Newcastle have made some excellent progress in all areas of the club, since we were relegated in May of 2009, when, if you believed what was written in the press, we would have been immediately relegated from the Championship.
LLambias and Ashley – doing a lot of things right these days
But not for the first time those experts were dead wrong, and Newcastle managed brilliantly by Chris Hughton, were promoted straight back to the Championship with a massive 102 points, and we survived our first season in the Premier League and finished 12th.
And that was even after there was a surprising change of management in mid-season, when Chris Hughton was sacked and Alan Pardew came in during early December..
This is what Derek Llambias said yesterday about the progress made:
“Consider where we were in 2008-09, and where we are now. It is a huge difference and we have increased the size of the squad in the meantime.” “We are definitely going in the right direction. We had a £17M operating loss in our first year.”
“We are great believers in trying to make football affordable for everybody. We want to increase our family area, which we think is already the biggest in Europe.” “There are some times of the year when we can say, ‘We want new clients, so let’s make it affordable.’
“Through the Europa Cup, we have charged £15 and £5 for tickets and as we have gone through the competition it has remained at that price. Against Benfica we have an opportunity to put the price up, but we haven’t.”
“Some of our corporate guys spend big money with us, but they started as kids aged six or seven – they worked their way around the ground.” “They are life-long fans and that is what we have to think about, the new generations coming forward. And that is why gates are bigger and profits are down.”
There was a lot of good news in the financial report yesterday, including the average attendance at St James’ Park rose to 49,936 – up 2,190 – and we think Mike Ashley and Derek LLambias would like to see completely sold-out gates again, like we had when Sir Bobby Robson was manager of the club.
However, ticket revenue fell by 7%, after the club froze the season ticket prices and offered cheap nine and 10-year long-term season ticket deals, and that strategy will continue in an effort to get St. James’ Park completely sold-out for our home games in the league.
The number of season-ticket holders is also at the highest level it’s been since back in 2007, and it’s looking like the average home league gates this season will be in excess of 50,000.
With the finances well under control and a lot of things moving in the right direction, we think Newcastle are going to make a big push in the transfer market this summer – so we can bring in three purples – top first team players – and then push for a top four place in the Premier League next season.
That would be great, assuming we are still in the Premier League next season. 🙁
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48 comments so far
Toon-Prodigy
Mar 28, 2013 at 1:26 AM
Comment #1Leazes,
I’v not seen van dijk.
To be honest I don’t catch much football other than the Toon. I used to watch alot when I was younger but only follow the Toon now and MOTD.
In regards to this article, those corporate boxes are dreamy. I’v had the pleasure of being in one a few times now. What I would give to own one though. Immence
jammylambo
Mar 28, 2013 at 1:28 AM
Comment #2the cheap tickets for the europa games has made a huge difference to myself personally. my wife despises football and still hasnt forgiven me for getting her a season ticket last season so by using the ” come on darling they have a special offer for this game” line ive been able to drag her to a few games this season still.
RonVanDam
Mar 28, 2013 at 1:44 AM
Comment #3Re-post
Oberton needs to go. Came from ManU in hopes of landing first team spot. Had a easier path looking at the types of players he was surrounded by and a top coach. Now struggles to make the bench.
In order to see what he can actually accomplish in the field, if we keep him for another season is to loan him to a championship club for a year. He gets regular games and watch his development and figure out if he would be worth keeping.
The downside for Oberton is that he was never sent out on loan while at Man U while playing 3rd fiddle and the same here to show what he can really do.
You’ve got Santon (21) and Haidara (18) breaking into first team when Oba (24) cant get any game time. Weighing in the age factor, emerging young talents and hows he’s done so far i think he will be sold
Toon-Prodigy
Mar 28, 2013 at 1:46 AM
Comment #4Jammy,
lol! Where there is a will there is a way
jammylambo
Mar 28, 2013 at 1:50 AM
Comment #5toon-prodigy
i thought i was doing the right thing with the season ticket last year . who wouldnt want one right?
WRONG. she should have known mind you. one of our first “dates” was a trip out to play coventry when we won 4-1 i believe.
told her to meet me in town , suprised her with the tickets even got her a hat and scarf from the merch shop. hated every second of it lol.
