Ashley’s Lack Of Ambition Damaging To Newcastle

6:21 am, Tuesday, January 15th, 2013 by Ed Harrison · 215 Comments

We never thought we’d be able to compete with the top six clubs in England – the two Manchester clubs, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham, and if we did then Alan Pardew is well schooled to keep reminding us regularly, that we are not in the same financial league as those big clubs – and probably never will be.

Ashley – not showing enough ambition at Newcastle

But to be outbid by a side at the very bottom of the table with a maximum home crowd of just over 18,000 is humiliating, to say the least.

But that looks what will happen today, as the reports are that Loic Remy has turned away from Newcastle at the last moment, and is likely to accept the wages of £85K/week that the small London club have offered him – and that’s more than twice the wages Newcastle have offered to the 26 year-old French International.

Newcastle have such rigid financial rules in place on transfer fees and wages, that it seems so difficult for us to get any player into the club, and that played out last summer, when we essentially got only Vurnon Anita and Gael Bigirimana over the line, and lost out on our top striker target of Luuk de Jong, and we also lost out on other targets, because we refused to budge from our own (make that Mike Ashley’s) strict evaluation of the players.

It’s Newcastle strict wages policy that seems to have lost out on Remy, and even though QPR have little money – how can you have huge revenues when your maximum home gate is just 18,000 – they still outbid Newcastle with wages – and big time too.

And QPR’s actions of paying out huge wages to mediocre players – we’re using Harry Redknapp’s own words here - is making a complete mockery of UEFA’s Financial Fair Play Rules - where each European club is supposed to be balancing their books – where they only pay out what they bring in as a club.

If Remy does sign for QPR, it will be a huge humiliation for Newcastle United – make no mistake about that - and it will make it that much harder to bring other players in during January.

But we are starting to act like a small club, and when we cannot even persuade a top player to join us, when he has the choice to come to Newcastle or join a small club in London, which happens to be rock bottom of the Premier League – something is wrong.

And don’t think this will not open the eyes of some of our top players at the club – as they see such a lack of ambition at the top – and we are already hearing noises from Ben Arfa as just one example – that he may want to be on his bike in the summer.

Something is seriously wrong at Newcastle.

Fact.

You can also reach Ed at admin@nufcblog.com

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Tags: Contracts · Newcastle News · Transfer News and Rumours · Transfer Target

215 responses so far ↓

1 Indian Magpie // Jan 15, 2013 at 6:22 AM

It’s his club, he feels its enough.

Ed you cannot do that on the basis of this Remy deal.
2 89Norcal // Jan 15, 2013 at 6:31 AM

Indian

Ed is speaking on the basis of our entire transfer policy over the last year, have you not been paying attention?
3 Santon03 // Jan 15, 2013 at 6:32 AM

Ed, I don’t think Remy is a good example. Bailing out of agreement at the very last moment is just not a good sign of a good charachter.
If Remy was on his way to Newcastle for medical and decided to go to QPR after they offered him better offer is just ridiculous, we don’t need personality like that in our team.
4 89Norcal // Jan 15, 2013 at 6:33 AM

Actually more than a year, try since MA took over.
5 Dannyo // Jan 15, 2013 at 6:33 AM

Oh come on Ed, if you’re basing this blog post at the back of the Remy deal, it’s really uncalled for.
We’re talking a £30-40K difference in wage offerings.
QPR are running themselfes to the ground and we operate with a wage ceiling.

If I go on e-bay to bid on an item, i will only go so far because i don’t have any more money to spend and want to spend within means. Then another bloke comes on, who has less to spend than me, but opts to use one of his many credit cards and pinches my item ahead of me, do I lack ambition?

In a whole, and based on how this year has gone, you could perhaps say he lacks ambition. You couldn’t say that last year tho, and we’re only half way through this window and the season.

All in all, this article is uncalled for imo, especially if you base it on the Remy deal.
6 jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew // Jan 15, 2013 at 6:34 AM

Ed. maybe we should start acting like a big clib before askimng other clubs to presive us that way!

…we have a wage cap just like Spurs and Arsenal. If Remy chooses QPR it means he could easily had done the same to the two clubs just mentioned – the difference is we are currently 4th from the bottom and probably can’t promise European football next season.

…neither can QPR, but they want to pay silly money they basically don’t have. Don’t blame the owner for this!
7 geordiefromthemidlands // Jan 15, 2013 at 6:35 AM

Long time reader. . Hardly ever post anymore.
Ed great work but there is an edge of frustration in this article. Umderstandably so but unfair-
If Qpr offer higher wages what can we do? Remember we are trying to keep hold of Colo and offering someone who is money orientated more wages than our captain and our wage structure isn’t viable. If QPR want to give Remy huges wages and a relegation clause then that’s fine. We have other targets. This is Gervinho and Ruiz all over again. How did they turn out?
8 Steven // Jan 15, 2013 at 6:37 AM

If rent wants to join qpr for money then there’s not slot we can do, move on to the next target
9 Indian Magpie // Jan 15, 2013 at 6:37 AM

89Norcal

yes, but it ha come on the back of Remy deal, thats what i meant, else its an open secret
10 89Norcal // Jan 15, 2013 at 6:37 AM

You all act as if the only option was to match QPRs wage offer.

How about using our French contingent and status as a historically superior club as leverage with a slightly higher wage offering than ~40k a week?
11 89Norcal // Jan 15, 2013 at 6:40 AM

Indian

No one can doubt the complacency and stagnation of the last transfer window. We had a golden opportunity to capitalize and we didn’t, that’s what I believe Ed is getting at.

I was saying this on every topic last summer. We didn’t need to spend “silly money” but we DID need to bring more bodies in.

eh well, we will just see where the chips fall on this one. My main fear is guys like Cabaye, Hatem, or Cisse being lured away in the next 6mo because we’ve slumped so far.
12 Dannyo // Jan 15, 2013 at 6:41 AM

@89Norcal
You really think we haven’t already done that? We do this with several agents and representatives every year. And the Remy deal was never a knee jerk, they’ll have been in contact with his agents since last summer.
13 Mister Tuff // Jan 15, 2013 at 6:41 AM

The manager has said we will not be outbid on fee or wages several days ago. link;-

http://www.nufcblog.com/2013/01/11/alan-pardew-newcastle-will-not-be-outbid-for-transfer-targets/
14 SpaceGhost // Jan 15, 2013 at 6:43 AM

The sad thing is, if we had done our signings last summer we wont be in this relegation scrap. IF we had signed Debuchy like we were supposed to (hell, he wanted to come crawling to SJP on his kness) we would be in a much better position. Most of our comedy defending starts from Simpson’s position. Why do you think that teams like to attack on that side? Arrgh..just to save 2Million we’re goin to lose more
15 Far East Magpie // Jan 15, 2013 at 6:43 AM

If Loic Remy comes in at a ridiculous 85k per week. Won’t the other players will start asking for the same or similar high wages when their contracts are up for renewal in a year or two? Some may argue that he has a decent record in the French Ligue but he’s still unproven in the Premier League.

Freddy Shepherd used to offer “Rolls Royce” wages and look what it did to us. There has to be a limit somewhere down the line.

For me, if Remy rather go to a bottom club with a 18000 capacity stadium than a club which is definitely far bigger in terms of history, honours and a fanatic fan base just for more money, then I say let this mercenary go and join the same bunch at QPR. He does not deserve our support.
16 thespecialone-ameobi // Jan 15, 2013 at 6:43 AM

Ashley will pay the wages people deserve example colcinni and tiote. Remy is getting 40k more at qpr so be it let him rot there
17 Far East Magpie // Jan 15, 2013 at 6:44 AM

If Loic Remy comes in at a ridiculous 85k per week. Won’t the other players will start asking for the same or similar high wages when their contracts are up for renewal in a year or two? Some may argue that he has a decent record in the French Ligue but he’s still unproven in the Premier League.

Freddy Shepherd used to offer “Rolls Royce” wages and look what it did to us. There has to be a limit somewhere down the line.

For me, if Remy rather go to a bottom club with a 18000 capacity stadium than a club which is definitely far bigger in terms of history, honours and a fanatic fan base just for more money, then I say let this mercenary go and join the same bunch at QPR. He does not deserve our support.
18 Charlie in the Gallowgate // Jan 15, 2013 at 6:45 AM

Here we go again – blame Ashley and his wage policy. The balame lies with Remy his greedy advises a owner who has more money than sense.

