Joe Kinnear is turning his attention to the January transfer window, and he knows he must sell before he can buy, in his effort to improve the quality of the squad.
Alan Smith – likely to move on in January?
Joe talked to the Newcastle Journal after the game on Saturday:
“I spoke to Dennis last week,” “I’m only really getting on board with Dennis now because the (transfer) window’s coming. When I first took the job I didn’t think I’d be here this long so I didn’t really get down to talking about finances and players.”
“Now it seems the club won’t be sold, certainly until after Christmas. I’ve got my eye on two or three players we need and two or three to sell. Dennis is now given the task to go and get them, simple as that – and the task of removing some of the players I feel are not good enough.”
During his meeting with Ashley, Kinnear asked for some financial backing in January:
“The answer, truthfully, was keep the money you get for the players you sell and invest it back in the team,” “If there’s someone I desperately want he’ll possibly put his hand in his pocket providing he’s not near to selling the club.”
Of course this doesn’t help with the size of our squad, if Joe has to sell players first, unless he can bring more players in for the money than those he lets go of course. Joe was then asked who may be sold:
“Not players here (at Stamford Bridge) today, fringe players who won’t be involved, in my opinion, in the first team but we’ve spent a few quid on. If we can get some of that back and replace them with quality players, the squad will be better.”
Those not at Stamford Bridge include Smith, Geremi, Xisco and Mark Viduka. The latter is in the final season of his contract, making recouping money on him difficult – but he is one of Newcastle’s highest earners at over £60K/week.
It would also appear that he’s not looking to move Joe Enrique or even Steve Harper out, with both being in the squad on Saturday, and of course Jose played at Chelsea in Saturday’s excellent team display.
Other players who could be moved out to lessen the wage bill include 20 year-old David Edgar, who has hardly played under Kinnear this season.
We paid big money for Smith and Xisco, and it will be interesting to see if we can recuperate anywhere near the £12M the club paid out for their services.
In any case with Joe now very likely to be in charge through January, it promises to be an exciting time for Newcastle supporters in the upcoming transfer window, as Joe does his unenviable job of getting Newcastle strengthened and back up that league table.
He hasn’t done too bad at all up to this point, and we feel quite positive that the Irishman can improve the squad in January. Maybe a little bit of good news is on the horizon, we certainly could use some. 
Comments welcome.
91 responses so far ↓
1 tino97 // Nov 24, 2008 at 10:04 AM
Its says we need to sell to generate money for the transfer window. I think we should sell Cacapa and Geremi. But can’t see us getting much for them. I would like to keep Smith and see what JFK can do with him. I would give the younger lads a chance.
2 ELFER // Nov 24, 2008 at 10:05 AM
I have to put the finger up and remind you that the chelski game was an easy one…
Don’t call me stupid, but I still remember the two poor displays before, when we did not seem to have any tactical clue during the game!! I hope kinnear can change this also against the so called “weaker” teams – we need points against them!!! Saturday it starts!
3 lesh // Nov 24, 2008 at 10:07 AM
We need to add, not offload. Smith, well maybe but Geremi’s good on his day and Xisco’s not had a chance to show his obvious talents yet.
Take care Joe, take care buying players who’ve got to be bedded in and that takes time and add a lot of risk to an already precarious situation.
4 Northern Rock // Nov 24, 2008 at 10:12 AM
OUT:
- Geremi
- Smith
- Duff
- Butt
IN:
- Quality
5 MURPHY // Nov 24, 2008 at 10:17 AM
I hope xisco is given a chance. it’s seems he’s been written off already just because Keegan didn’t want him, keegans gone so lets give him a chance.
I think it’ll be Smith, Geremi, edgar, cacapa and n’zog going. Would love nzog to stay but he’s clearly not happy so we’ll have to let go I feel.
6 Irish -Toon // Nov 24, 2008 at 10:23 AM
We also have a load of players who’s contracts run out in June. Cacapa, Owen, Harper, Gonzalez, Ameobi, Butt, Viduka, Edgar, Danquah, Morris, Doninger, Donaldson, Godsmark, Marwood & Lough
7 RichardG // Nov 24, 2008 at 10:23 AM
I agree with Tino, I feel JFK can get the best out of Smith when he comes back, also he is a versatile player who has been used in many positions.
I feel there are other players should be out of the door first:
Xisco is a complete waste of money.
Geremi should maybe be cashed in on as age is not on his side and he is very inconsistent.
Cacapa has been overtaken by Bassong so I feel that he should be on his way too.
Viduka maybe wouldnt bring us much cash back in but would represent a massive saving in wages.
Edgar, although he is a decent player I feel there are players infront of him and also JFK has spoken about wanting to bring in another defender.
NZogbia is beginning to look unsettled, even though I would not like to see him leave, I feel that if a player is unsettled or their heart is elsewhere it is best to cash in asap (ie. Jenas)
Natcho Gonzales’s loan should be cancelled, why pay the wages of a player who played about 20 shocking minutes for us.
