We were wondering if Mike Ashley fails to sell the club by the end of the month, which is now certain, what the Magpie Group would do.
They have issued a newsletter today saying they will resume their protests against owner Mike Ashley in an attempt to get him to finally sell the club.
There will be demonstrations at some of the home matches coming up.
We don’t think Ashley will have sold the club by the summer and there is then a likelihood that Rafa Benitez will call time on his association with Newcastle United when his contract ends on June 30th.
Mike Ashley and Lee Charnley – yes Newcastle is a mess
Here is The Magpie Group’s latest newsletter in full:
In December, The Magpie Group decided to suspend in-stadium protests until the end of January following the withdrawal of support for a boycott from a large number of fans and respected local journalists.
Additionally, based on comments made by Lee Charnley at the last Fans Forum, the Group were anxious to avoid Mike Ashley and his media contacts using such protests as an excuse for the club not to be sold because potential buyers had been put off as a result of fan unrest.
In the meantime, we have continued to let supporters with season tickets know how to cancel their direct debit, highlighted alternatives to shopping at S***** D***** online, and worked with the London Magpie Group on a number of protest actions in and around London.
We have continued to challenge the pro-Ashley lines still trotted out by his ‘friends’ in the media.
Where’s They Money Gone?
Like all Newcastle United supporters, we have been watching the club’s lack of activity in the transfer market with a mixture of horror and resignation.
The excuses now being made by Ashley’s representatives in the media is that it is unfair to expect him to invest HIS money in a club that he hopes to sell some time soon.
Of course, we don’t expect him to invest any of his own money in the club, but it would be nice to see some investment of the club’s OWN funds in players and infrastructure.
It appears at present as if Ashley is actually removing funds from the club rather than making any sort of investment. Where’s the money gone?
We are faced with the prospect of no takeover and little, if any, investment in a team which is in grave danger of our third relegation in 12 years under Ashley.
It is all but inevitable that Rafa will walk at the end of the season, if not before.
Next Steps
Our deadline will expire soon so members of The Magpie Group met on 10 January to consider the action to be taken if there is no evidence of a takeover taking place by the end of the month.In the light of the above it was agreed that the primary aim of the group has to be regime change.
To this end a number of proposed actions were agreed:
1) Focus on explaining to season ticket holders how to cancel direct debits to put pressure on the Ashley regime will continue.
2) We will also revive the focus on S***** D*****.
3) It was agreed that we would advocate a post-match sit-in after the Man City game, televised by BT Sport, on January 29.
4) It was agreed that we should hold a public meeting in February to explain our strategy going forward and with an emphasis on recruiting people to assist.
5) Protests will be organized outside the new Flannels store on Northumberland Street once we have an opening date.
6) Advocate a ‘Stand-Up United Against Ashley’ protest at the Huddersfield game on February 23.
We remain an organization open to all supporters who want our club to be a competitive sporting institution again instead of a glorified billboard for Mike Ashley’s retail outlets.
If we are United, we can achieve our aims.
Thanks for your continued support,
The Magpie Group
What do you think about this?
92 comments so far
geordietom
Jan 17, 2019 at 10:58 AM
Comment #1another catch up off last night regarding EGB …
HAS toon22 chased him off the blog has he left ?…
DaveD1000
Jan 17, 2019 at 11:03 AM
Comment #2Bill will be back he is on a bungee like Tsunki. The general negging rather than the frog is to blame I would think
Transfer Sage
Jan 17, 2019 at 11:03 AM
Comment #3Good that action will continue.
It was right to take a break from it to support take over talks but if nothing materialises then they should be back with renewed vigour.