I do not want my club to start playing stupid wages for players who have not proved themselves in the Premiership and seem to be injury prone

If we start paying players 80,000 a week then every player will want that and stupid prices in the transfer market

Then guess what who will have to pay for it the supporters who come through the turnstiles

How many Toon supporters could afford the prices of season tickets the like of Chelsea and Arsenal and I do not want to be priced out of my season ticket

If we want a player who will die for the cause then look no further than Andy Carroll – his blood runs black n white – still has a house up here still pops in the local for meal – and would be good foil for Cisse.
AND we might score a goal from a corner or Free kick
19 89Norcal // Jan 15, 2013 at 6:48 AM

Dannyo

No I don’t believe we did that. I’m aware we’ve held contact with Remy for over a year actually.

Like Mister Tuff just posted; After Pardew’s meeting with DL and MA about transfer funds, he came out and reassured the fans we would be aggressive. It started out well with immediate signing of Debuchy and constant negotiations with Remy and now Sissoko, but the board don’t seem to want to put up now.

But I have to give credit to Redknapp, it was a mind game masterpiece he put on. It’s possible it had a part to play in our low wage offering, so that he could swoop in with an offer Remy couldn’t refuse.
20 Transfer Sage // Jan 15, 2013 at 6:48 AM

For me we are not embarrassed by this deal.

The people embarrassed should be qpr for paying well over their means for a player.

I have no problem with our wage structure, 60k a week is acceptable and also the same as spurs
21 Far East Magpie // Jan 15, 2013 at 6:48 AM

Apologies for the double post!
22 Pardews Parsnip Bonce // Jan 15, 2013 at 6:49 AM

@dabnyo yes in your example you lack.the ambition to get the deal over the line. if you really wanted it you should break the bank.

of course everything I’ve just said is rubbish and i agree with you wholeheartedly
23 89Norcal // Jan 15, 2013 at 6:50 AM

BTW I’m not advocating we should match QPRs offer!

I’m saying if we increased our offer, it would make us more attractive even if we were to pay him less; again using our leverage of having a French-centric squad and being the bigger club.

Obviously QPR are insane for spending this kind of cash, especially when they were supposedly trying to cut debts. Even QPR fans are frustrated with it.
24 Indian Magpie // Jan 15, 2013 at 6:51 AM

Charlie in the Gallowgate

Every agent is greedy
25 johnhoy // Jan 15, 2013 at 6:52 AM

Bloody Hell Ed. Take off your doom goggles and see it for what it is. Money talks and the fact we all but signed him and were hijacked by droopy at the last second doesn’t speak to me as a lack of ambition. If we weren’t in for him to start with then I could see your point but this ranting post reminds me of the nervy- panicked and paranoid posts I used to read from you years ago.

Relax- there’s plenty of players and plenty of time!
26 Indian Magpie // Jan 15, 2013 at 6:52 AM

Soory for the CAPS

BUT IF IT IS ALL TRUE, I DON’T WANT REMY NOW.
27 Sinner // Jan 15, 2013 at 6:52 AM

What must Cabaye, Ben Arfa and Debuchy be thinking?They had all been made aware that Remy was going to sign for us, even Debuchy was expecting to meet him training today.Ben Arfa said in an interview yesterday, that Loic is going to be a top player for us.Gutted for them!
28 Charlie in the Gallowgate // Jan 15, 2013 at 6:52 AM

Indian Magpie
Yes and every football supporter has to pay for the twa*ts
29 89Norcal // Jan 15, 2013 at 6:58 AM

I hope we have a backup other than PEA. I hear St. Etienne is trying to keep hold of him.
30 stretchintoon // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:02 AM

dont think you can blame ashley for this deal falling through were not gonna pay 80k a week for a player who has scored only once this season & who is not proven in the prem & at the same time for the same reasons you cant blame remy for taking 80k.its a big shame for us because i think (but i could be wrong)he would of been a great addition to the squad.qpr have taken a massive gamble & if it backfires im gonna have to buy a corset to stop my sides from splitting with laughter if/when they go down.
31 Ben3arfa // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:02 AM

Apparently h enever arrived for the medical

Seems like hes still reviewing all the offers, one from us , one from Qpr and one from an “unnamed club”, my guess would be Dortmund

Looks like we’re in for an interesting day
32 TorqToon // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:08 AM

Nooooo ed!!!!!!!!! Don’t buy into this ‘blame Ashley at all cost’ mindset.

We set out with a plan – that plan was to offered very good money to sign a player, that player was offered very decent money considering his lack of playing time, form and, to a lesser extent, injury record, he was all set to sign until his head was turned (allegedly) for more money by QPR. So rather than get into a ridiculous bidding war and smashing our wage structure which has made this club self sufficient under MA, it appears that the deal is now over and he is going purely for the cash. Don’t tell me that he is signing for QPR because they’ve had better performances in the past few weeks than we have – utter rubbish!

IF, and that’s still an if, he doesn’t come to us, then it’s finance led and will be his downfall. So many of his fellow pro’s have already criticised him for his greed which really speaks for itself.
33 bigisblackandwhitearmy // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:08 AM

Has remy definetly gone to qpr?
34 toonarmydownsouth // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:09 AM

Ahhh FFS Ed man behave
35 FloridaToon // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:09 AM

ESPN saying Marseille has accepted bids from QPR, NUFC and another unamed club.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=1299780&cc=5901
36 LEROI // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:10 AM

Good god this is depressing. why doesn’t ash n lam stop lying n just go n sign a charlie austin or billy sharp like they want to, low fee n low wage special style for us from now on I’m afraid.
37 Indian Magpie // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:10 AM

Morning Dr.
38 IrishMagpie // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:11 AM

What a load of crap.

Refusing to pay a seriously out of form, untested player that kind I money does not show lack of ambition. I wouldn’t like to see us get into a bidding war on wages with any clubs willing to pay that.
39 FloridaToon // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:11 AM

More news from ESPN:

Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp has provided a touch of magic in his side’s fight for survival, snatching French duo Loic Remy and Yann M’Vila. Rumours filtered through late on Monday that Remy had turned down an offer from Newcastle to move to Loftus Road and the Sun claims it is now a done deal, with Rangers securing the Marseille striker for £8 million. The club then continued their spending spree by signing Rennes’ midfielder M’Vila and it is believed the duo will be available for QPR’s trip to West Ham on Saturday.
40 toonarmydownsouth // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:12 AM

Who said he was due on tyneside?Only sky n the papers the same ppl now saying the same about QPR
We met him in france if he was coming here for a medical why would we fly him to london?
We’ve spoken to him in france made him an offer there’s no rule that says he cant talk to other clubs
The boy is clearly just listening to all his offers and why not he’s not an NUFC fan
The same media sources that reported he was in newcastle are now saying he was never in newcastle
Reckon there so much bull being typed no one knows what the situation is
41 Indian Magpie // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:12 AM

Although i will not be surprised to find out Ashley and Llambias paid OM 50 K to say we put in a bid.
42 89Norcal // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:12 AM

This no-budge mentality you are all touting is exactly why we were so worthless in last summer’s transfer window.
43 Sir Braveheart // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:12 AM

Agreed with the others on here. Is Remy worth breaking the wage structure for? Is he worth 85k a week? Id say no way. I actually agree with the clubs policy of a mid level wage such as 20-30k a week and making it incentive based, then increasing it once they’ve proved their worth and committment to the club, like with Colo.

If Remys followed the money then I would hardly say its the clubs fault. If a guys selling a car and you offer him the market value of 5k and he then changes his mind and says someone else has offered him 10k you dont match it if its well over what its really worth.
44 davybtoon // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:12 AM

Sinner – n they all thought not bcoz of us but bcoz remy had told them he was signing for us
45 johnboy // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:12 AM

I’m as hacked off about this as many others but some people really need to get a grip.
One minute people are praising the way the club is run financially, quoting profit and loss accounts and balance sheets and comparing them to other premier league clubs, then when we don’t offer what I think is a ridiculous wage to a player everyone goes mental saying it lacks ambition etc.
you can’t have it both ways and I for one will be glad if it turns out the club just walked away after he tried to play us of agains QPR. He will find out very quickly that he has made a mistake and we just need to hope we have a plan b and act on it straight away.
46 bazrazmataz // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:13 AM

I’m glad we are not offering these stupid wages like QPR only regular champ league clubs can afford these figures. QPR are a recipe for disaster wait till they get relegated and their rich owner gets board.
47 WesJameson // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:15 AM

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4744300/Lic-Remy-and-Yann-MVila-in-15m-QPR-deal.html

What the F@#$ is the point anymore!!!!

Joke of a management team, cursed we are….no team goes through this FFS!!!
48 davybtoon // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:15 AM

I fail to see how this is ashlys fault I agree u gonna break your wage structure for a player that’s hardly played all season, remy can get stuffed if he wants to pick money over us get us pea, erding or goufran instead he’ll get graham who I kno will die for the shirt
49 stretchintoon // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:16 AM

if @ 26 years old some1 said to me ‘come & work for me son,same job as your doing now but i’ll double your wages!’i'd be off like a robbers dog.
50 Conaldo (The Wizard...Also Bestest Friends With Paul Scharner) // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:16 AM

This isn’t our fault or Ashley’s or Pardews, and believe it or not, it’s not actually mike williamsons faulted either!