All this said, it is fine offloading players aslong as we get some talent into the team. I think versatility is the key really. Someone who can play anywhere accross the back 4. someone who can play anywhere in the middle of the park and upfront, its simple really, GET MO SIGNED ON!!!!
8 Nenad The Serbian Mag // Nov 24, 2008 at 10:23 AM
I’d keep Xisco at least until the end of the season… And if he is to leave, I’d stick Ranger into the starting XI a few times and see what happens…
And how about Tozer and Kadar for competition at left back?
9 Edd Case // Nov 24, 2008 at 10:31 AM
Only trouble is, if we have to sell, 3 or 4 to get 3 in, we’re still going to be desperately short in numbers, even if we bring in quality.
10 samthecat // Nov 24, 2008 at 10:41 AM
No one is going to pay any money for Geremi or Viduka or Cacapa or Smith for that matter until he proves his fitness. Gonzales contract would have to be paid up probably so no saving there.
Xisco-you cant judge a player on so few minutes on the pitch.
I suggest we keep all our players and buy/loan a central midfielder.
11 Toony // Nov 24, 2008 at 10:47 AM
I’m not great at sums but if we sell say 3 players and get £12m and we buy another 3 players for the same amount then we are not going to be a lot better off and we will still have a small squad. If we bought 4 players for the same total as qwe got for selling 3 players then they wouldn’t be as good. What happened to the £12m we got for Milner?
12 Sav // Nov 24, 2008 at 10:48 AM
No doubt there’s a handful of players we could all name that we’d be happy enough to let go. But realistically, would we get more than washers for any of them?
Who is going to pay millions for Smudger? He’ll barely be fit by January. In terms of Xisco, there’s a credit crisis in Spain as well as here, so can’t expect our money back. And then there’s the time factor when you can’t buy until you sell first. Its a short enough window and the players Joe wants on loans and cheap fees may well be snapped up before he has generated a kitty.
It all looks like more stalling tactics bu FatAsh to save him putting his hand in his pocket.
And STILL no mention of the important contract negotiations with Owen, Butt etc.
13 Spyro // Nov 24, 2008 at 10:51 AM
Nice to see there are smarter people on the blog today. We shouldnt sell Xisco as he hasn’t even had a chance yet. If we lose Xisco and Zog in January i will be livid. A squad that already is paper thin and yet we are told to sell before we can buy?! F**K OFF ASHLEY YOU MONEY GRABBING FAT B*****D!
14 Spyro // Nov 24, 2008 at 10:54 AM
Sav
I am with you on that, something dodgy is definitely going on here. Since MA has been here we haven’t once had a straight forward transfer window. The man is a greedy pig. We will either sell players and spend only half the money on incoming players, or we will not buy anone at all.
15 k k forever // Nov 24, 2008 at 10:57 AM
SPYRO it took u long enough to change ur mind about ashley i new u wud see sense in the end
16 k k forever // Nov 24, 2008 at 10:58 AM
the latter i think SPYRO
17 lesh // Nov 24, 2008 at 11:04 AM
Hey Spiro….. be careful what you’re saying….
comparing certain people to pigs might just upset the pigs!
18 Stardust // Nov 24, 2008 at 11:08 AM
Spyro “F**K OFF ASHLEY YOU MONEY GRABBING FAT B*****D!”
Fact is Ashley has to pay for players, its well documented that his shares in Sports Direct have suffered recently. The balance of the books still means we will be debt free – I think you stopped way below your usual standards with that pathetic poorly thought out rant.
Reality is a situation – deal with it.
19 Bill F (Original) // Nov 24, 2008 at 11:09 AM
It’s easy to find fault with Ashley and slate him, I’ve done my share. But we have got some real quality players fairly cheaply so some of the mud slinging is a little out of order. I just hope when the full story does eventually come out we supporters havn’t got our fair share of it on ourselves.
20 Kevin Nichol // Nov 24, 2008 at 11:09 AM
Xisco hasnt been given a chance yet? the lad has started three games and looked shocking! when he has come on as a substitute we might as well of played with 10 men! He cannot even get onto the bench when we can name seven subs!!!! All this for a 6 million pound man!!!
Fair enough…he’s only been here a few months. But surely if he was “a player” you would expect him to knuckle down; prove his ability in training, prove he was worth the big money spent on his “Talent” and at least earn a place on the bench???????
Complete and utter waste of money!!!! Especially when we have the likes of Ranger banging them in for the under 18s and reserves! Offload Xisco whilst he still has a whatever reputation he earned in spain because he is never going to get ahead of young Ranger / ameobi, owen, martins, viduka on what we have seen so far!
As for Nacho….Don’t get me started!
Well done to the entire team after saturday! I’m still buzzing after the result now! I’m not usually a fan of enrique and i’m a big admirer of steven taylor; but Enrique had a good game whilst Bassong and Colo were immense! We might have unearthed a real gem in Bassong!