Jib
Jan 17, 2019 at 11:07 AM
Comment #4With regard to protests effecting a takeover
If that is truly the case ,all Ashley or Bishop
have to do is contact the protesters leaders
and furnish evidence that talks are genuine
simon376
Jan 17, 2019 at 11:09 AM
Comment #5Sorry for repost but everything moved so quick and no way would Howey do anything like that for Ashley
Betty, sorry mate got no info on the takeover at all, wish I did. My contact info is very old, still in touch with Gavin all the time, if not talking about family stuff just talking about the games. Interesting thing he did say on Tuesday and not takeover related is something I hadn’t realised. When he got to the final with Chelsea in 94, they were 2nd bottom at Xmas, it was the cup run that got team and fans going with a top half finish and of course a day at Wembley. Gavin is hoping same can happen for us this year
geordietom
Jan 17, 2019 at 11:10 AM
Comment #6had a nightmare last night …
toon22 is proved right about the non takeover…all we will have for months on end is his endless ramblings cant wait
online guy the takeover gets done … same goes with OLG…
cant wait ffs …
Transfer Sage
Jan 17, 2019 at 11:11 AM
Comment #7I can’t see protests affecting the takeover anyway. It’s either,
1) You want to buy the club to do the best for it, in which case you know there’ll be a huge boost when Ashley leaves, you’ll be given time to make changes and ultimately the fans will back you if you’re trying.
Or
2) You want to buy the club to do something similar to Ashley, in which case hopefully all this puts you off because that’s the last thing we want.
RobLeenio
Jan 17, 2019 at 11:12 AM
Comment #8martoon from previous, no credit for me at all, the research was NY Mag’s before Chrimbo but he posted it rather late at night.
It’s to Jib’s credit that he remembered and has followed up on it.
I can’t take credit for Bambam’s birthday in the slightest….
RobLeenio
Jan 17, 2019 at 11:13 AM
Comment #9transfersage @3 – 100% totally agree. If February rolls around with no sale and no signings, then it’s time to get back on board the battle bus and do whatever we can to remove Ashley’s odious presence from our hallowed land.
This time round, I’ll be backing the protests 100%
Transfer Sage
Jan 17, 2019 at 11:22 AM
Comment #10RobLeenio
The protests sound good, we’ll the action they’ve said they carry out does to me.
Boycotts would be effective but we need to be realistic, it won’t happen in great enough numbers and frequently enough to make a real impact.
Protests outside his shops, turning up late, post match sit ins, open meetings to discuss it all. It’s very impressive. Anything to disrupt his day to day activities of him or his business.
thereallowickmag
Jan 17, 2019 at 11:23 AM
Comment #11The way I’m reading this is that the new address has already been published? They’ve simply dropped the United Kingdom from the end.
Correct me if I’m wrong.
https://suite.endole.co.uk/insight/company/11594902-newcastle-ventures-ltd?page=documents
Transfer Sage
Jan 17, 2019 at 11:23 AM
Comment #12Also an interesting thing on the Bobby Robson documentary, although I’m sure a lot of you will know, when he took over Newcastle, Guardiola wrote to him to ask if he could move to Newcastle as a player. It just wasn’t possible.
DubaiMicky
Jan 17, 2019 at 11:23 AM
Comment #13Don’t you recall Jib, NY worked this out in December if i recall, i tweeted it to see if there was any traction, no news sources picked it up but it was retweeted quite a few times.
Maybe we can restart it….
?
DubaiMicky
Jan 17, 2019 at 11:24 AM
Comment #14Oh and Mag:p, you’re getting just like Toon 22 with the no fakeover stuff.
Bambams
Jan 17, 2019 at 11:26 AM
Comment #15Dubai
You have mail fella
lochinvar
Jan 17, 2019 at 11:28 AM
Comment #16The Magpie Group are to be commended for their efforts but a sit in AFTER the Man City game ? By that time Sky will have switched into studio analysis mode and are unlikely to keep the cameras rolling outside. Only outcome is missing the bus home and hassle for the Stewards and its not their fault.
Or have I missed something ?
RobLeenio
Jan 17, 2019 at 11:28 AM
Comment #17Micky, I remember you tweeting it out – I think one or two of the big NUFC Twitter accounts picked it up and retweeted.
bettyswallocks
Jan 17, 2019 at 11:30 AM
Comment #18Assuming members of the Magpie Group read this blog then I would like to point out that if there is no takeover or significant transfer activity by the end of this window then Ashley has once again taken the P out of the Geordie nation and I think your group will have some very angry fans who will be more commited than ever before to help your cause.