Does anybody want us paying this guy 90 grand a week? Make him the top earner at the club?

Teams like qpr are destroying football, the way they behave,

But i don’t think you can blame anyone on our side for this. Move onto the next target quickly please.
51 89Norcal // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:16 AM

WesJameson

Like I said, a masterful display by Redknapp. Had us but the sack the whole time.
52 89Norcal // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:18 AM

NOT Willo’s fault? How on earth could you say it wasnt???
53 bills-son // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:19 AM

I said on here a few days ago that clubs, and especially those fighting relegation, get desperate in the Jan window and you cant blame players for hanging in to see if one is so desperste they’ll pay you silly money. And then along came QPR.

Ed is talking nonsense saying it shows a lack of ambition by Ashley. It actually shows a total lack of financial sense by QPR. Remy didn’t even want to talk to them until they doubled his money but seeing as they have a team of nobodys on £60K-£90K a week Remy’s wages won’t upset many of them.

This whole wages thing sickens me about football now. One the one hand I dont begrudge anybody trying to get as much money as they can in their employment. But it is making a mockery of the fans who are seeing their passion and loyalty to their clubs counting for sweet fa when cheque books come waving.

QPR spent big money in the summer and gave players ridiculous wages and where has it got them? How many of their players would we want other than possibly Tarabt? They probably have five or six Xisco’s in their squad ffs.

Remy is a risk, he is a shadow of the player he was two years ago that why his value has more than halved. NUFC are right not to break their wages policy and upset the whole squad just to match the financial lunacy at QPR.

One thing is for certain. Remy wont be as proud to pull on their shirt as he would have done ours. Money and nothing else is all that matters to 99% of players.
54 89Norcal // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:20 AM

Posted 40min ago:

http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/national/sport/10161418.Remy_considering_options___Anigo/
55 davybtoon // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:21 AM

Not just saying this bcoz he’s picked qpr but remy has been awful for 2 seasons nearly
56 Sir Braveheart // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:21 AM

@Wes Jameson
If its in the Sun it has to be true right?
Since he’s not had a medical at either club Id say all bets are still off right now.
57 Indian Magpie // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:22 AM

DO YOU STILL WANT REMY? I DON’T
58 Conaldo (The Wizard...Also Bestest Friends With Paul Scharner) // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:22 AM

89 – yeah you’re right. I’ve thought about it again and, it’s all willos fault!
59 Santon03 // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:22 AM

I’m not expecting loyalty these days, but there are still things like ethics. When you have agreement or promise with someone, you are expected to fulfil it even if it’s not benefiting you or there are better things. It means the words that come out of your mouth does mean something.
60 davybtoon // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:24 AM

I hope remy changes his mind n we tell him to f**k off
61 Indian Magpie // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:25 AM

Conaldo,

Do you know if Scharner will be interested? or is he off to Qatar
62 Colo-Sus // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:26 AM

ED; I’m sorry but this article is complete toss!

QPR are backed by far more affluent owners than us and are acting irresponsibly in much the same way shepherd and hall did at nufc. I’m proud of nufc for stoking to our policy. Offering remy large wages would unsettle the group we have with players like Cabaye etc wondering why they didn’t get that kind of package.

You all need to stop crying about a player who has no attachment to nufc, and has gone where the money is.

If showing ambition means paying stupid wages and bending over every time an agent etc says so….. Then I like our lack of “ambition”

We want players who see the name Newcstle United and think, that’s the club for me and come here hungry to play and prove themselves.

If remy ends up coming then great as he’s done it for right reasons. If he goes to QPR, then it’s not a lack if ambition by newcatle that worries me…I’d be relieved we have dodged a bullet.

There’s no use being held to ransom. Sissoko is obviously a target and if we go for say Aubameyabg or gamiero etc I won’t complain

Stuff him

HWTL
63 Santon03 // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:26 AM

Indian

We don’t know if this is true, it could be journo trying to sell stories.
I don’t know what to believe anymore lately with so many stories and rumours out there.
64 TorqToon // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:27 AM

Done a bit of digging lads and the news circulating France and Marseilles specifically is the QPR done deal news that the English rags are reporting are premature. It probably will happen the way it’s been published but surely it’s more evidence to suggest that the witch hunt last night against Mr Tuff and Proud was very much out of order.

I don’t know who proud is and how he gets his information – but there’s not much any one can do if a player makes a complete turn and follows money, just think it was uncalled for really. However, as soon as the JB tweet was published, the blog was full of brand new bloggers who were probably waiting in the wings ready to pounce and troll our great blog.

Ed, you are a top man and do a fantastic job – just don’t add to the chaos that our club is already in!
65 WesJameson // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:27 AM

This is why people like Roger rabbit at Liverpoo is 100% correct….get the English talent through, although almost always not as technically gifted as many other nations…but they have one thing more than any other….LOYALTY, and a burning desire to play for THEIR CLUB!!!

Lastly F@#$ you Arry you steak faced TW@T, i F@#$ing hate the air you breath…..BUT i can’t deny, would be as happy as pig in sh!te if he were our manager FFS

AAARRRGGGG, why are the footy Gods doing this to us, someone mentioned the other day, jokingly that we were built on an Indian burial ground, i’m starting to believe that might be true
66 stretchintoon // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:27 AM

@bills-son,spot on mate
67 MacToon // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:27 AM

No worries, still 16 days to bail us out. Will Ashley be the messiah come Feb 1st or a very naughty boy?
68 Santon03 // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:28 AM

Indian

the only person who actually said something about this is Barton. I’m sorry I don’t believe anything that come out from his mouth, I don’t even want to hear anything from him.
69 Dubaigeordie // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:28 AM

This is becoming a joke now when is Ashley going to realise that he needs to spend money to make money.
If he actually invested in the club and spent quite a bit now and brought in a few more players in summer, we will win more which, means we will finish higher therefore he will get more money!
This whole non stop issue of bloody wages is starting to seriously hurt the club, we might as well start looking at championship players if we are not willing to spend big money to bring in substantial first team players.
70 TorqToon // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:29 AM

And good morning to you, Indian.
71 Szarka // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:30 AM

So we give 40k for our top target? When the top clubs give 80k for their starters?
How do we wanna compete in the PL if we act as a small club.
If we want good players, we have to pay more, or develop them. Well I see our youngsters for lik 4 years, and not even one became a regular starter, a PL class. So we lost out on building in from our youth squad, so we must buy and keep our best. And u cant do that with half the wages that even medium clubs can give.
If we go on with strickt policy, we can say byebye to Ben Arfa, or later to Cissé, Krul. Its not about plus 10k, its about double wages.
And as we give up everything for PL , we wont play in Europe for 2 years. Now that can be topped bye 10 clubs in England, and maybe even more if we only talk about money.
If we keep this style we will be a relegation fighter club.
Dont care about FIFA Financial Fair Play, they just talk, but only hit smaller clubs, not the big guns.
72 radja in Indonesia // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:30 AM

Dont buy remy, i dont like him now
73 Indian Magpie // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:30 AM

From what i have read Tony Fernandes is not that rich.
74 Indian Magpie // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:32 AM

The Google Fact™ ?@thegooglefact
Religious sites are more likely to harm your computer with viruses than porn sites

No wonder iam on them more often than any other
75 iggystinger // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:32 AM

What a complete and utter joke,like everyone else said i think weve dodged a bullit but to say ur going to sign for nufc and then just totally turn ur back is nothin more than stickin two fingers upto us,who do we try and sign now ?
76 WesJameson // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:32 AM

@ Sir Braveheart // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:21 AM

Not at all mate….but the writing is on the wall….and for everyone saying, go get PEA….he and the club have stated that he WILL NOT be leaving in Jan, if even next season
77 Indian Magpie // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:35 AM

Santon,

That’s why i said IF
78 Billythefish // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:35 AM

I totally agree with the club not paying stupid wages for mercenaries, but the downside is we are restricted to which players we can buy.
We can buy potential or players who have fallen by the wayside at their clubs because our wages dictate what we get. Once the potential is fulfilled at NUFC they move to a bigger club who pay big wages. Under Ashley we will always be in this situation. The ambition of this man is obvious, there is no ambition.
79 davybtoon // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:36 AM

I didn’t even arrive in Newcastle to look at our facilities mug, all after cabaye convinced him n he told cabs n debuchy he was joining

Ppl really are crazy if they think we can afford 90k aweek wages, if it was 60k I’ve no doubt we will of matched it we offered ba 70k to stay, so why would we offer remy 90k but not ba, think forget bcoz Shepard was paying wages of 90k Is we were in the crap need regular champs league n huge sponsorships to pay this n we hav neither
80 masterp1983 // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:37 AM

Well I’d defo put in a 7m offer for Darren bent now. Villa want rid and he is proven and could save us… Thoughts people???
81 Indian Magpie // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:40 AM

Last time we played Reading at Home we won 3-0, with a hatrick from a our striker.