RonVanDam
Mar 28, 2013 at 1:52 AM
Comment #6What LLambias and Ashley are doing is great. Increasing family area and freezing ticket sales, will result in full house, attract new players who will be blown away by the home support and play at a higher level for the fans, St James could become a fortress, cheaper tickets will mean more families coming to watch the games and creating new fans, kids trying to be the next Steven Taylor etc. Its a win win strategy.
Toon-Prodigy
Mar 28, 2013 at 1:54 AM
Comment #7Ron,
Agree on Obertan, I finally lost patients with him when we played Metalist or Anzhi away. Can’t remember which one it was now but he was shockingly awful.
I think he has had his go and has had more than his fair share of opportunities now. I really think that game was the nail in the coffin for him at NUFC.
He is just lacking a football brain. At first I put it down to a confidence issue. But after that I thought it was evident he was lacking in talent. Too many wayward passes, no cutting edge. Lacklustre. All he seems to have is his pace, sadly it’s not enough.
Sir Alex has done us up like a kipper. Good and proper.
Toon-Prodigy
Mar 28, 2013 at 1:58 AM
Comment #8Jammy,
Sounds like the perfect date Jammy? Don’t see the problem haha. There is just no pleasing some people eh?
Loving the idea of “forcing” a season ticket on her mind.
That is hilarious. I shall bare that in mind when I get married. We all know how women hate to waste money and keep an eye out for a bargain! Brilliant.
jammylambo
Mar 28, 2013 at 2:01 AM
Comment #9my thoughts exactly . ill still convert her one of these days. i thought maybe dreamboat would help but she claims shes not keen. i think its bs personally , she just wont admit it 😛
Toon-Prodigy
Mar 28, 2013 at 2:09 AM
Comment #10I could just imagine handing over the Toon bag!
“Here, look what I have for you.. A hat and scarf!” Where going to the match! Quality.
Back home to watch “Goal” on DVD afterwards. Perfect day hahaha!
jammylambo
Mar 28, 2013 at 2:15 AM
Comment #11to quote goal 2. i was ” living the dream”
god im ashamed of that one.
Toon-Prodigy
Mar 28, 2013 at 2:23 AM
Comment #12Haha, those were the days.
Right I better get some work done. Catch ya later Jammy.
jammylambo
Mar 28, 2013 at 2:25 AM
Comment #13i should get to sleep ! goodnight tp !
Ibizatoon - Back By Popular Demand
Mar 28, 2013 at 7:57 AM
Comment #14Prodigy….Good morning. Did you not realise that wasn’t me posting last night? Don’t go claiming you were “working too hard” as that wont fly 🙂
Little tip for the future:
1) My name ends “Back By Popular Deamnd”
2) I don’t start posts with “@”.
3) I know the difference between Your and You’re – The prat who has decided it’s my turn for some name cloning does not.
At last, someone has bothered to copy my name…now I feel special.
The next Mike Williamson
Mar 28, 2013 at 7:58 AM
Comment #15Is Pardew the man to get us in the top four? I’d like a more modern manager playing the current passing style like Martinez or Laundrup. Martinez and Moyes should be available at the end of the season.
Ibizatoon - Back By Popular Demand
Mar 28, 2013 at 8:07 AM
Comment #16Next Willo…I am biding my time with Pardew. Since he’s arrived he had one great season (and was only one place off the top 4 – granted partly down to awful seasons by some of the other teams) and then this season which until recently was looking to be a bit of a write off. However, we are in the 1/4 finals of Europe, so are things that bad?
On the managers suggested I’ve seen nothing of Martinez to suggest he could deal with a top 4 team, nor am I that fussed about their style as it only seems to be effective for parts of the season. Not saying he can’t, but it would still be a gamble. If we were to get rid of Pardew I’d want it to be a near enough guaranteed improvement.
Laudrup wont be coming to us and neither will Everton. Simple as.
When do you think we should be constantly challenging for top 4 by?
lesh
Mar 28, 2013 at 8:10 AM
Comment #17Buenos días Ibizatoon – Back By Popular Demand don’t worry about imposters after all, you’re never alone with a schizophrenic!