Too early to say right now; but he has taken his chance with both hands and none of the back four should change against the smoggies next sat…
21 Spyro // Nov 24, 2008 at 11:12 AM
“Xisco hasnt been given a chance yet? the lad has started three games and looked shocking!”
Do you realise how bad that makes you sound? REALLY!? a whole THREE GAMES!! He must be crap then LOL
22 Spyro // Nov 24, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Stardust
No mate, he is still benefitting from owning the team so he should be funding it in the same way. Every transfer window he always has an excuse and i am sick of it. Why do we have to sell before we can buy? Where is the left over money from the last transfer window? The man is a tight arse. Get rid of the man.
23 k k forever // Nov 24, 2008 at 11:18 AM
WELL SED SPYRO
24 Partizan // Nov 24, 2008 at 11:21 AM
N’Zogbia-7 mill
Owen-5 mill
Smith-3 mill
Cacapa-1 mill
Taylor-10 mill
Harper-3 mill
Thats 29 mill
CM-Ramsey….Arsenal(loan)
DM-Pokrivac..Monaco(3mill)
CF-Rosenberg.Werder(7mill)
CM-Larrson….Birmingham(7mill)..RM aswell
LB-Riise……….Roma(loan)
CB-Mattock….Leicester(3mill)..LB but also a CB
LM-Barnetta…Leverkuzen(9mill)
…………………………….Given…………………………..
Beye………….Coloccini….Bassong…………..Riise.
……………………………Barton…………………………..
…Jonas………………………………………….Barnetta.
……………………………Larrson…………………………
………………..Rosenberg………..Martins……………
Subs:Krul,Enrique,Mattock,Pokrivac,Ramsey,
Viduka,Butt.
Phew,i wish it was that easy
25 bowburnmag // Nov 24, 2008 at 11:29 AM
Can the Real Slim Spyro please stand up?
26 Stardust // Nov 24, 2008 at 11:29 AM
Spyro
I often agree with you but I honestly think youve left your senses.
Fact is the players they signed are a million times better than we had – Saturday being a case in point.
And this was achieved whilst breaking even. I agree we need more players, but I will always wait and see – if improvements are made and it doesnt cost the earth – who cares? Only short sighted fools wanting the “satisfaction” of Marcelino – Luque et al.
I do not care for one second how much player cost – I only want to see improvement – and there are improvments all over the club at present with the exception of the one crucial area that feeds the Mob – “PR”
If the PR improved the club would be far more stable – but perhaps this process is needed to bring back into line the title demanding in one season after spending 50 million of money we dont have bedsheet brigade.
Yet despite the improvements you criticise him for having the club on a strong financial footing – you seem to forget with our previous footing – we probably wouldnt have a club now as we could have been forclosed in the crunch.
We have to face facts it takes time to win titles and cups but if your foundations have been grown in the right way – once you have won one many follow – if you win on foundations of quicksand it will all come tumbling down again.
27 Shearerbliss // Nov 24, 2008 at 11:31 AM
No offence spyro but football is a business you can not just throw money at it. The plan to invest in youth and get quality players for the right price surely has to work in our favour. And I don’t want to hear relegation we are honestly to good for that! We have a under 18 team on top of the leauge. Who put that together a certain DW. But we hate him. I think it is to much to call someone greedy who splashed morte than £180m for a failing club. Would you!
28 Bill F (Original) // Nov 24, 2008 at 11:31 AM
Spyro, we fans (everwhere) do seem to have a pechant for putting players down before they have had a real chance to prove themselves.
There are several in the Toon team who come into that category, who we would be kicking ourselves over if they had been shipped straight out without them getting a run in the team to settle in and adapt to EPL football. So I agree with what you are saying lets give players a chance before we say they are rubbish. Bit long winded but I got there in the end.
29 Spyro // Nov 24, 2008 at 11:36 AM
I am not saying we need to spend a lot. I have always said that it doesn’t matter how much the players costs. Cost doesn’t determine quality. However, certain questions need answering. Where is our left over money from the transfer window? Why do we have to sell in order to buy? Look how thin our squad is, surely we need to add to the squad. MA always has an excuse as to why he cannot spend any money out right.
30 Nenad The Serbian Mag // Nov 24, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Partizan, smaraš…
31 nightfall // Nov 24, 2008 at 11:42 AM
smith’s the worst player i’ve ever seen..in any shirt…but ‘cos he’s english you still think of him like he’s ronaldo in crisis…if smith would be (i don’t know) danish?, you’d all want to get rid of him…a year ago…
i mean xisco only came to england..had few minutes to prove his worth…played ok…and there’s smith…who only played in EPL his performances are simply terrible…
32 Stardust // Nov 24, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Spyro
You are concerning yourself and negative anti Ashley energy in the wrong way. It shouldnt matter to you what players cost – its moronic to say it does.
The only thing that should matter is improvements are made whilst safeguarding the long term aims and financial security of the club.
I really thing you’ve lost the plot for some reason – you havent bought any new bedsheets lately have you? lol – you might have caught mobitis?