Any Gueses? people
82 davybtoon // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:41 AM

Lets just get erding
83 Sir Braveheart // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:44 AM

@Szarka
Give big wages when they’re earned, not to every Tom Dick and Harry. You want us to be run like QPR? Heres 80k a week for a player who has yet to regain his form from before his injury and has never proved he can compete in the English game.

The policy works. You want those 60-70 k wages you earn them like Colo did. We’re not a Champions League club and we dont have that kind of revenue yet. When we’re in the position of Arsenal/Tottenham then we can afford to offer more.
84 jckie15 // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:46 AM

What a poor article…to blame ashley for a money grabbing player is a disgrace. Tell me how an out of form striker / winger is worth 90k a week when he is currently on about 25k. He has been injured / out of form most of last year. So why woukd we throw 90k at him. I agree 100% with board on this one. Demba was only on 40k or summit and is one of top goalscorers in league. Albeit he moved yes butstill only for 80k a week. Blinded by hatred for the board. Remy IF he does go to QPR proves he is a mercenary so we are better off without. Even if they offered 60k it undermines the rest of the squad…..rose tinted glasses some people like. He may still choose us although i doubt it as floppy chops has been in his ear. What you really have to ask yourself is why did newcastle fly him into London in first place? Smokescreen……
85 Indian Magpie // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:47 AM

Sir Braveheart

You are right, wages must be earnt, otherwise people don’t work hard and loaf along
86 Colo-Sus // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:47 AM

Sir braveheart

SPOT ON!

A team isn’t something that’s given or bought. It’s something you belong to something you have to EARN”

“Gordon Bombay” the mighty ducks
87 veto // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:48 AM

not to fussed about remy , we would have offered him a fair wage.
qpr will be paying him more than he is worth , if we did that then the whole squad would need a pay increase, keep the faith .
i think ashely does have ambition , but he wont be swayed from the plan just cos some guy wants an extra 20-30k pw
88 Ben3arfa // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:49 AM

People shouldnt jump the gun and crucify Remy yet, hes simply considering his options which is only right.

When he signs for QPR though, you may all do so lol
89 Indian Magpie // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:49 AM

I bit colo-sus,

#greatminds
90 Indian Magpie // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:50 AM

To b Honest

I don’t blame REMY either
91 Londtoon // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:50 AM

Stuff him. I think it is less humiliating than nearly Making the club bankrupt. The Shepard days didn’t work. Yes Ashley made a mistake in the summer and he must learn from that but if this lad with a heart condition expects a wage 50% higher than our current highest AND captain. Then Ashley needs to forget it and get in the next target. The mistake would be not to buy someone. However that is if previous comments were true that we do have 7 targets and backups for each position
92 89Norcal // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:52 AM

It would be comical to see the 180 this blog makes if Remy came out and accepted Newcastle’s offer lol
93 Indian Magpie // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:53 AM

Is it true that harry knicked Modric? i thought it was the player’s decision
94 TurkishFan101 // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:53 AM

Guys a member from the Nufc board held meeting with NUFC Fans UTD organisation to discuss issues and concerns. I will post the discussion here as soon as it is up.
95 magpie6699 // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:54 AM

Noy often critical, Ed, but I think that’s hatsh. We’ve bought Debuchy, had an £8 million plus bid accepted for a player with probably add-on agent fees, £10 million pound 5-year contract etc. and are said to be looking at more purchases. I was beginning to think that MA had actually learned his lesson from the summer failure to invest in the squad. There were people on here saying we’d get NO new players in January! Just because some mercenary gets seduced by Harry the rat – done it to us twice before – and stupid financial management, does not mean we should go down that road. Is Remy worth more than Benny, Cabaye, Tim etc??
96 Indian Magpie // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:55 AM

89Norcal

I ahve sid, i don’t wnt him now
97 magpie6699 // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:56 AM

“Not” and “harsh!
98 dubzy // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:57 AM

#Wee club springs to mind hu.

On a different note maybe we sign this player on loan , Number 10 for italy under 21s just plays off the striker
99 one Tony Green // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:57 AM

Lads two things about this that will come back to haunt QPR . Remy asked for a release clause if the club was relegated we refused yet QPR agreed. Spurs refused his wage demands. So let’s be fair this is all about money.
The way people on here are talking you would think we missed out on Messi. He cannot get into the Marseille side.
Out of interest the Mittal family are bankrolling this so to give it prospective they are 20 times richer than Ashley.
100 Readingmag // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:57 AM

Super Shola ! scored a hat trick against Reading……We all need a victory on saturday, but believe me I need it more than most.
101 dubzy // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:58 AM

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2013/01/newcastle-show-interest-in-udinese-forward/?
102 MacToon // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:58 AM

TurkishFan, I was there mate, the club secretary represented the club and had some eye opening things to say (probably off the record) but I wish I’d taken a picture when she was told that Remy was going to QPR, she was straight on the phone! She did seem to think Colo would still be here ’til the summer atleast.
103 davybtoon // Jan 15, 2013 at 7:59 AM

Nufc fans have to get a reality check when it comes to our money, Shepard paying huge wages nearly crippled us why do u think Ashly has a wage structure in place bcoz it’s what we can afford n clearly by the ba stuff recently 70k seems to b out limit which is a dam good limit, until we get regular champs league n better sponsorships which won’t come without the champs league this 70k limit won’t rise
104 Indian Magpie // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:00 AM

Yes Correct,

It was Shola “The donkey” Ameobi who scored a hatrick and then scored the winner against Wednesday while in CCC
105 MacToon // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:00 AM

It was a FansUTD meet with the club represented and not the other way around btw
106 Santon03 // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:01 AM

Ben3arfa

I think most people here crucifying Remy because he has already agreed and on his for medical at NUFC then reviewing QPR offer. It’s different if he hasn’t agreed to anyone and planning to have medical, he can review as much offers as he want then.
107 check the toastie // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:02 AM

Would sooner add the 8 million pounds onto any money we are going to spend on 2 CB’s.

Not that bothered about a striker, if Cisse gets injured, personally would just give young Nile a run out.

Centre Back is were our problems lay, would be over the moon if we bought

Sissoko 3million
Alderwield 8-10million
Lescott 6 million

For me we have a super striker who wil score goals, Marv, Cabs and Benny behind and we will be superb.

Personally believe the main asset to a footballer is desire, appears to me Remy has non, fits QPR well.
108 TurkishFan101 // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:02 AM

@MacToon oh ok mate, anything else said at all? Anything interesting or to look forward to? And aint even surprised that we couldnt get remy over the line..
109 Indian Magpie // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:03 AM

Santon03 @ 104

Also then why did he not meet with harry in France. why now? what changed
110 MacToon // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:04 AM

Oh, she’s head of media at the club, not secretary lol!
111 Spuggy // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:04 AM

If this does turn out to be true then football has truly lost its way and I’m considering leaving it.

How can any team compete with sovereign states and tycoons. Yes Ashley could throw his companies money at us, but for whatever reason he’s trying to run the finance properly which I have to say is admirable.

Then Chelsea come along (who bought the EPL and CL) and he can’t resist going – understandable.

Unless we get an owner willing to spend 200 million plus we will never again be in the top 5, with all the top teams strengthening time and time again. Do we want an owner like that? It’s probably a case of if you can’t beat them join them but were is the magic in buying the EPL? Where is the skill, the development of young players, the coaching, the homegrown talent – it’s about one thing now and one thing only – who has the most money.

Football has lost it’s soul.
112 mindshaft // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:04 AM

Anyone see that documentary about QPR and the management team there – it was diabolical, thought Fernandes might have changed it but seems they never learn – #qprgoingbust
113 rivettCatcher // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:04 AM

I wouldn’t get down about being out bid by QPR on wages. They are gambling their clubs future on cash & carry ‘arry keeping them up.

Will candle face bankrupt a second club?

I personally don’t want Newcastle to become the Rangers of English football.
114 Sir Braveheart // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:06 AM

@Colo-sus

QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK

And with that enlightening thought for the day, Im off to work.