It seems the consensus of opinion on here is that the most effective way to convince Ashley that we really have had enough this time and mean business to oust him would be to cause maximum disruption to his first love Shyte Direct.
A suggestion made by Jail for Ashley on here was to organise crowd funding in order to send coach loads of willing demonstrators down to Shirebrook to protest in large numbers. If enough funding was raised then participants could be incentivised by the free cost of travel , refreshments and maybe even a day’s expenses.
I am sure that there would be plenty of people who for whatever reason, logistics, work or family commitments etc. although unable to actively get involved would be only to happy to contribute financially to help others travel down there. IMHO if this is organised on a large enough scale and sustained pressure applied , then after feeling the full wrath of the Geordie faithful Mr. Ashley will think twice about taking us for Mugs again.
Transfer Sage
Jan 17, 2019 at 11:31 AM
Comment #19Lochinvar
They may still be in the studios the ground doing post match analysis. If there is a large amount of vocal people in the background when it’s normal empty, it will be picked up and discussed.
Also, having to keep stewards back longer and a police presence may cost the club more which is a point proven to Ashley. It’s disruptive and action like that is what protests are all about.
Bambams
Jan 17, 2019 at 11:33 AM
Comment #20Boys
I hope so much that there is something in Kenneth Lin link and what the blog detectives have found comes to fruition.
I also just hope that if nothing happens by 22nd that Ashley gives Rafa money for new players that will get us through to the end of the season AND keep us in the Premier League.
Then hopefully if no takeover this month we can hopefully have one in the summer.
Now where is that Frog Avatar i saved !!!!!!!!!!
bettyswallocks
Jan 17, 2019 at 11:36 AM
Comment #21Where’s Ruddy Marvellous when we need him? His experience in militancy would be invaluable if we have to organise demos etc.
Come back Ruddy all is forgiven.
thereallowickmag
Jan 17, 2019 at 11:37 AM
Comment #22Repost
The way I’m reading this is that the new address has already been published? They’ve simply dropped the United Kingdom from the end.
Correct me if I’m wrong.
https://suite.endole.co.uk/insight/company/11594902-newcastle-ventures-ltd?page=documents
DubaiMicky
Jan 17, 2019 at 11:38 AM
Comment #23What we need to do is make NUFC a toxic asset for ashLIE, that is the only way to force him out.
Yes, he has thick skin, but a concerted effort ran by London Magpies (as they seem to have their act together more than TMG), is the way to go.
bettyswallocks
Jan 17, 2019 at 11:43 AM
Comment #24Simon 376………. No worries.
Bambams
Jan 17, 2019 at 11:45 AM
Comment #25Dubai
Spot on fella, we need to hound him in the right places – target his one true love SD !
I suppose if no takeover announced soon he has to give Rafa some coin, all hell will break loose if not but i am resigning myself that it is not going to happen anytime soon !
SPRINGY
Jan 17, 2019 at 11:46 AM
Comment #26Anyone know mr lin,kenyon or any other bugga whos interested in supposedly buying the clubs email address…..simple email…areet mate, what’s the craic,….yee buying the toon or what???….this is killing nufc fans!!! Lol
ToonRich
Jan 17, 2019 at 11:49 AM
Comment #27Springy, I was thinking the same thing!! Surely someone has contacts that could reach out to the likes of Kenyon and ask directly?! Too much to ask!!
Oldgit1
Jan 17, 2019 at 11:51 AM
Comment #28@ Mr Tuff what a nasty bit of work you are, Mag P use to stick up for you but your attack on pensioners is uncalled for. Remember if I got caught for murder the sentence is a lot shorter for us old uns.
Jib NY etc has done a grand job of investigative journalism which our local press have not been up to doing. Alright it may not come true and we maybe on the wrong path but it uplifted the mood on this blog and it’s been a lot more interesting, rather than the norm of bickering.
