After the great win on Saturday and even more so after we became mathematically safe yesterday – Rafa Benitez seems very keen to sort out his future with Newcastle.
Now we are safe nothing is stopping Rafa signing a new deal at Newcastle since we’ll be a PL club next season.
It may also bring in some new bidders for the club, but it seems Ashley is putting his price up (again), and now we read in the press he’s asking anywhere from £300M to £400M for Newcastle.
That’s even after Newcastle have paid Mike Ashley back his short-term loan of £33M, according to the last financial year accounts.
And that should theoretically reduce the amount he’s asking for the club by that amount since it reduces the amount he ‘s invested in the club by £33M.
And we really have to wonder if he wants to sell Newcastle anytime soon.
Rafa Benitez – it’s not what we say – it’s what we do
After the game on Saturday, Rafa was really upbeat, and a number of the comments he made were no doubt directed at owner Mike Ashley and Lee Charnley, who runs the financials of the club.
Here’s some of what Rafa said and he’s intent on getting things done – and not just talking about getting things done:
“Everything is about money. If you sign a player like Richarlison for £45M, then you have to pay a certain amount in wages.
“We have to be able to compete. The way that we are, we have to be competing against Everton, but they’re competing to be seventh and to go to Europe.”
“If they’re paying £140K a week in wages, how can you compete with them and attract players if you do not do the same?”
“Even if you are willing to pay a big transfer fee, you have to be willing to pay the wages.”
“Balance is the key. You can do things at this age, this price – Ki (Sung-yueng) is playing for us and was a free transfer, and is doing well.”
“I will not say what we have to do. I just want to know what we want to do, and after that, we have to decide. I will not force anyone to make any decisions.”
“I will not say to anyone what they have to do. I have been in teams without too much money and winning trophies. Not just competing, winning trophies.”
“Different teams, but more or less with the same money, against top sides, and winning trophies.”
“I have some experience, and I know what I have to do with or without money. But I want to know where we are. That’s it. Where do want to go?”
“What’s our ambition? If we cannot compete with other teams in transfer fees and wages, fine.”
“We have to say that. But it doesn’t matter what we say, it’s what we do.”
It really does seem that Rafa wants to stay at Newcastle and it’s going to take some effort from Ashley to screw this all up.
But he’s done it before, that’s what is so worrying.
Comments welcome.
132 comments so far
the ledge
Apr 22, 2019 at 5:18 PM
Comment #1Fairplay to ye bobbybee keep using the weed for your pain relief, if it helps you out then who gives a toss what anyone says only you know the pain your in and only you know if it helps .
I like a joint or two for relaxing I couldn’t give a toss what people say about it half the people that moan about it are alcoholics anyway but u know they will tell ye drink does you no harm bull crap!
Spencer
Apr 22, 2019 at 5:21 PM
Comment #2From the last post
Toon22
We wouldn’t be getting rid, or even wanting rid of him (the fans anyway), but the fat controller simply isn’t ambitious enough for us / Rafa
Anyhoo… how’s Jack doing for you? Got you an undeserved point today I see
Jail for Ashley
Apr 22, 2019 at 5:22 PM
Comment #3the ledge,
Nobody was telling Bobbybee at all, I made a joke about not being able to have a spliff, we can get tested out here, and it set him off on one of his rants. So much for controlling your emotions 😀
geordietom
Apr 22, 2019 at 5:26 PM
Comment #4hope i dont open a can of worms but here goes … TOON22 …
did you say the other day that you had sent the F.A. a e-mail … to make them aware about the Fat Ones wrong doings ? …
did you get a reply ?…
Bobbybee
Apr 22, 2019 at 5:32 PM
Comment #5Tsunki, I also said it can cause problems if abused. Any drug can mate. Even paracetamol. As can pennicilin if you’re allergic to it – it kills more people each year than ecstasy.
Everything in life has its drawbacks matey. We each find a recreational drug that suits us best. I don’t drink because it makes me nasty. I used to fight for fun living him Richmond, with the squaddies from Catterick. It’s the local pastime because there’s nothing else to do. Get drunk, fight with squaddies. Generation after generation have done it. I moved 35 years ago but I bet it still happens.
I believe if alcohol makes you nasty, you need to stop drinking it. If only everybody was as sensible as me eh? ? And you’re right, inhaling smoke has to be detrimental, that’s why they invented vaporisers. Nothing in life is free, everything has a price. You weigh up the pros and cons and make your choice. But it is your choice and nobody should judge you. What I do with my body is frankly nothing to do with anybody else. I don’t judge anybody either. Live and let live is my motto mate. You do what you want, I do what I want. We’re all grown ups after all. I’m big enough to admit I can’t handle booze, makes me a horrible person, so I don’t drink. I look around and see hundreds of other people who can’t handle it, but still carry on. I don’t judge them, I let them face the consequences of their actions. Nowt to do with me. None of my business. That works both ways though. Agreed?
jazzyp
Apr 22, 2019 at 5:38 PM
Comment #6F@ck me Bobbybee a stoner hahahahaha
Bobbybee
Apr 22, 2019 at 5:48 PM
Comment #7Ledge, agreed mate. And it wasn’t a joke ffs, it was a dig. It’s always a dig.