Gentlemen, I expect a signing upon my return. See what you can do.
115 cyprus // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:06 AM

Ed,
Just a few months ago you were praising our sensible wage structure, UEFA fair play (what’s that?!) and saying how the rest of the clubs will follow our model! Your last heading says it like it is: money talks. If you want to be in the big leagues, you ain’t going to find all your buys in the bargain basement section. You will be found out. And, should you luckily dig up a treasure, some other club will then just buy him off you (e.g. see Ba). If we survive (if), then competitive salaries must be paid to the likes of HBA and Krul, or else, goodbye.
116 spitfire_ // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:07 AM

Indian Magpie

Redknapp call to his agent and said “What Newcastle gave to you… we will double it.”… probably is this.
117 JDdubai // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:08 AM

If he wants to join us then great, if he wants to go for the bigger payday then fair play to the lad, its not like we are top 6 and pushing for europe. He has no allegiance to either, He has a choice between 2 teams battling relegation only 5 points apart. One is offering double the wage and a clause allowing him to leave if they are relegated, seems a no-brainer to me and nothing to blame of MA. We move on.
118 brettsinsa // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:08 AM

didnt we do the same to Liverfool with Marveux?
119 catchy in norway // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:08 AM

i dont think you can blame harry , qpr or ashley for any of this

at this moment in time, remy has been given permision to speak to clubs who have met his valuation, so from an ashley point of view he has done that,

i dont think its right to offer the guy crazy money to come to us, and if QPR want to do that , then im fine with it,
but i think there are many hypocrites on here if you think remy is a bad man for chosing money first,, and shame on you, i dont agree with how much a footballer in the prem gets, not by a long way, but no one would turn down (prob 20-30g ) a week to join another club,, if we were advising him ,, we would say take the money,,

if your talking about teams that are fighting for cups and titles, then money isnt always top of the list for them,,

but we are newcastle and no matter how good i think we are, remy or any other player, its just a job to them,

what i hope is that they did have all there eggs in the remy basket, for a forward, i am concernd that we are not linkedwith any defenders (CB) i think this area is more important to us
120 MacToon // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:08 AM

Turkish, she was there to announce a new appointment at the club. It’s a post for “fan’s liason”, apparantly part of a Eufa mandate to have everyclub to have some sort of representation with fans.

She was asked some direct questions, a few people suggested Ashley should say something to fans (I don’t neccesarily agree with that), apparently Ashley’s not going to change but she hinted that Llambias is warming to us Geordies lucky us!
121 Rozzy // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:09 AM

Ok Remy is not on his way(gutted). I think our next move should be for Seydou Doumbia. Perfect fit for us. Similar to Remy as he can play as a striker or winger but is younger. But if we do move for him please keep this on quit.
122 TurkishFan101 // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:09 AM

@Cyprus clearly Ed is stressed out like the rest of us due to us needing to invest wisely otherwise we will get relegated.
123 Santon03 // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:11 AM

Indian

I thought he had met Harry and rejected the offer, then Harry came back with much better offer than ours after Remy has agreed terms with us, now he is thinking about joining QPR.
I thought that’s the whole story or maybe I’m wrong.

Anyway, we haven’t heard anything from NUFC officials, QPR and Remy, we only heard it from Barton.
124 Rozzy // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:11 AM

SEYDOU DOUMBIA ?
125 Patoon // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:12 AM

Have 2 agree with Newcastles tranfers policy here, look what Harry Redknapp done with portsmouth, now he’l do the same with qpr with his high wages, we cant b held at ransom by greedy footballers, Toon Army, Toon Army
126 Ben3arfa // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:12 AM

I mean if Carroll did it to us why are people so flabbergasted at Remy .. Seems to happen to us more than most though
127 calvinho // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:12 AM

The muppet who is talking about giving Nile Ranger games needs to leave. I’ve never heard so much sh1t!!

The thing is that now we are borderline panicking and other clubs know it. The lack of ambition was shown in the summer, whereby we should have signed 3 senior players. Then we could have added one or two this window. Instead, the players’ morale, supporters’ morale and the general feel from the club had left us feeling like this. It’s a shame as we could have used the momentum from finishing 5th last year to push on again. Instead, we’re 2 steps back.
128 nimo // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:13 AM

apparently we offered 50k a week with a 7500 goal bonus. 50000 if we got into Europe 25000 if we got in top 10… but wanted to reduce his wage to 30k if out injured
if qpr have bettered this for an unproven strike who has not been in form for nearly a year wellfIraq play to them, hope there fans are already talking to pompeys cos harry will do the same to them as he did pompey … What i don’t get is how David o leary took the blame for Leeds going tits up yet harry always comesup smelling of roses
129 Dannyo // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:15 AM

@89Norcal
You are deliberately blind if you don’t think that we’ve already given the tour.
We do that to all our targets, we work them and many of these agents represent a multitude of players so the player will know what awaits them at St. James’ Park.
We cannot take a player for a tour if we have not been allowed to talk to the player.
Wake up for goodness sake.
130 Santon03 // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:15 AM

Ben3arfa

I think we did crucify Carrol by labling him Judas.
131 catchy in norway // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:15 AM

Spuggy

if you listen to lameass,, ashley has put that kind of money into the club, 130mil intrest free loan, and when we went down he put 40mil of his own money into the club,,

i dont buy that, but heyho,,
they say it so it must be true
132 nimo // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:16 AM

from What I’ve seen of the French league albeit it isn’t much the best striker most suited for the prem has been linked with us in the past bafetimbi gomis.. think he’d play well with papa too but wouldn’t suit 433
133 one Tony Green // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:16 AM

Cyprus you sound like one of the endless bankers you see on TV justifying wages and bonuses in the City.
Football is going to implode and fans will stop going because it is too expensive.
14 clubs in the Premier league would have closed down years ago if they had been in any other industry.
Yesterday Man United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Spurs wrote a letter to Rchard Scudamore complaining about the spending of City and Chelsea and the wages they pay so what chance do we have.
134 TurkishFan101 // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:17 AM

@MacToon lol llambias…. the crap he comes out with, I was scrolling through the blog yesterday the year we got relegated and it seems he came out and spoke everday after the january transfer window when we had JFK in charge. Amount of bul! Shi0t this guy comes up with is unbelievable, he shouldn’t be our director has knowledge of jack sh!? If he speaks after the window when we haven’t brang anyone in I will personally make a trip all the way from london to Newcastle and make this loser suffer.
135 Santon03 // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:18 AM

Catchy

We nolonger have debts, then the money must have come from somewhere.
136 cyprus // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:18 AM

Catchy, must disagree with you. CB is very important (we may need two in fact – Saylor will play 2 games, sit rest of season, Colo may be off), of course, but in our predicament we need wins, CBs get you draws. Right now we have nobody to score goals. Hoping that Cisse will bounce back is a luxury we can’t afford.
137 Scottishmag1 // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:19 AM

If I am honest, had any of us gone for a job and seen two different companies, One offers £80k a year and the other offers £120k a year, everything else being equal……where do you go?

Until such times as FIFA introduce transparent fair play rules, we will always have this issue where Clubs can buy the success and any players they want (On ridiculous terms)
138 Transfer Sage // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:20 AM

Nimo

Where did you hear that?

I heard years ago Ashley refuses to include a goal bonus as it makes players too selfish at shoot…..its what he hated about Obafemi Martins
139 spennymoor-mag // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:21 AM

So many mixed views. Really we need a statement from the club sharpish,so everyone nos what’s happening. Imo we should forget remy now and move on. I just pray we have other targets. We need players in asap. This game against reading us the biggest game we’ve had in a long time!! If we lose we’re doomed I think
140 MacToon // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:22 AM

I agree with those that say we need a football man in above Pardew, one that knows the area would be a bonus too and then they’d be able to tap into the local market better but it doesn’t appear to be on Ashley’s agenda.
They have created another post, someone will be taken on to do all twatter/internet stuff if anyone’s interested lol Spend all day trolling blogs etc and get paid for it
141 nimo // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:22 AM

Scottish mag i would have gone to the 1 offering best prospect, best facilities.. if the company was about to go under you would take the safe route rather than run your reputation.. i workd for British gas on 75k a week when npowr set up there service and repair business they offered top managers from British gas 115k.. i stayed many chased.. 10 years later who do you think was happiest with there decision..
142 catchy in norway // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:22 AM

Santon03
we still have the debt we just owe a different guy

cyprus

yes we do need CB,, but up front im not so worried,, i think we have the players at the club to cover this, i dont think we have the right manager to play them though
143 Santon03 // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:22 AM

Scottishmag

I would go for 120k, but not after I just said yes to 80k.
144 Ben3arfa // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:23 AM

@Santon03

Yes I know, I was referring to the allegiance side of it though , Carroll being a local lad and a fan of the toon . Hence why we shouldn’t be too surprised at Remy snubbing us for higher wages .
145 MacToon // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:23 AM

Turkish, he’s based in London, you’ll not have to go far.
146 geordiesteve520 // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:24 AM

I’m 100% behind the club on this one, what would be then point in being strong enough to make Demba Ba leave by refusing agents demands only to cave for his ‘replacement’. It speaks volumes about the state of football when this happens but it is no longer surprising me – C’est la vie! Worse things happen.
147 cyprus // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:24 AM

one Tony Green,
I assure you I am not a banker. I don’t know about your background. I too don’t like it like it is. But I do live in the real world and that’s how it works, believe me. I’d rather double HBA’s salary and not have Obertan, for instance. There are ways to hold on to big players…
148 Transfer Sage // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:24 AM

mactoon

it would be a good idea….its what man city did. They hired a few members of staff from barcelona for that role.

