and he must take a little of the blame for that.Dont get me wrong the fat man bears 99 % of the blame for the shambles we are in along with that midget but i am gutted KK chose yet again to walk away it as achieved sod all.
toonmania1
Nov 2, 2008 at 12:54 PM
Comment #47if he hasnt sold the club by xmas, and we are near the bottom, he will HAVE TO PUMP SOME CASH INTO THE TEAM FOR JANUARY OTHERWISE HE WONT GET 180 MILL FOR US WHEN WE ARE IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP – FACT!!
capt. darlin
Nov 2, 2008 at 1:07 PM
Comment #48Ashley deserves a lot of credit. Everyone knows what he s done on the money side of things, the debts etc. After sacking Big Fat Sam he wanted Arry Rednapp, who ultimately turned them done no doubt after seeing the negative press from the MOB not wanting him. So Ashley turned to the MOB wanted in Keegan. And look how it all ended. Keegan the bottler walking again!!!! Ashley has only the clubs best interests at heart which to him is a 250m investment, not a 500 quid season ticket you can choose not to renew instead of supporting the team!!!
Waddle's mullet
Nov 2, 2008 at 1:09 PM
Comment #49capt. darlin Well said!!!
A bit of sense at last.
capt. darlin
Nov 2, 2008 at 1:12 PM
Comment #50Look at Rednapp, now!!!! 7 points in three games against the arse, liverpool and bolton, nuff said….. i tank you
capt. darlin
Nov 2, 2008 at 1:12 PM
Comment #51Ah, and an FA cup winners medal
Sav
Nov 2, 2008 at 1:12 PM
Comment #52Chester, surely KK waited 3 days to get his position sorted. Ashley had taken the coward’s way out and was clubbing in NY while the shit went down. Keegan obviously demanded to know if he was boss of transfers, as promised publicly, or Dennis Wise. Ashley has said its Wise and Keegan couldn’t swallow it. I don’t blame him and I think better of him for refusing to allow his standing with the people of Newcastle to windowdress an unacceptible situation where our top players are made available for transfer on deadline day.
These facts are in the public domain, as is the pathetic ‘It is a fact’ statement the club subsequently released. Nothing personal but when fans forget these things I find it fickle and frankly disloyal. I certainly do not believe that it was a decision Keegan took lightly or happily, a smany ‘toys out of his pram’ comments would suggest. I believe it was a decision he felt was the only honourable course open to him. I am sad that that concept seems alien to a number of posters.
Chester Geordie
Nov 2, 2008 at 1:43 PM
Comment #53Sav i ve been a fan for over 35 years now mate so using words like disloyal just dont hold any water.I like many on here have more than earned their right to an opinon without being told we are pathetic or disloyal.Let me make it clear i am no MA fan he has made alot of piss poor decisons,the worst of which was bringing in the dwarf.We really dont know all the facts about what happened but we know where we are in the table and my point was and is KK has contributed to that by walking away yet again.Every time there is the slightest problem the guy walks away from whatever job he is in.As i ve said KK is a legend both as a player and a manager for us (first time around) but it was another MA mistake to bring him back.I want MA out as much as you mate but we need a fresh start and that means no KK.We need a top class coach with sound tactical know how and a scouting network setup and working, someone like Van Gal
UTD111
Nov 2, 2008 at 1:59 PM
Comment #54Chester Geordie – I’ve read the points you make and respect your view – however I think the criticism of Sir Kevin is a bit harsh. Whether it had been Keegan, Wenger, Ferguson or even the blessed ‘Arry – no top manager worth their salt could be expected to hang around whilst being told by a bloke with no knowledge of the game, that a twerp like Wise would be deciding which new players he would get….just not acceptable, Kevin didn’t jump – he was pushed
SwedEric
Nov 2, 2008 at 2:23 PM
Comment #55Why you still thinks Xisco was brought in behind KK back? You Ed have yourself publiched an intervju with Xisco where he says he meet with keegan, and he sold the club to him and wanted to play for him after that.
How can you get from that that he was brought in behind his backs?
Sick of all the peolpe who asumes things and then after a long time makes that as facts..
Big Dave
Nov 2, 2008 at 3:11 PM
Comment #56SwedEric im 100% with you on that mate i can remember the interview and as you said xicisco stated that it was KK that convinced him that the toon was the place for him.