This is what I come onto this blog for, hope and information. Regardless of the source.
Keep up the good work lads.
firebug666
Jan 17, 2019 at 11:53 AM
Comment #29SPRINGY, ToonRich,
I doubt you could get a information that way, the will have all signed an NDA so their lip are sealed.
RobLeenio
Jan 17, 2019 at 11:57 AM
Comment #30Kiko Casilla signed by Leeds for free.
What, they didn’t want to spend £10M on Karl Darlow?
😀
ToonRich
Jan 17, 2019 at 12:03 PM
Comment #31I wonder how long the NDA with Staveley will last?…I for one would like to hear her side of things, maybe thats where the jurnos could be targetting. That may just stoke the fire and get up MA’s nose!!
Surely an NDA is signed on both sides; if so, how did AshLie get away with his interview on Sky?
ashleysmate
Jan 17, 2019 at 12:05 PM
Comment #32Phatt boys new flannel store(when it opens) is next door to WH Smith on Northumberland st
RUNAWAY777
Jan 17, 2019 at 12:10 PM
Comment #33Boycott the watford game rafa will be putting a weaker team out match if the day will pick up if the grounds empty or half empty as no one want miss leauge game our best chance everything surrounds season ticket holder who keep ashley there.
Bladey
Jan 17, 2019 at 12:20 PM
Comment #34Day 17
No takeover No transfers
All going to plan
ASH IN RAFA IN
The next Mike Williamson
Jan 17, 2019 at 12:29 PM
Comment #35the first protests were doomed to fail, but these ones will be big due to the lack of spending. while i agree that there should be protests i think they should have announced this after the cardiff game. i think we will hear from ashley after that game, saying the deal wont be done this season. then he will spend what he thinks is the absolute minimum to stay up and take whatever he spends from the summer budget before trying to sell again.
RobLeenio
Jan 17, 2019 at 12:37 PM
Comment #36The next Mike, while I agree with you in part, you have to remember that the Magpie Group don’t actually want to protest. They see it as the only option left, but what they really want is for Ashley to leave or, failing that, for him to release some funds for Rafa.
I see this statement as an effort to focus Ashley’s mind on the task in hand while there is still time remaining to do something in the transfer window.
bettyswallocks
Jan 17, 2019 at 12:45 PM
Comment #37Robleenio……… Quite right. Ashley must be made to understand that we really have had enough this time if nothing materialises before the window shuts. To set out our intentions and options and let him and his PR gurus know that he will definitely not be given the benefit of the doubt this time puts the ball firmly in his court.
Transfer Sage
Jan 17, 2019 at 12:53 PM
Comment #38Rob Leenio
Totally agree, nobody wants protests which may disrupt the team but what else is left.
I’d rather we stayed in the premier league but if we don’t, I’m not one of these who worry. We still get to see football, it’s not like it stops. Without being in the premier league Ashley gets much less exposure globally for his tat shop and might be inclined to sell if we get stuck down there. I really think we’d struggle to come back up as quickly this time. The squad is weaker, we’d need big investment and probably a new manager as Rafa would be gone.
Again, not saying I want us to go down, just if we do it’s not the end of football and hopefully would make Ashley leave. He’s been very lucky we’ve bounced back both times.
The next Mike Williamson
Jan 17, 2019 at 12:57 PM
Comment #39I just think this Cardiff game will make or break our season. We could have announce this protest a few days later in case it distracts the players. It probably won’t make any difference, but there is so much riding on this game. A win will mean 2 on the bounce and will restore morale somewhat. Right now we need our morale to be OK for when we come out of this tough run of games.
Frank pingles come sock
Jan 17, 2019 at 1:03 PM
Comment #40I don’t understand why any sort of boycott would effect the players one bit.
There is no proof to back it up
We have had 50,000 at every home game and lost nearly every one ??
A big crowd doesn’t allows help, not when everyone moans every 5 minutes
It might help – less pressure
The players aren’t stupid they understand the reasons