I think if we are limiting ourselves with transfers fees and wages for players then we need to make sure everything else in the club is of a very high standard, ie. scouts, coaches, chairmen, directors, etc to maximise what we have available
149 Scottishmag1 // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:25 AM

Nimo,

you took the long term view unfortunately not all footballers do not…….My point was that the majority of people are motivated by money and their bank accounts.

I have been there, trust me and now run my own business, that way if I fcuk it up, its down to me.
150 nimo // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:25 AM

sage got a mate who scouts for Leeds in France and he talks to agents.. he’s not said What qpr have offered thou..
ba was on goal bonus and believe cisse and Ben arfa are too.. lot of our players contracts are performance related.. cabaye has assists in his
151 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:27 AM

Morning all,

Has there been any actual confirmed change? I see Marseille have confirmed he’s in England talking to both NUFC and QPR, is there any official word we’re out of the running?

I think why people are so wound up is that Remy supposedly refused the idea of QPR, indicating he valued some things over money. Obviously players are looking for good money, that is a given, but there is a difference for me in taking the biggest money available no matter what the team or situation. Perhaps though I need to look at our own situation a little closer, maybe it doesn’t appear that different to QPRs from Remys point of view.
152 Transfer Sage // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:28 AM

nimo

different in our ‘everyday jobs’ though.

If remy goes to QPR and they go down he will have some form of release clause to get out for a small fee or free.

He will then get another contract somewhere else on the same or more money.

It’s not like it matters to these guys about job security….there is always a good option for them out there.

Plus they only sign 3-5 year deals…not looking for a career for 30/40 years.
153 jimmysmith // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:28 AM

Remy Loic’s ship has come in. What are ya gonna do?
154 BelfastMagpie // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:29 AM

Dont really like what Qpr are doing, but they’re owner is obviously desperate to stay up & he’s throwing as much money he can at it.

Ashley only seems to gamble on selling players.
155 davybtoon // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:29 AM

Stuff remy I want sissohko more so let’s hope there working on that deal
156 Les Grossman // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:30 AM

Woooooaaaa there steady on!
Maybe a balanced view is needed here.

They mad a mistake in the summer. Without the shadow of a doubt and they have admitted this.

To start slagging of the policy because of one greedy frenchman is slightly overboard.

All on here were full of the MA is great crap when the Policy worked…massively. Re Cabaye, HBA, Cisse, Ba, Tiote.

Nopw because a greedy frenchman has had his head turned by ‘arry the bung, the policy is sh!te????

Get a grip for christ sake. We dont want people who only come here to pich up a huge wage. We want battlers, people who want to come and play for the club, Debuchy type players.

Now before you start slagging me off with claims of Rose tinteds and sh!t, I think if Remy wants to take double the money on offer thats his decision and I would find it hard turning it down….thats hardly MA fault is it?

So when he offers remy 80 k, his highest paid player Colo on est 60k, 4-5 better players than remy at the club, all then march in and say….I want 80k a week or im off…..THAT is the BIGGER picture !!!

Move on, we need battlers now, people who want to come and help us avoid the chasmic drop!! Not people who are happy picking up their wage come Snow or shine!
157 Transfer Sage // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:30 AM

nimo

I’ll take your word for it then if you have a decent contact.

I just remember in our relegation year reading Ashley always wondered why martins would shoot from 40 yards instead of passing. When he found out it was because he had a goal bonus he was fuming and said he wouldn’t have it in again.

Must have changed his mind to try and get cheaper contracts maybe.
158 nimo // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:31 AM

sage if it dontt work out at qpr and he under performs they go down heisn’t gonna get another 85k a week contract.. teams coming in are likely to be struggling teams again..not likely to restore place in French national team this is What id be looking at
159 Harley // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:32 AM

Football is on a sorry state when the bottom club can offer 85k a week contracts.
It’s a disgrace that this can happen. It’s no fault of Ashley’s. if he’s offered him 40 -50 a week I think that’s more than generous.
I just hope it all back fires on them and they get relegated and maybe it’ll act as a deterrent for other clubs with stupid owners.
160 ~Anita One Bites the Dust~ // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:33 AM

Agree with comment 154
161 nimo // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:33 AM

i wish i used to be on 75ka week lol mean a year
162 Les Grossman // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:33 AM

davytoon
WHY do you want sissoko more??
Surely a CB and a striker should have huge priority over ANOTHER CM???

Anita
Tiote
Gosling
Perch
Cabaye
Gutti
Bigi
HBA

All play CM

We have 2 first team strikers, 3 CB.

And you want a player because he sets up all your goals on FIFA 13
163 Scottishmag1 // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:34 AM

Harley,

dont count on it!!
164 Charlie in the Gallowgate // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:34 AM

If we want a player who will die for the cause then look no further than Andy Carroll – his blood runs black n white – still has a house up here still pops in the local for meal – and would be good foil for Cisse.
AND we might score a goal from a corner or Free kick

Ashley does give bonuses
If I recall the last game of the season 2010/11 against West Brom the players were on a £2 million share out if they finished 10th or higher and we know what happened 3-0 up half time – blew it – players had a bust on their lap of honour
165 ~Anita One Bites the Dust~ // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:34 AM

comment 156*
166 MacToon // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:35 AM

TS, I just think it’s obvious we lack a football person at the club in a position above Pardew, maybe to work along side Llambias or just below him. It seems like Ashley trusts Llambias with his investment but neither know much about football and learning from mistakes has proved quite costly over recent years.
167 Transfer Sage // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:35 AM

nimo

He will probably get another offer like we offered though….so won’t be missing out. And even if QPr go down but he gets 10 goals his stock will have risen in England.

Also I’m sure a player like remy could get 100k+ for going to russia or the middle east if his move is purely motivated by money.

Footballers of his level always have options and the chance for a good pay.
168 ~Anita One Bites the Dust~ // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:36 AM

Comment 164

“If we want a player who will die for the cause then look no further than Andy Carroll – his blood runs black n white –”

Is that so? then why did he leave for big money to liverpoo?
169 Indian Magpie // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:37 AM

Expect Newcstle’s new signing Shola Ameobi to be on the bench at SJP
170 Les Grossman // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:37 AM

One tony green
I think youll find that the Mittal family, (Well only lakshmi) Are NOT bankrolling this!!!
171 davybtoon // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:37 AM

We need a pick me up today to hear a bid accepted for another player
172 BelfastMagpie // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:38 AM

It leaves a sour taste in the mouth, losing out to Qpr in the transfer market.
C**** lol
173 jimmysmith // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:39 AM

Actually, Quite Probably Relegated is a really rubbish career move unless they go down, then it’s not so bad.

I’m not entirely convinced all’s lost.
174 nimo // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:39 AM

saget i don’t think that was case with Martin’s just didn’t have a football brain
175 foggonridiculous // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:39 AM

Don’t be too hard on Ed…I think he has got “Toon Syndrome”

Almost every member of the Toon Army can get this at some point…

It starts pre-season with the hope that THIS will be the one when silverware returns to St’ James Park.

It starts with a nervous tic when the players get injured, and give “mis-translated/misinterpreted” quotes or interviews to the Press. Signs of infection include becoming a gibbering wreck when the opposition cross the half-way line and look like attacking our “defence” and repeated hitting of the f5 button on the “News Now Newcastle site” during the transfer windows.

There is no cure … it is part and parcel of supporting Newcastle United (or to give it the Southern Press’s full title: “crisis-club Newcastle United).

Repeating the mantra “just getting the player we want over the line” brings but temporary relief.

I think of this as less of a blog…more a self-help group.

The moment is ripe for a new “hero” to hang the hopes and fears of the great geordie nation on…

…enter stage left…??/Andy Carrol/ Michael Chopra?

…what are the odds..?

Remember- whatever happens – we can ALWAYS laugh at 5under1and…keep the faith

HWTL
176 Les Grossman // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:39 AM

I laugh at the people on here last night all but saying ‘its not fair’ that arry can keep knicking our players.

In the KK sir JH era. NUFC were reknowned for nicking players from under other clubs noses!!

Taste of our own medicine these days and it tastes like V Cil K
177 Transfer Sage // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:40 AM

mactoon

I hope llambias is taking advice from somebody on the valuation of players….because you need somebody who understand value and what a player is worth, especially looking at variables, are the club in debt, is the player in form, do they want him gone or to stay etc.