Chester Geordie
Nov 2, 2008 at 3:22 PM
Comment #57UTD111 like i ve said KK is a legend i just feel he walks away alittle to quickly mate,its just frustrating to see the club you love in such a mess.MA is the main cause of this,bringing in the midget and the lamb.I just wish KK had stayed and fought for the club he says he loves.I just dont think someone like Ferguson or Wenger would have allowed it to happen in the first place.
Big Dave
Nov 2, 2008 at 3:31 PM
Comment #58Chester Geordie I understand what you are saying mate and to be honest that was the one bad thing about KK when he decides to walk he walks. but i would take him back tomorrow
ObaFan2
Nov 2, 2008 at 3:47 PM
Comment #59This club is going to the dogs.
IMO JFK should “shut it” about what has gone on, KK is still in a legal battle so he cannot comment or reply. Yes that is what Ashley has done, forced KK into taking legal action against the club!
Ashley has proved to be a liar and someone who has BS’d from the start.
Ashley has backed his southern based buddies even though they are damaging this club.
Ashley never strengthened the squad this summer in the positions that were desperate for cover.
Our team (nearly full strength now) has looked half the team it was at the very start of this season.
There is nothing Ashley can say or do now to make ME change my view about him.
skin d
Nov 2, 2008 at 4:01 PM
Comment #60i think keegan just showed courtesey in speaking to xisco as he knew it wasn,t the lads fault.
that was probably his last duty as a manager.
ashley the day you leave we will have a street party will banners,ballons etc f##k off and take smoking joe and the rest of cohorts with you.
Macas
Nov 2, 2008 at 4:01 PM
Comment #61Why are people talking about Redknapp?? he would have walked away at the first hint of Ashley and his cronies undermining him, no different to Keegan.
Big Dave
Nov 2, 2008 at 4:03 PM
Comment #62ObaFan2 mate it was nice to see that you are aware that KK cant talk, as it really gets to me when bloggers go on about the fact thatt KK wont come out and say things. I even noticed in a BSA interview fri or sat that he cant speak about anything to do with the Toon because of a secresy clause
skin d
Nov 2, 2008 at 4:06 PM
Comment #63sick of hearing the same drivel about ashley clearing the debt,i,d rather have a team of quality players winning trophies thus reducing the debt,than a debt free club with average players playing in the championship.
ObaFan2
Nov 2, 2008 at 4:10 PM
Comment #64Big Dave , it seemed obvious to me that KK was gagged after the Chelsea match last season. We could always trust KK and what he had to say, even Mort earned respect too imo.
Now there is not one person (not inc. players) I can trust at NUFC. It’s a dark time at NUFC.
skin d
Nov 2, 2008 at 4:10 PM
Comment #65when people go on about the debt,makes me think that ashley has brainwashed them sufficiently.
the old chessnut of the debt has been used as a stick to beat us over the head with from day one.
it was just part of that slimy fat gits con.
skin d
Nov 2, 2008 at 4:14 PM
Comment #66if mike ashley had wanted the best for the toon,why all the silence? it says it all really.
if he had of been making positive moves he would have told the fans about everything he was doing.
the silence makes me think he is up to no good,but that is just my opinion.
Big Dave
Nov 2, 2008 at 4:16 PM
Comment #67ObaFan2 100% mate like thinking about it now how to hell can you have a manager(imho the most important person at the club) that cant talk about transfers. KK’s honesty was one of his gifts
Toon Chicken
Nov 2, 2008 at 4:18 PM
Comment #68BHS have got 50% off bedsheets all this week – time for another boyscout!!!!!
GET THA COCKENEYE MAFEEAH OOT!!
NO ONE BUT GEORDIES AT THA TOON!!
TAYLOR IS A SUVVENOR!!
Toon Chicken
Nov 2, 2008 at 4:22 PM
Comment #69KEYGURN KEYGURN!!!!
MDS
Nov 2, 2008 at 4:41 PM
Comment #70To me its clear: he’s can’t get the deal he wants for the club due to the credit crisis. So he’s going to wait until the economy improves a bit which, he now realizes, may take several months forcing him to do something in January transfer window…
KK FOREVER (Ross)
Nov 2, 2008 at 4:42 PM
Comment #71Day by day it looks like Ashley is trying to pave his path back to the toon like.
Talk on the takeover has been very quiet from all ends and now Kinnear is speaking to the press hinting that he basically backs Ashley regarding the whole KK fiasco, whether he’s heard both sides of the story or not.
To start i quite liked JFK, but never once said he should take the job full time. After his foul mouth tirade’s that said
“i’m anything but a yes man and i’ll do what i want”, little interviews like this make him look like some sort of translator for Ashley.