You do what you want mate, you’re absolutely right – nothing to do with anybody else. And I don’t rant, I just get accused of ranting when I win a discussion. 🙂 All day every day, no competition.
Anyway, football Is why we’re here and Sunlun are now struggling to make it fircautinatic promotion. 🙂 I know we shouldn’t mock the afflicted, but they’re an exception. We’re allowed to in their case, I looked it up in Wikipedia 🙂
£40m parachute payment wasted. Next season it’ll be 19m I think. I’m sure certain players will move on if they can’t afford their wages. Oh happy days. Where’s your flying banner now? Isn’t it satisfying ledge? They who laugh last and all that mate? 🙂 All those games in hand that boasted about. Now they have one but are four points, behind Barnsley. It’s now out of their hands. If Barnsley win their last games, they go up and Sunlun are in the play offs. Magic.
Jail for Ashley
Apr 22, 2019 at 5:51 PM
Comment #8Bobbybee,
I used to love a joint, what you talking about, it wasn’t a dig at all, you didn’t like my Ferrari analogy and went off on one. Chill out man 😀
Jail for Ashley
Apr 22, 2019 at 5:53 PM
Comment #9Bobbybee,
Ha ha ha “when I win a discussion” ha ha, who tells you you’ve won, that voice in your head. Jeezus. Just like you destroyed my argument, you’re always right Bobby. In your heed.
Jail for Ashley
Apr 22, 2019 at 5:55 PM
Comment #10Still waiting for that apology as well Bobbybee!
jazzyp
Apr 22, 2019 at 5:58 PM
Comment #11Is Tsunki still stalking ??
Oldgit1
Apr 22, 2019 at 6:01 PM
Comment #12At Jail for Ashley. @ 10. So am I, from you.
Jail for Ashley
Apr 22, 2019 at 6:04 PM
Comment #13Oldgit1,
What for?
Jail for Ashley
Apr 22, 2019 at 6:06 PM
Comment #14It’s a shame Leeds look like they’re going to blow it, I was looking forward to seeing them back.
Ron Knee
Apr 22, 2019 at 6:17 PM
Comment #15Some familiar names cropped up on the BBC’s EFL live reports today: Krul, Armstrong, Murphy, Gayle…
Bobbybee
Apr 22, 2019 at 6:19 PM
Comment #16Jazzy, you didn’t know? If I go to a music venue I drop a couple of e’s as well mate. Nowt better mate. Love it. Just coz I’m in a wheelchair when I need to get around, doesn’t mean I’m not like anybody else.
I used to go to Wigan Casino in the early seventies until it closed. Almost everyone was on something to keep them awake all night. Now they’re grown up they might not admit it, but I couldn’t give a toss what anybody thinks about me mate. I enjoy what life I’ve got, I just can’t do what I used to do because my legs don’t work properly! 🙂 I don’t hurt anybody else, I just get messy headed for the night. My business. My life. My choices. You wouldn’t like me on booze mate, I’m horrible, but you’d have a whale of a time when I’ve had a couple of e’s and a spliff. 🙂
I’ve done DMT as well whilst we’re at it. Did it for my 60th birthday. Result? AMAZING. Those Amazonian Indians do it all the time. Wow, talk about opening your mind! Takes you to a different dimension. But tell you what, I stopped taking anti depressants that night and haven’t needed them since. Opened my mind properly. Made me see that I need to learn to live with pain and my depression was pain related. It’s not a recreational drug, it’s an experience.
So there ye go. That’s me. And now I’m away coz I’ve got Game Of Thrones to watch. So make of me what you will, frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn. 🙂
Did I mean all that? Ooh, you decide. 🙂 Have a great night everybody, I’m out of here. Bye.
toon22
Apr 22, 2019 at 6:25 PM
Comment #17Geordietom
They won’t get the email till Tuesday
It’s not about wrongdoing but a question concerning how the rules would apply to us if MA fell foul of any investigation
As far as I could see the fit and proper rules apply to the MD but with us MA runs the club by proxy
I have asked how the rules apply to such a situation and personally think it’s the reason we’re ran this way
I’m sure MA wouldn’t just walk away and a monster legal case would ensue. It would be a shame if they suddenly changed the rules to make sure that it could’nt happen
😉
Lindisfarne
Apr 22, 2019 at 6:34 PM
Comment #18Guardian – Newcastle has come a long way as a city and a club
Back in the 1980s the National Front used to distribute leaflets outside St James’ Park; during the 1990s Andy Cole’s family were racially abused in the Milburn Stand and, at the turn of the millennium, Newcastle fans chanted “town full of Pakis” when they visited Bradford. On Saturday Gallowgate Enders emphasised precisely how radically the landscape has been transformed by unfurling two impressive anti-discrimination banners: “Things aren’t always black and white” and “United as one against Prejudice.” Newcastle today is one of England’s friendliest, most welcoming, grounds – and cities – and part of that is down to the club’s tireless, largely unsung, work in the diversity and inclusion spheres. Mike Ashley may be a deeply flawed owner but some excellent staff are employed at St James’ Park and their current “United as one” community campaign is already paying dividends.