Charlie in gallowgate

Yeh I was aware he gave team bonuses for overall league position, cup run, etc.

But I had read he removed individual bonuses to stop players just playing for themself.

eg. if you are through on goal and have a 50/50 shot or a simple pass for a guaranteed goal…a player might take the shot for his goal bonus and miss, costing the team.

but I’ll take nimo’s word….he seems to have some good knowledge.
178 Szarka // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:40 AM

So we give 40k for our top target? When the top clubs give 80k for their starters?
How do we wanna compete in the PL if we act as a small club.
If we want good players, we have to pay more, or develop them. Well I see our youngsters for lik 4 years, and not even one became a regular starter, a PL class. So we lost out on building in from our youth squad, so we must buy and keep our best. And u cant do that with half the wages that even medium clubs can give.
If we go on with strickt policy, we can say byebye to Ben Arfa, or later to Cissé, Krul. Its not about plus 10k, its about double wages.
And as we give up everything for PL , we wont play in Europe for 2 years. Now that can be topped bye 10 clubs in England, and maybe even more if we only talk about money.
If we keep this style we will be a relegation fighter club.
Dont care about FIFA Financial Fair Play, they just talk, but only hit smaller clubs, not the big guns.
We just pretend to be small as AF said. Its not about giving 85k to every player, but 40k for a top target? U wont get a top player for that.
Im worried that this policy will bring us down, because are best players will surelly leave for double wages.
179 Santon03 // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:41 AM

Catchy

He is the owner of this club = no debt.
A debt is if this club owes money from outside of this club.
We are 0 debt.
180 Spotlight Kid // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:41 AM

Goodness knows, I’m no fan of Mike Ashley’s contradictory style of ownership – playing chicken with the relegation trapdoor, sacking a real footballing manager for a press friendly puppet, dropping a blue chip financial company for a predatorial loan racket etc. BUT (take note Bills-son) credit where it is due.

Remy is an inconsistent opportunist with a heart condition (not his fault but not NUFC’s either), his disciplinary record is shocking and his recent goal scoring makes even Xisco look prolific. Steer well clear – and I do hope MA has seen sense on this.

What MA really should be asking himself is how – if our highly (over?) rated scouting network is so good – did Michu slip though without even a mention last Summer. Had he landed him for free (as ‘small Swansea’ did) there’s no doubt the current R word would be the E word…

Mike, if you are going to buy cheap and sell high, you need to kick some asses in the purchasing department.
181 one Tony Green // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:43 AM

@ Grossman I think you find they’re are. Own 34% of QPR and as Indian correctly pointed out earlier Tony Fernandes is not even in the same league money wise as our owner.
182 Transfer Sage // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:43 AM

nimo

I agree with you on martins.

Was just in an article I read years ago.
183 thepict // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:45 AM

So we should pay ridiculous wages for players? Paying money we don’t have? Some people have very short memories as to where that nearly took us.
184 MacToon // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:45 AM

Exactly TS, seems like Ashley/Llambias agree on the top price but then Pardew tells us we won’t be beaten on price and wages…….ha ha.Mind boggling.
I did once think Ashley was playing FM (or whatever the game’s called) with our club!
185 Santon03 // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:46 AM

Catchy – continue 179

I understand your view, it seems that NUFC belong to us according to you, but sadly no.
We don’t own this club because we are not the shareholder, like it or not it’s reality.
It’s the same as you run your own company with your own money without borrowing from someone else.
186 Tsunki // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:46 AM

I appreciate Ed needs to keep the blog fires burning and the article is evidently a barometer of the general consensus of Mags re their club and how it is run, but if you go back to the first post, Indian actually says a lot more than he is given credit for.

This whole Remy thing is out of hand because we have made it appear that way, drooling over him as he was certain to arrive, moaning about him as he turned his back on us for a ludicrous offer. Understandable, but not an indicator of what is wrong at this club. What is wrong at NUFC is the same as what is wrong with most top clubs in modern football business, it either has to cut its cloth accordingly, or go all-in like QPR to have a last dig at staying with the lucrative TV money. Ashley, a known lover of the tables, has decide that gambling is restricted to leisure ad not business, and should be respected for that. If by ‘lack of ambition’ you mean he doesn’t stick his neck out on a deal that will have a good chance of not returning value, then I am all for that. Look where it has got QPR so far – dod we really want to envy that model?

The Remy deal is a shame on QPR, on mad football economics, and the governing bodies of football, but in this instance, not NUFC. Remember, when Pardew was asked about the deal, he played it down, WE and the media built it up. We really need to move on, and accept whatever the outcome is, it always seems to work out reasonably well for us, certainly better than it does for QPR.
187 cyprus // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:46 AM

Fogon,
Classic !

‘I think of this as less of a blog…more a self-help group.’
188 Charlie in the Gallowgate // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:47 AM

Anita
From the horses mouth
He did not want to go – basically he was nudged out as the FEE that Liverfool offered was to much for the club to turn down.
189 one Tony Green // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:47 AM

Cyprus absolute class mate
190 Spotlight Kid // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:48 AM

Santon @ 189

The club is in debt to Ashley by an amount thought to be around £100m – fact – as a consequence of him not doing due diligence. The club is therefore in debt. If Sheikh Yerbouti wants to buy the club he will have to find the asking price PLUS the money the club owes to Ashley if he wants to buy it.

The fact MA doesn’t charge interest is offset by the fact he doesn’t pay to use the ground as an advertising hoarding . You can move debt around, but you can’t lose it, OK?
191 MacToon // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:49 AM

Obviously the important question to ask is not how much a player will cost but how much in wages they want. Would make our transfer windows, scouting and player recruitment that much easier.
192 Rozzy // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:50 AM

F Remy lets get Seydou Doumbia
193 Widowmaker // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:51 AM

I think it would be unfair to judge MA on only Remy’s case (too early too), as it’s crazy to break a wage structure for one individual and we don’t know the truth yet.

Nonetheless, I still tend to agree with Ed’s view on MA’s lack of ambition. Over the last few years, MA’s ownership has been a huge disappointment and this won’t go away just because we had finished 5th last year. Never mind the fact that performances were absymal in many matches even last season.

I will still give him a chance, because I can’t choose another club to support. But once I stop supporting the club, I think I will say farewell to football altogether.

I hope he sell up ASAP. Football is supposed to be an entertainment and his ownership is providing little of that.
194 WWYCD // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:52 AM

Q0R are doing what they need to in order to stay in the PL and if they do there’s a far larger money pot next season.

Can’t moan about it really we’d be laughing if we had nixked Remy from them at the last minute, should of keot in under wraps and sorted it far quicker than we did
195 Ian Toon // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:54 AM

Catchy@119- Spot on I commend you for no mass overreaction. Ashley is not at fault but we should learn that there is merit in acting decisively in the market. We should not look to match such financial madness. Plus Remy has a release clause when/if QPR are relegated. I would have viewed it as a license for total internal turmoil had we followed the QPR route. For what other than mass resultant discontent from our existing top draw players at us breaking existing wage policy. Transfer -is right it’s not out of line with Arsenal/ Spurs.
We need to move on and quickly. The priority remains to bring in a CB
and restructure a shaky defence.
196 Tsunki // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:54 AM

foggon – I always thought of the blog that way ha ha
197 Rotonda heights // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:54 AM

Tbh right now I’d put more money on QPR staying up than us. They seem to have got that fresh impetus, momentum and energy a good new manager can bring.

My only beef with Ashley as far as Ed’s lack of ambition comment goes has been his inability to attract a top manager.

There didn’t seem to be any interviews for the job when Hughton left and Pardew’s appointment seemed to smack of a ”job for the boys”

If it’s your investment or baby you want the best people running the show, not a casino goon and a mediocre, 3rd rate clueless manager. First rule of business don’t employ your mates.

Pardew is so obviously a flash in the pan. He’s lost the plot and been found out with his stubbornly arrogant and negative hoofball tactics and now seemingly the dressing room with our 3 best players Ba, Colo, and now Benny all leaving or wanting out.

1 shot in anger in a dull boring turgid game at those renowned world beaters Norwich and their multi million opound players, says it all about a guy who tries not to lose rather than to win and give any entertainment value.

It’s amazing with every fresh defeat people keep saying it would be worse to change managers now. How does that work exactly!!! Stick with someone who has lost what is it – 12 out of 14 or similar.