Mister Tuff
Mar 28, 2013 at 8:11 AM
Comment #18Ibiza -who is Everton.
Ibizatoon - Back By Popular Demand
Mar 28, 2013 at 8:11 AM
Comment #19Lesh… 🙂 If it’s gets too much, can I share your name?
Ibizatoon - Back By Popular Demand
Mar 28, 2013 at 8:12 AM
Comment #20Mister…Might need another coffee…I guess I meant Moyes at Everton. Oh dear, best start this day again.
Refresh.
bills-son
Mar 28, 2013 at 8:15 AM
Comment #21Another arrow through the heart for the Ashley is a fat greedy bstad crowd.
He is shown to be exactly the oppsite by reducing season ticket prices even though he is hell bent on cutting costs and increasing revenue. Ashley is applying exactly the same principles at NUFC that have made SD massively successful despite the recession and chaos on the high street. He is keeping prices low because he knows that money is tight and raising prices to increase revenue leads to less customers, and fans, putting their hands in their pockets.
The added benefit at NUFC is that, unlike most clubs whose gates are falling substantially, ours are near capacity and that can only help the team.
Yet again Ashley shows that the bile thrown at him was based not on fact but on a bigoted hatred that cast him as the devil in disguise.
I know that the opinion of many fans has moved on Ashley but the guy still gets nowhere near the praise he should for the fantastic job he has done for our club over the past four seasons. The season ticket offers and leaving Europa prices at £15 help us massively and are the clearest indication that Ashley DOES care about the fans.
I’ve said it for awhile, Ashley deserves a chant at SJP, he really does.
Jail for Ashley
Mar 28, 2013 at 8:21 AM
Comment #22Ibiza
Back at home now,but gutted Im going away for two of the most important home games of the season,such is life.
On us moving forward,if Mashley truly learns from the huge mistake of last summer and spends realistically this coming window I might have to concede that he might have other ideas other than to promote his tacky sports chain.
Mister Tuff
Mar 28, 2013 at 8:22 AM
Comment #23Ibiza -dare I suggest that the discovery of the scurrilous poster cloning your name has thrown you off your stride.
Ibizatoon - Back By Popular Demand
Mar 28, 2013 at 8:22 AM
Comment #24Bills-son…I think a lot of fans are pleased with the overall progress and can see the good that is being done by Ashley and Co. I think many are always just cautious as to what’s coming next, as being completely honest, mistakes were made (whether intentional or not).
I for one am optimistic and I’m eager to see what happens this summer.
Ibizatoon - Back By Popular Demand
Mar 28, 2013 at 8:31 AM
Comment #25Jail…That is a shame.
Mister…Probably. It’s shaken me up somewhat. Nothing makes sense any more.
Jail for Ashley
Mar 28, 2013 at 8:32 AM
Comment #26Bills,
What do you mean he deserves a chant,the fat cockney barstwerd has had plenty over the last few years 🙂
Tsunki
Mar 28, 2013 at 8:44 AM
Comment #27@ibiza your just jelus because you could of had you’re own second identity and now someone has bagged it.
😉
I feel left out because nobody has cloned me. 🙁
Ibizatoon - Back By Popular Demand
Mar 28, 2013 at 8:46 AM
Comment #28Tsunki….I know right? I have always wanted a second account with an almost exact copy of my current username…I have been beaten by the better man/woman/thing. Sad day.
Tsunki
Mar 28, 2013 at 8:47 AM
Comment #29Btw Colo is not a certainty to be back for the mackem match. 🙁 On the plus side there are indications he may stay after all 🙂
ITK ALERT! CODE BLUE CODE BLUE ha ha.
Transfer Sage
Mar 28, 2013 at 8:50 AM
Comment #30I don’t think our gates have risen more than the prem average have they?
It’s natural ours will go up as the results and quality has improved the last few years.
Ibizatoon - Back By Popular Demand
Mar 28, 2013 at 8:53 AM
Comment #31Tsunki…What indications are they?