33 bowburnmag // Nov 24, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Stardust – seems we still agree on the poor PR – who wouldn’t? But you leave out the crucial point that Ashley set the standards when he first came. No matter what has happened between then and now, Ashley raised those expectations and played to the crowd. He didn’t invest enough before the saga with Keegan and we’ll never know whether either way now because the goalposts have moved but people are within their right to question it, given the evidence. Yes, he steadied the finances but in my opinion as much for short-term business risks as it was a means to building his dream of owning a successful football club long-term. Yet, he never looked like speculating beyond his historical frugal approach to business. This wasn’t meant to be a business and he wanted to have fun apparently. Where’s the fun in that? This is old ground but my point is, I don’t think he ever intended to spend in the transfer windows and I think he got that bit massively wrong. Now we’ll never know as I said, because there’s a different agenda.
34 Spyro // Nov 24, 2008 at 11:45 AM
What are you on about Stardust? When did i say the cost of the player is important?
35 Stardust // Nov 24, 2008 at 11:56 AM
Bowburnmag – lol a chance to lock horns again!
When did MA ever raise expectations other than for the Mob to believe because he wass a paper billionaire he would lavish all of his cash on NUFC?
Answer – he didnt – wow signings appeared in the paper as the press built us up for a fall and down we crashed. I dont remember one point where MA had promised us anything other than building up long term and putting the foundations in place.
Spyro – I made by points at you concern yourself with issues of the clubs finance – they have nothng to do with you or us other than we are on a strong footing. Improvements are the only things fans should be concerned with – a simple unavoidable truth – how we get there is irrelevant.
36 Karltoon // Nov 24, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Im sure he was actually quoted on saying there would be a ‘WOW’ signing.. However i could be, and am regularly incorrect
37 Karltoon // Nov 24, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Mind he wasnt wrong.. I was pretty shocked..
38 Spyro // Nov 24, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Stardust
My point is, we are being told to sell players in order to buy in january. However, our squad is thin enough and surely there should be money available to ADD to our squad. So therefore the money available is relevant and it seems as though there is none available despite making a fair bit of profit towards the end of the summer transfer window. Where has this money gone?
39 Karltoon // Nov 24, 2008 at 12:00 PM
ENTER XISCO lol
40 Tom_Toon // Nov 24, 2008 at 12:01 PM
Keep Geremi and Xisco.
Get rid of: Owen, Edgar, Cacapa, Carroll, Ameobi, Smith.
41 Spyro // Nov 24, 2008 at 12:04 PM
If we sell 3 players and sign 5 better players then the money will not be relevant. However, i doubt this will be the case.
42 simon376 // Nov 24, 2008 at 12:06 PM
Spyro, I agree with you. If you own a football club, you have to be ready to spend some money. What is the old saying, speculate to accumulate. If he spent some money to improve the squad and it doesn’t have to be loads, just enough to get 4 – 5 more players in, the club could improve and so would his profit.
As for Xisco, I dont rate him either, but I agree that what he has played isn’t enough to say get rid, need a good 10 games or so. On the other hand, JK isn’t even putting him on the bench. Football managers know so much more than us or at least they should do. If the manager doesn’t rate him, nuff said.
43 bowburnmag // Nov 24, 2008 at 12:08 PM
Stardust – he did it through Keegan’s first lot of interviews and initially through Mort. He then realised the enormity of the task and back-tracked. I’m talking about well before the ‘WOW’ signings. Of course some people are unrealistic regards spending money on that scale and in that domain because they don’t understand it. But when they’re told by KK and Mort that money will be spent and we’ll have fun, they believe it. It’s as simple as that. Everyone loved the idea of a long-term approach as well but most of us also saw the reality of the here (or then) and now as well, which needed to be addressed and we were led to believe it could be, to a degree. Of course there has been a lot of water under the bridge since then but keeping promises is more important than making them. I give him his due though, he’s stopped making promises at least. It’s all gone a bit vague.
44 Spyro // Nov 24, 2008 at 12:08 PM
He is injured Simon
45 Stardust // Nov 24, 2008 at 12:08 PM
Spyro
My point being that if we sold Cacapa, Edgar, Smith, Carroll offloaded Viduka – and signed 5 replacements (whether bought loaned or otherwise) and those 5 brought in had realistic chances of playing we would be far better off.
I really cant see what your point is?
As for the money near the end of the transfer windows – i wont comment – I dont know the financials – neither do you. Nor do we know exactly what was said in JK and MA’s meeting. JK alluded tot he fact money may be made available – it simply keeps prices quoted reasonable – but we are onto speculation again.
46 simon376 // Nov 24, 2008 at 12:11 PM
Stardust, What I want to know is, how much better off are we now than before? How much debt has been paid off, some qoutes from Ashley say all and others from him and Harris say that the debt has been eased but not totally paid off. So how much better off are we, how much has Ashley improved things. The fans have every right to know as we invest so much into the club via ticket sales etc. I’m a season ticket holder and have signed up for the next 2 seasons, so I want to know how the club stands. If Ashley doesn’t invest and we go down, it could be a case of pre 1986 Boro.