To those who say it’s a result business and they don’t care about being entertained, I rest my case. The stats don’t lie.
198 JDdubai // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:55 AM

http://www.journallive.co.uk/nufc/newcastle-united-news/2013/01/15/61634-32602086/?
199 Santon03 // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:55 AM

Spotlight

It’s legally his company, he can do anything he wants with it. If he wanted to sell 1billion, it’s his right to do so.
Since when that a person pay for something he’s not allowed to do anything with it or run it as he sees fit.
It’s like you are buying a cup of coffee and I’m only allowing you to drink it when I told you to.
200 Les Grossman // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:56 AM

Tony green
Ok, steady on lad. Getting a bit excited there arent we.

IF i was in Lakshmi Mittals shoes, I would NOT be ploughing the majotiy into the club when I am not the Majority share holder like…..

EG Me and you will buiy a TV together eh? Tell you what, Ill pay for 2/3 of it you can pay the rest, dont worry, you can have it and when you sell it….just give me a third of what you make on it back its best way to do business!!

Thanks and all that
201 catchy in norway // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:56 AM

santon03

no,, i mean when he puts the club up for sale , he adds the 130 million onto the value of the club,,

you would not buy a car from a guy then pay of his finance to, would you,,?

he made a mistake when he bought the club, he or his team have said many times it is an interest free loan,, meaning we still owe 130 mil
202 HullMag6 // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:57 AM

Nothing from official sources all rumours, opinion and misinformation. Until a player is there holding his shirt don’t take anything for granted.

As for blog witch hunts back off.

Proud only relays information he comes across.

This situation is the usual window soap opera, save the anger for when the window closes if no one else has been brought in.

We’re financially stable, other clubs offering silly money are gambling on not failing – some will and pay greatly (ref: Leeds/Portsmouth/Rangers)
203 one Tony Green // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:58 AM

@Spotlight Kid

You obviously been smoking the bong today. Why would Mike Ashley pay the cub anything for advertising he owns it he can do what he wants. Obviously MA would be repaid any directors loans he has put in the club that is the same in any business. Charging no interest is not normal and whether you choose to acknowledge it if this money was owed to a bank they would have closed us down
204 sweendog // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:58 AM

unfortunately I predicted QPR coming in with more Salary .. shame but if this is his motivation and we need a fighter for relegation then he is not it ..
still some very good strikers out there .. Gomis or Aubameyang .. theres other better strikers as well.
Most importantly the club need to tie up Sissoko and CB’s and work in tandem on a new striker ..
205 Jesus1983 // Jan 15, 2013 at 8:58 AM

The laughing stock will be QPR when they are in the championship with all these overpaid players.
206 jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew // Jan 15, 2013 at 9:01 AM

I stand by the way we conduct our business 100% – if that means Remy and the likes of him will sign for better money somewhere else so be it (only hope our club is prepared for that and have a backup plan in motion).

…there is no emotion in football anymore it’s all money (agents have ruined the game and I am glad FIFA are looking into it)
207 tooninspain // Jan 15, 2013 at 9:05 AM

It’s been said that our senior players would be peeed off if we matched QPR’s personal terms, and so they would. It’ll be interesting to see the reaction of QPR’s senior players to this. I have a feeling it’ll backfire on scrotum face, and QPR’s team morale will nosedive.
208 tequilamag // Jan 15, 2013 at 9:22 AM

Mactoon Pardew did not say we would not be outbid on wages that was Eds spin,

http://www.nufcblog.com/2013/01/11/alan-pardew-newcastle-will-not-be-outbid-for-transfer-targets/
209 james589 // Jan 15, 2013 at 9:29 AM

At the end of the day, no one player is bigger than the club. If the people running the club have any sense, then they’ll have a lot more than one target striker that they’re looking to bring in. Remy is obviously more motivated by money than he is by football so I see that as a bullet dodged frankly. Can any of you blame him? If you were offered £40k/week or £85k/week, which would you choose?! I might be being optimistic, but I’m sure the club wouldn’t be stupid enough to pin their hopes on signing one striker, they will have learned from Carroll-gate two years ago and won’t let it happen again.

I agree that our strict transfer/wage policy is a hindrance sometimes, but I think that as a consequence we are the best-run club in the league financially. Ashley is helping us to become sustainable with the goal of making us self-sufficient; I think sometimes people need a bit of perspective. Perhaps it wouldn’t hurt to have a bit of flexibility sometimes, but say we’d offered the lad £85k/week, reportedly the same as QPR, what message would that send out to the rest of our squad? Are we really saying that Remy would be our best and most valuable player? Because that’s what his pay packet would imply…

Personally, I’d like to see them use a little more flexibility, in that rather than saying they’re not going to pay any one player more than a certain amount a week, they have a budget for the entire squad which they can’t exceed. That would give scope to pay some players a little more to get their signature on the dotted line and avoid situations like this, whilst maintaining financial control. If Colo goes then that would immediately free up £65k/week in wages, not to mention the salary we’re no longer paying Ba being added to the budget.

Working in finance I can completely understand the need for stringent budgets controls, but the bottom line is if we don’t offer the going rate for a player we badly need then ultimately it’s going to be a lot more costly if it means QPR leap-frog us in the relegation race. Is £85k/week the going rate? Probably not, and we only need to look back to the Shepherd days when we paid a certain Mr Owen a similar amount to know how that can turn out. But it wouldn’t hurt to have tabled a competitive offer… still less than QPR but with the promise of a better chance of survival, a better team, and numerous team mates who speak his language and can help him settle.

In other news, why on earth aren’t we in for M’Vila? Fits our profile exactly in terms of age, ability and potential.
210 JARRAMAG // Jan 15, 2013 at 9:37 AM

These are football players we are talking about and their god is money end of

If we expect to get an international player for £40k per week we are dreaming

We should of paid Ba £6mill over 3 years(we got him for nothing and he owed us nothing so £6mill over 3 years would of been a steal for us but the powers in chargs couldnt see a golden goose we alreagy had and will now have to pay through the nose to get anyone half as good as Ba

Some posters on here just dont realise the position we are in.We have 1 decent striker,1 decent central defender who wants out,a midfield who create and score no goals

Say Remy is getting an extra £40k per week its only £2mill per year (and is reasonable for a French international and is £2 mill a year too much for Ashley when he is going to lose £60mill when we go down

I dont think Ashley or Llambias have learnt any lessons from our last relegation.They are chancers who are gambling with our premiership future again

See you all in the championship

God help us
211 james589 // Jan 15, 2013 at 9:50 AM

What were we paying Ba? £6m over 3 years is just under £40k a week… I can’t believe he was on much less than that?! And Debuchy isn’t on much over £40k a week but he’s an international player… I’m not dreaming!

Cabaye, Ben Arfa, Cisse (back end of last season at least!) are 3 reasons why we don’t need to break the bank to land good players. I know for every Cabaye there’s a Williamson, but people who think we should spend beyond our means to solve the current situation forget the mess we could be in now if we were still paying £17m transfer fees plus stupid wages to sign the likes of Owen who averaged one full season’s worth of games over 3 years… We could have been the next Portsmouth.

There are other players our there and we haven’t lost out yet. Yes, we’ve missed out on Remy, but that doesn’t mean we can’t bring a decent striker in before the end of the season. What’s to say Carr hasn’t already found this year’s Cisse who is going to bang in 13 goals before the end of the season? Just because we haven’t heard about any other striker transfer targets doesn’t mean there aren’t any – given the propensity of other clubs to hijack our moves we’d do well to keep them on the down low from herein.
212 stuart no9 // Jan 15, 2013 at 10:12 AM

bills—- you saay ed is wrong when he says ash lacks ambition. will you still be saying that when we get relegated and qpr stay up???? i very much doubt it fella.
213 SteJay // Jan 15, 2013 at 10:33 AM

Remy aint worth 85k a week end of story

He’ll be the highest paid player in the championship next season. Great achievement
214 nufcusa // Jan 15, 2013 at 12:59 PM

This thread is a but of a joke. The offer made to Remy was good enough fir him to agree to the move before Monopoly money was thrust in his face. Newcastle had in fact sealed the deal and their policy was about to beat fruit until QPR made a mockery if the transfer window and impending financial regulations.

Newcastle are 100% correct not to make a counter offer to a player who had accepted their original offer. This is not a lack of ambition from us and is purely the greed of a player and kamikaze attitude of Fernades and his board.
215 magillc // Jan 15, 2013 at 2:30 PM

It’s not a lack of ambition from Ashley, it’s protecting the club from a money grabber, if he doesn’t come to us for the fact of joining another team for more money I’d rather not have him and get someone else who would play for there place to wear their heart on the shirt. Looking at Siem DeJong, I believe he’s a player who could do this. More fool Loic Remy he’s missing out, I’m sure QPR will stay up now with him and M’Vila, but they’ll have a squad full of money grabbers, we don’t want that at Newcastle, we want a financially stable Premier League club who can viably challenge building year upon year like Everton do and eventually surpass them and in future challenge for Europe, it will take time, that’s why Pardew is on a long term deal – This process will take time, give the club time.