Ibizatoon - Back By Popular Demand
Mar 28, 2013 at 8:53 AM
Comment #32TS…Don’t say that, let them think it’s due to the low fixed prices or they’ll start raising them again 😉
Transfer Sage
Mar 28, 2013 at 8:54 AM
Comment #33I do think freezing season ticket prices was good. But he also added a £1 booking fee for buying tickets (online at least) and thats per ticket not transaction which is annoying. So there is an increase of sorts.
Also football ticket prices are way to high across the board, not just our club but all clubs around the country, we are one of the best but still think tickets gettting up to £40+ for certain games is a joke.
bills-son
Mar 28, 2013 at 8:54 AM
Comment #34Jail, aye ya right, he’s had more than his fair share of chants 🙂
You are smart enough to know that all good leaders make controversial decisions that go against the popular mood and the acid test is whether those decisions turn out to be right. Three of the biggest controversial Ashley has made, appointing Pardew, selling AC and renaming SJP, have imo all been proved right. The first two are almost a given and the short term renaming to SD gave huge publicity to the availability of sponsorship and led to the Wonga deal – and they kept the SJP name.
Your beef is about the summer window but that didn’t imo show a lack of ambition but merely an over optimism that, when we couldn’t sign the players we wanted, the squad was strong enough to wait until January. Nobody, including us fans, thought that injuries, suspensions and loss of form would see us in a relegation position in December. Ashley reacted by signing five players in January including those we had targeted for the summer.
If Ashley had bought the club immediately after relegation he would be seen as a saviour and hero. In some ways that is almost what happened because in his first two seasons he took the ‘advice of experts’ (ha, ha) like Allardyce and Wise with disastrous results. When he failed to sell and decided to keep the club after relegation he decided to run the club himself under his own rules. Look where we are now.
Ashley will keep proving the doubters wrong.
Tsunki
Mar 28, 2013 at 8:55 AM
Comment #35Sage – There’s been a pretty hard sell for ST’s in long and short term, and the europa gates add up too. Its pretty aggressive pricing so thats why the revenue hasnt gone up but the attendances have, all to get eyes on those SD billboards and sponsors ads, drain the bars, scoff the balti pies etc ha ha. The Member emails amount to a mountain of spam for the club shop as well as corporate and special day packages, these lads are relentless! The higher attendances themselves may not be yielding too much more than usual, but the high ST uptake means it is virtually assured year-on-year income, and you CAN take that to the bank.
Transfer Sage
Mar 28, 2013 at 8:57 AM
Comment #36For me Ashley has proven recently to at the very least want prem survival, we knew that already, but he wasn’t prepared to take a big gamble with it as he strengthened pretty well in jan, more than needed I think.
As Jail says, his test is the summer. He failed last summer. You can allow a mistake as there is a learning curve. He needs to show this summer he has learned from his mistake and january wasn’t just a reaction/panic to dropping out the league. He needs to show the intent to continue to progress and not just stagnate around mid table (then hope for a big season like last year).
I won’t criticise him or praise him yet for that, as we simply don’t know until the summer. But indications seem good going off of reports of Carr and Ashley’s work.
Tsunki
Mar 28, 2013 at 9:00 AM
Comment #37Ibiza – regarding being back for the mackem game, because I asked him – and he shook his head and said no! He’s walking about alright though.
Transfer Sage
Mar 28, 2013 at 9:00 AM
Comment #38Bills and Jail
I think thats the crux of this argument on ashley.
Was the summer a gamble that didn’t pay off? Yes we all agree.
But did he gamble as he thought we had enough and he felt we didn’t need to buy more or was he gambling as he thought we had enough and he would get the players cheaper later…that’s where it’s open for debate as none of us know for sure.
Ibizatoon - Back By Popular Demand
Mar 28, 2013 at 9:01 AM
Comment #39Tsunki…He shook his head? I thought he was injured. the lying git.
Tsunki
Mar 28, 2013 at 9:02 AM
Comment #40Plus I forgot they are adding a new bar area at SJP – there’s where your attendance kicks in ha ha.
Ok enough ITK stuff I have to go now, off to London for a few days.
That was convenient…..