All planned? the rant to lead us into a false sense of security and get behind him and now this? who knows. All i know is, if that is the case, Ashley is doing himself no favours if he wants to come back, and if not he needs to sell up and let us get on with trying to become a football team again instead of a soap operah.
A point minimum tomorrow night or we’re in serious trouble, because man city dont look like threatening Bolton here.
matt(the original)
Nov 2, 2008 at 4:53 PM
Comment #72“facts are facts” blah blah blah
you all have no idea what went on, neither do i. dnt try to say you do. dont try to say MA was “clubbing in NY” just because he was in nyc. dont say “sir kevin” cause he definately ait even close to holdin the same as SIR BOBBY. kevin keegan is a joke, and thats MY OPINION. kevin, as mentioned earlier, does not have the tactical know how and anyone who thinks it would be a good idea to bring THAT poisoned dwarf back is, sav, PATHETIC. you are like little kids in a mall who couldnt sit on santas lap. shutup and support your team. KK was a horrible decision to reinstall as mngr but MA did it because YOU wanted it, as did i. but now i see that you and i, we’re not the best decision makers. leave it to someone else, be it MA, a middle eastern consortium or whomever. f*ckin whiners all of you.
and sav, UTD111, when i see yours names i dnt even read your post, your a bunch of conspiracy theorist 12 year olds who hope for the worst just so you can say your dumb, unfounded beliefs are right. you dont even want to be proved wrong
NUFutureCowboy
Nov 2, 2008 at 5:55 PM
Comment #73kevin keegan, hmmmm. he’s not the messiah he’s a very naughty boy. one question to you all. WHY hasn’t keegan come out and said what happened. is it because he is the one at fault.
ginkoh
Nov 2, 2008 at 6:47 PM
Comment #74Show me your statement !!! and don’t even think everyone except yourself stupid ! be the man and tell us the truth what we missed it last time .
Raghav
Nov 2, 2008 at 6:51 PM
Comment #75he is so desperate for permanent job that he is making out such stupid stories.Kinnear along with stupid & maggot ashley should pack their bags & walk out of here.Kinnear is a big mouth & has absolutely no future at our club he should go down divisions below & take along taylor & ameobi with wisse with him.
CHUCK
Nov 2, 2008 at 7:13 PM
Comment #76Glad to see there are some realistic fans, who see KK as he really is, as both petulent and someone who folds under pressure.
Does anyone believe KK was unaware of the fact a” Football Director with all of its implications”
would be the system in place , if not he certainly was informed at the infamous London meeting.
He`s gone, aint coming back, so give it a rest.
ashleys wallets cobwebs
Nov 2, 2008 at 7:51 PM
Comment #77f**k off ashley, and take your cronies with you
skin d
Nov 2, 2008 at 9:09 PM
Comment #78chuck couldn,t give a f##k whether keegan comes back i just want ashley out of the club.
so basically CHUCK OFF!!!!!!!!.
vic
Nov 2, 2008 at 9:10 PM
Comment #79IT WAS A BAD TIME WHEN MIKE BOUGHT THE CLUB ‘IN A HURRY’.
BAD FOR THE CLUB, BAD FOR THE FANS,
BAD FOR THE PLAYERS.
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE CLUB NOW IS RESULT OF MA AND HIS PALS (LAMBIAS & WISE) MANAGEMENT.
MA HAD CHANCE TO TURN THINGS AROUND WHEN DECLARED HIS ULTIMATUM. MA COULD TAKE KEEGAN’S SIDE AND GO FORWARD WITH THE CLUB HOWEVER HIS PREFERENCE WAS HIS PERSONAL FREND WISE – NOT THE CLUB.
I DO NOT BLAME KK. ANY SERIOUS/SELFRESPECTFUL MANAGER WHO HAS HIS OWN PHILOSOPHY/VISION OF THE GAME WOULD GO AWAY FROM THESE PEOPLE WHO DO NOT EVEN INTERESTING IN THE CLUB 9SITTING SOMEWHERE IN LONDON, LIERS ETC..)
ARRY REDKNEPP POLITELY REFUSE TO COME TO US BECAUSE HE DOES NOT WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MUPPETSHOW WITH DENISE WISE , LAMBIAS AND MA WHO DO NOT HAVE PEOPLE SKILLS AND PROVED LIERS (IT IS A FACT).
TO HAVE FRESH START WE NEED NEW OWNER
skin d
Nov 2, 2008 at 9:12 PM
Comment #80WELL SAID VIC F##K OFF ASHLEY YOU GREEDY FAT PARASITE.