47 Spyro // Nov 24, 2008 at 12:11 PM
“My point being that if we sold Cacapa, Edgar, Smith, Carroll offloaded Viduka – and signed 5 replacements (whether bought loaned or otherwise) and those 5 brought in had realistic chances of playing we would be far better off.”
Yes we would be better off, but that is extremely unlikely as we would probably fetch pennies for those sales.
48 simon376 // Nov 24, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Even when he was fit, he wasn’t getting a game. Have to see what happens when he is fit again, but I can’t see him getting in unles we lose someone
49 Stardust // Nov 24, 2008 at 12:17 PM
Yes Spyro
So if you cant argue with the rationalle behind the thought process then really you have no point to make – on this occassion fella I think your way off the mark.
50 bowburnmag // Nov 24, 2008 at 12:21 PM
I’ve written kids off before prematurely and they’ve proved me wrong so I’ll give Xisco the benefit of the doubt but I’m not encouraged by what I’ve seen so far. I dislike assertion but I would go on a record as saying we will get next to nowt for the lads we want to offload in January. We will make £4m at most unless some of our big players go and even then it will be ‘30%’ off time.
51 bowburnmag // Nov 24, 2008 at 12:25 PM
The difficulty with any rationale is trying to implement it Stardust. Sometimes it’s not the right approach for the circumstances. Who could argue with the scenario of replacing 3 players out for 5 players in and being no worse off financially? Spyro isn’t mad enough to suggest that’s not a good idea though he might turn loopy having seen the light of the mob. He’s saying it’s probably unlikely to happen.
52 Spyro // Nov 24, 2008 at 12:27 PM
Stardust
My point is that whilst that sounds good in theory, it is not likely and in truth the more money we have available, the more options we have when trying to secure the services of good quality players. Especially in January when nobody wants to lose their good players. How many Gutierrez style signings can we pull off?
53 Spyro // Nov 24, 2008 at 12:29 PM
Exactly Bowburn
54 graeme // Nov 24, 2008 at 12:31 PM
Ed, I’m shocked by your headline – “Geremi, Smith & Xisco look Vulnerable”
How could we possibly sell them –
Geremi is the most consistant crosser of the ball we have, I mean, he hits the first defender every time he gets near a dead ball;
Smith – the greatest non contributer in NUFC history and the best Assistant Corner Flag Attendant we have ever had;
Xisco – hasnt even done enough to justify washing his shirt for the first time!!
Add to that list the Venerable Mark “who ate the pies” Viduka who spends more time injured than EMO and that takes some doing.
These so called players should have been sold in the summer and Xisco is wasting his time being here. There are probably another 3 or 4 that could be added to the list to raise funds for JFK.
My main question would be – Where’s the £11 million we got for Milner on the last day of the last window?? Surely that should be given to JFK as his starting float!!!!!
55 Stardust // Nov 24, 2008 at 12:33 PM
Simon 376 – Harris clarified that all debts were cleared – quote “Like for example there is no debt at this club. Mike Ashley paid off the debt, it is things like that we have been doing to give people the real picture of the club, its prospects.
”
I recall there were a few million still to be paid on debts not yet due – such as timing payments for players.
Again – I state – you have no need to know how much money has been paid out – you only need to see improvements on the pitch, off the pitch, in the infrastructure etc etc – the financials should not concern you – unless we we debt ridden. Youre only concern should be for the team – I agree we need more quality but if it comes free or low cost I say all the better for the long term future of the club – Im not sure how you can disagree.
56 THE BEAT. // Nov 24, 2008 at 12:36 PM
the biggest problem is in jan we only have a month to do business,if no one is interested in our players we,re knackered basically.
it took nearly a month to sign one player in collo,it doesn,t bode well.
57 Stardust // Nov 24, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Spyro – Bowburnmag
I keep saying it – it just doesnt matter – as long as you start with the strong rationalle and then work around circumstance – its the only way to go. You simply cant for go good thought process on the basis it might not happen.
Jim Collins in “Good to Great” and “Built to Last” talks at length about the enduring principles of all the worlds best organisations with real examples..MA’s vision is no different from the best. (PR aside lol)
58 Spyro // Nov 24, 2008 at 12:38 PM
Stardust
You are not being realistic. You cannot always get quality at a cheap price. If this was possible, teams like Manchester United etc wouldn’t spend money would they? It is all well and good saying “concentrate on the squad, not the finances”, but fans have a right to ask why we need to lose players to get new ones when there should be money available regardless of sales. Not every fan wants to see players sold in January. Some fans want to see quality ADDED to the squad.
59 THE BEAT. // Nov 24, 2008 at 12:45 PM
the sad fact is football now is a billionaires playground,you have to spend money to stay competitive or you fall by the wayside.
the players themselves are multimillionaires so this equals billionaires paying their wages.
i wish it wasn,t the case football needs to get back to basics before it implodes on itself.