Louise Taylor
Ron Knee
Apr 22, 2019 at 6:34 PM
Comment #19Chris Waugh@ChrisDHWaugh:-
#nufc may need to make up to 10 new signings this summer, as well as offload some big earners. There is a lot of work ahead during the upcoming transfer window – whether Rafa is here or not
Stewart@costanza55:-
Replying to @ChrisDHWaugh
I’m sure they’ll act swiftly and decisively
Tsunki
Apr 22, 2019 at 6:41 PM
Comment #20Bobby – as for your last Ra…er…post I would simply have said “each to his own” but hey ho nothing like a diatribe to fill in the gaps ha ha. I wasn’t lecturing you or anyone. Just saying how I feel about the stuff and any other “recreational” chemicals. You give it a good old hiding if it helps. Tbf i haven’t got a knacked back or knees held together with garden twine etc so it’s easy for me to lecture i suppose ….
Tsunki
Apr 22, 2019 at 6:42 PM
Comment #21…except i wasn’t of course… 😐
Tsunki
Apr 22, 2019 at 6:42 PM
Comment #22Anyway could this subject be bordering on the political? Hmm. Maybe i should have put #nufc at the end?
Tsunki
Apr 22, 2019 at 6:44 PM
Comment #23What big earners have we got? Shelvey?
Lindisfarne
Apr 22, 2019 at 6:47 PM
Comment #24Melt down at Toon
https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-transfers-rondon-shelvey-16163328
jazzyp
Apr 22, 2019 at 6:51 PM
Comment #25Bobbybee
Nothing to be ashamed about or to the point have to justify it to anyone mate.My mates son suffers with Ms and he has no problem buying for his son to give him a better quality of life .
jane
Apr 22, 2019 at 6:52 PM
Comment #26Sheffield Wednesday have won every match when Lazaar has played (4 including beating Bristol City today).
Jib
Apr 22, 2019 at 6:54 PM
Comment #27https://twitter.com/RobertoRojas97/status/1120345588430544897
jane
Apr 22, 2019 at 6:55 PM
Comment #28few teams faltering this weekend
Arsenal
Spurs
Man Utd
Leeds
Norwich
Middlesbrough
Bristol City
Sunderland
wouldn’t be surprised if Burnley get something at Chelsea tonight they’ve won their last 3 matches.
Jib
Apr 22, 2019 at 6:57 PM
Comment #29Brentford 2 Leeds 0
Yeeesss
jane
Apr 22, 2019 at 7:00 PM
Comment #30i heard Leeds have thrown quite a lot of money gambling on promotion this season.
Lindisfarne
Apr 22, 2019 at 7:03 PM
Comment #31#reasonably big earner (singular)
jane
Apr 22, 2019 at 7:06 PM
Comment #32is this (still) Ayoze Perez’s agent?
https://twitter.com/AgentEricSKB?lang=en-gb
looks as if it was when he signed for Newcastle
https://twitter.com/AgentEricSKB/status/606919129581420544
Tsunki
Apr 22, 2019 at 7:07 PM
Comment #33Yes Jane if you email Charnley he’ll get right on typing up a blast about how big spending just doesn’t work (that’s after he’s worked out that the “Y” should be at the front).
No mention of manager churn though eh? Don’t want to ruin the party do you? 🙂
geordietom
Apr 22, 2019 at 7:08 PM
Comment #34TOON22 …
do you think you’ll get an answer off the FA ? …
doubt it my self but thats just my opinion…
jane
Apr 22, 2019 at 7:12 PM
Comment #35“Yes Jane if you email Charnley he’ll get right on typing up a blast about how big spending just doesn’t work”
why would he do that when it did work for us?
Jail for Ashley
Apr 22, 2019 at 7:15 PM
Comment #36I bet jane sniggers when you respond to it!
Tsunki
Apr 22, 2019 at 7:16 PM
Comment #37Is Charnleys “2 or 3 quality players” idea an alternative to a proper academy? This smacks of the ingrained club policy of the bean counters knowing more than the football professional really doesn’t it?
They don’t want to improve the squad at all, any mug can see two or three players can get injured – and then what? Nope, what he’s talking about is getting sissokos through the ledger. To this lot, the team just needs to be a nursery, a footballer farm, plodding along in the league, self funding, generating profits.
AncientC
Apr 22, 2019 at 7:16 PM
Comment #38Bobbybee, you could take a look into Kratom for pain management—if you haven’t already—apparently a Godsend for those that don’t want the nasty side effects of painkillers.
There is a documentary called ‘leaf of faith’ which covers the subject. Just a passing thought as I was catching up on the blog.
toon22
Apr 22, 2019 at 7:16 PM
Comment #39Geordietom
I certainly wouldn’t have if I hadn’t sent them it
If there’s even a 0.000000001 % chance of helping to get rid of MA it’s worth it
Tsunki
Apr 22, 2019 at 7:19 PM
Comment #40Jane when did big spending work? Go on, say “in the championship”. Just before you do, you did realise it was self-financed and not invested? And that it got us INTO the PL, not winning it. Now – go!