60 Stardust // Nov 24, 2008 at 12:46 PM
I agree not always Spyro but it should never stop you trying.
And as fans the ONLY responsibility is towards the team.
I too want to see more depth and quality but what is the point of hanging onto the “numbers” Id rather the same size squad but ensuring the players in are far better than the players out.
Players out for example reduces wages and may allow quality to come in on loan as one example, prove themselves and then sign them – although that is just one part of a complex web.
This phillosophy has made our team stronger this year than last – look at how the new signings are instead of our old under the old systems.
I just dont understand the hysteria against the fundamentally sound logic.
61 Stardust // Nov 24, 2008 at 12:48 PM
The Beat
But its no good crying like a baby that we havent got a multi Billionaire owning us – even the richest are losing huge sums in todays markets.
We simply have to acknowledge the reality of where we are and deal with it – and unfortunately for you and fortunately for me – that means Ashleys long term strategy.
62 THE BEAT. // Nov 24, 2008 at 12:53 PM
what is ashley,s long term strategy?i haven,t got a clue to be honest.
nobody at the club tells us anything anyway,so nobodys clear on whats happening.
63 Stardust // Nov 24, 2008 at 12:57 PM
Slowly improving overtime whilst being financially prudent.
Improve the infrastructure and investment in youth.
So blindingly simple and obvious. But its easier to cry like a baby that “we want a billionaire” no wonder we are a laughing stock
64 THE BEAT. // Nov 24, 2008 at 1:02 PM
i,m not crying stardust just stating a fact thats the way football is going.
imo we,ll be plying our football in the fizzy pop if we carry on with this decline.
what good are those young players in the second tier,because we are in a dogfight this season.
i also disagree with you on that fact the team is stronger than last season.
65 bowburnmag // Nov 24, 2008 at 1:09 PM
Stardust – You know that I am not, like many on here, a ‘bedsheet brigade’ protagonist. The phrase “cutting your nose off to spite your face” springs to mind. But no matter what your mentality or stance or understanding we all hear what you’re saying. For some reason, it honestly seems you’re just trying to win this argument for the sake of it, rather than believing you’re right or wrong. You’re not listening to people. We’re agreeing with you about the underpinning principles of long-term and not overspending. However, what we’re saying is that we were and still are in very real danger of letting slip the one thing which has ensured we are not financially ruined. Though I accept that’s a slight paradox, as we probably wouldn’t have spent as much had we been Championship fodder all this time. But there again we wouldn’t be making as much, all things relative etc. We need to protect our interests short-term and continue to provide entertainment while striving for mid to long term stability and hopefully success. It’s a big ask but I think Ashley has and still is making fundamental errors by not spending above and beyond break-even. He underestimated this task is my opinion and it’s been painful to endure.
66 Spyro // Nov 24, 2008 at 1:13 PM
bowburnmag
how i feel exactly.
67 THE BEAT. // Nov 24, 2008 at 1:14 PM
every club will try to sign good young prospects,i tend to think they will go to the top four before they come to newcastle.
68 Stardust // Nov 24, 2008 at 1:21 PM
Bowburnmag – I cant disagree with the majority of youre entry – far from it.
My point is – as you put it the other day – we have to accept our reality of now – and that means Ashley in charge – and support the club and team.
If he hasnt got the cash to invest then we are still in a better situation that before.
Spyro my point being that this Anti Ashley rant isnt realistic. You have to deal with reality – I would love him to have 100m to invest but it isnt happening as he cant afford it – regardless of his initial thoughts which again is speculation.
I have never changed my opinion from Day 1 about all of this – I see this so simply.
Until the day we all row together in the same direction behind the team – and yes that Means the fans behind the team and club management – we will never escape our perpetual demise.
And Bowburnmag if that means banging on and getting people to listen – well thats my responsibility to the club fulfilled – to support the club not to undermine.
69 cause I got the girth // Nov 24, 2008 at 1:22 PM
Don’t know really why there is so much crap being wrote about these comment, along the lines of Ashley demanding sales before buying, he never said that! Look at the quote:
“keep the money you get for the players you sell and invest it back in the team”
So he is saying get rid of some of the fringe players who are dump, and use that money to buy better quality players! Now, forgive me if im blind, but I don’t understand where the bad side of that comment is!!! As well as that, it will be the same for every team, even the ones who can just go around spunking money everywhere on new players, they all want the fringe players out and better ones brought in! Secondly:
“If there’s someone I desperately want he’ll possibly put his hand in his pocket”
Well that speaks for its self, if joe and wise like someone, they will have to convince Ashley to fork the cash. Like most teams apart from the aforementioned spunking for fun ones.
Ask yourself, would we really be arsed if any of the fringe players mentioned left? Furthermore, when they leave that they are replaced with a better calibre of player? Seriously people, where is the drama?
70 Phil,Gosforth // Nov 24, 2008 at 1:25 PM
Stardust – lol.
“Yet despite the improvements you criticise him for having the club on a strong financial footing – you seem to forget with our previous footing – we probably wouldnt have a club now as we could have been forclosed in the crunch.”
Ashley did NOT save NUFC for god’s sake.We were making PROFIT when he bought the place(latest Deloitte figures),the other debt was the mortgage for the ground.He paid that off coz he knew it would instantly add on to the value of the club and he wouldn’t be forking out interest on it.We were already handling that debt and making a profit.We were already much more active in the transfer market.I don’t care about cost it’s about numbers and quality.A thin squad that’s taken over by a very,very rich man (or anyone who takes control of a club for that matter ) shouldn’t still be thin 18 months later ffs.
Where is the strong financial footing?You do understand that finance means money?Where is it?.Where is the Milner cash?Where is the Sky money?Where is the league prize money?Where is the £20m a season out of his own pocket?Has that £20m ever been seen?No.
Where is the 3 season in advance ticket sales money?Grosvenor Casino would be a safe bet.
ANY fan would think he would spend money on transfers if he’s a fkin billionaire surely?I bet you did?
Simple fact is -MA has hardly spent any money on transfers.He has hardly improved the squad.He has alienated the fans and proved his greed time and time again.£480m anyone?
If he wasn’t such a greedy to**er he would have sold the club by now.He has made NUFC a world wide laughing stock and severley pi**ed off the majority of it’s paying customers.He has done nothing but DAMAGE to our club and it’s image.NOTHING is better under MA.If you can’t see what’s in front of your face then you should have gone to Specsavers.
Prudent – there is nothing prudent about not investing in the first team squad and sucking up all the cash that comes into the club.It’s idiotic.The first team is your main money maker.
Investing in the future,while obviously correct, is just another way to try to save money.
Everything about MA is about saving money.
So..don’t expect anything except reducing the wage bill further (Owen :S) if fatty is still owner come Jan.It would be a bit late for him to realise you have to speculate to accumulate,the stupid tw*t.
71 Stardust // Nov 24, 2008 at 1:25 PM
cause I got the girth – just how I see it
72 THE BEAT. // Nov 24, 2008 at 1:26 PM
why doesn,t ashley chase up the transfer money that is owed and make that availible also.
73 Spyro // Nov 24, 2008 at 1:30 PM
My rant earlier came from anger at the thought of losing some of our best players if i am honest. However, i am sick of hearing excuses in the transfer windows about why we cant spend this and that.
74 THE BEAT. // Nov 24, 2008 at 1:31 PM
does anybody know the exact outlay ashley has gave for transfers since he took over?
75 THE BEAT. // Nov 24, 2008 at 1:34 PM
we might as well change our name to SPORTS DIRECT UNITED. the club is being run like one of his stores,we,ve even got the silly sign above the gallowgate.
76 Shearerbliss // Nov 24, 2008 at 1:43 PM
Acually phil, when he came in we still owed money for transfers done years before he came, eg Luque, Martins etc. So it is not as cut and dry as you put it. The investment in the youth, Big Sam’s staff, Big Sams sacking, making debt manageable, signings this year, and day to day running of the club guess what cost MONEY! So to say what money he has put in is childish! Sky money is paid over time not put straight in our hands, We had the 5th highest wage bill which would only take a month to wipe off the 12mill from milner.
Football is a very expensive sport to own! When he bought it being a billionaire was ok, within a few months man u, tott, liverpool spent a total of £125mil onn transfers unreal! Therefore now you need to be a multi billionaire. With a billion set aside JUST FOR FOOTBALL! Unreal!
Knowing americans they will come to the PL and find out the money is not like in the US where commerical sponsership is big money! They will have to het use to 45mins of straight football without the ad breaks!
77 Guinea Mag // Nov 24, 2008 at 1:46 PM
Any players who’s contract expires next summer either need to have contracts extended or sold in January. This impacts; Cacapa, Owen, Harper, Ameobi, Butt, Viduka, Edgar, etc.
I would keep Xisco and Enrique as they are young enough to come good……
The squad is too small so we need replacements for whomever we sell!!!!
78 THE BEAT. // Nov 24, 2008 at 1:53 PM
ashley has said he will put his hand in his pocket,if joe is having trouble selling players if there is a player he needs.
he has said he will foot the bill if he still does not have a buyer.
79 Stardust // Nov 24, 2008 at 2:09 PM
Phil – Gosforth
For a man with such big opinions you have so little insight.
Just to add further from Shearbliss – at the same time FFS, Douglas Hall etc were paying dividends to themselves as shareholders.
You can not pay dividends when losing money with a PLC its against the law.
Financial reporting is one thing, the reality of a situation another – see nufc-finances.org.uk for an explanation of the corruption and some would say theft – to the tune of almost 100million pounds.
So a man comes in straightens it out and look at your disgusting reaction. Dispicible.
I am incredulous at you and your type.
80 The Entertainers // Nov 24, 2008 at 2:27 PM
I cant believe some of the names people are banding around.
Our squad is painfully thin already and people are wanting whole sale changes in Jan’!
Geremi is not a first team player, but can still do a job, fans often forget the amount of assists this fellow puts in. Yes his legs have gone, but hes still valuable, until the summer at least.
Smith, this ones going to come back and bite us, if we sell him. The lads has ability, he just hasnt shown it whilst hes been at the club. Thats a club thats been in a right state since he arrived too.
Xisco, i just dont know. He shouldnt have been bought in the first place. But now we have him, do we give him the benefit of a full season?
For me the only ones i would let go are Carroll, Edgar and Zog if hes desperate to go!
81 Karltoon // Nov 24, 2008 at 2:28 PM
Boring..
Mind Gezza, Smithy and Sisqo look vulnerable at Newcastle though
82 Karltoon // Nov 24, 2008 at 2:29 PM
I reckon Nacho should be made captain..
83 samthecat // Nov 24, 2008 at 3:46 PM
i think Ashleys current outlay is something like 134m to buy+100m on the debts+10m net on transfers=244m-thats why he wants 280m to sell.
It wouldnt suprise me at all if the Yanks had offered 250m.
84 CHUCK // Nov 24, 2008 at 5:19 PM
A whole lot of supposition and speculation.
Lets break this down to some facts.
Under Ashley we have had the worst PR ever.
Ashley hopes to sell at a profit without investing any further.
In order to buy, we have to sell first.
The club has some deadwood, but they will be dfficult to sell and wont fetch much of a price.
The present squad is lacking in numbers.
It will be a fight to avoid relegation.
It appears those interested in taking over the club are prepared to wait, possibly in the hope the price may be reduced via a stronger dollar vs. sterling, or simply that Ashley will reduce the asking price and have no intention of investing during the window.
So no hope of any decent signings.
However we could lose a couple of our best players, N`Zogbia, Owen and possibly others.
However dont think Shay wants to leave.
Who would I sell ,
Smith, If you have to ask……
Viduka, was a great player but too injury prone and too old.
Geremi and Cacapa, only good for the bench.
Would sell Butt also, mistake prone slow.
Problem is we would end up without a team if we sold or lost all of these players, which means we have to struggle on through the season with what we have.
It`s going to take time and a lot of money to rebuild this team, something in short supply at this time.
Where`s the cavalry ?
HELP !
85 THE BEAT. // Nov 24, 2008 at 5:23 PM
spot on chuck.
86 Phil,Gosforth // Nov 24, 2008 at 7:22 PM
Satrdust
Financial reporting is one thing,the reality is another -WTF?What a crock!
Yes,you are correct,you are incredulous.
87 Stardust // Nov 24, 2008 at 8:29 PM
Phil
Again you show your ineptitude.
FFS took revenues on Day 1 and recognised as income eg sponsorship – so his accounts showed large traunches of cash (but even though those payments were for say a 3 year deal) – he then spread payments for players over time – this gives a false illusion of profit but ultimately means you go bust.
Hence my line “Financial reporting is one thing,the reality is another ” Like I said – you dont have the insight or intelligence to comment.
Chuck – well reasoned post – although I dont feel there is no hope – bt time will tell on that front – as long as we all dont have unrealistic expectations – lol I dont think theres a fear in that any more and I for one am thankful that manys thoughts have had a rain check.
88 THE BEAT. // Nov 24, 2008 at 8:41 PM
stardust,i think he,ll be gone shortly if the right bid comes in.
i think he,s already said he wont subsidise the club anymore.
i think mike has been looking to sell the club long before keegangate.
i think he came in had the best intentions,then realised it was too rich for him.
he was looking for investment from local businessmen when this wasn,t forthcoming he has decided to try and bring in the right people he thinks can fund newcastle,that,s just my opinion though.
89 Stardust // Nov 24, 2008 at 10:29 PM
Maybe The Beat – only time will let us all know the truth – I do believe he has done far more good than bad – Ive always said the mistake he made was a small one with huge consequence with a club like ours – terrible PR – as the fans feel they own the club too – if he had treat them as owners I am sure they would have understood.
90 David_Barber // Nov 24, 2008 at 10:36 PM
For all those still taken the prudent approach-then the medicine may be hard to swallow, but no matter how hard-it’s wasted on the point of sale! Can’t help thinking that this is all good for MA, rather than us! Oh, if this club is being run as a business-then MA will be driven by market forces (or did I hear someone mention loyalty-emotion-that kind of thing!). bowburnmag, great posters-you do realise I’m going to steal some of your stuff lol!
91 David_Barber // Nov 24, 2008 at 10:49 PM
Phil,Gosforth: Brilliant poster “should have gone to specsavers” lol! If posters can’t understand where we are now-after that-they never will!!!! I have spent poster after poster-trying to deliver that-not to mention the ones I have read! That should be printed on a tea towel-and sold!
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