According to Greece’s SDNA, Panathinaikos are very interested in our out of favor winger Rolando Aarons. They also have a link to Newcastle’s past at their club.
Panathinaikos, who finished 8th in the Greek Superleague, has former Newcastle defender Nikos Dabizas as their technical director.
Dabizas made 158 appearances for Newcastle from 1998-2003. He was bought from Olympiacos under the disappointing term of Kenny Dalglish.
Here is a match winner by Nikos Dabizas from 2002 against Sunderland:
That goal was at the Stadium of Light and was the first of five straight wins against Sunderland.
Rolando Aarons– should be moved this summer
After a serious ankle injury early in our Championship campaign, Aarons has not really been in Rafa Benitez’s plans. He has not featured for Newcastle since a late December 2017 start against Manchester City.
In what was a promising start at Newcastle, his career has been decimated time and again by injuries.
Aarons still has two years remaining on his contract and last season made two loan spells. His first was to Czech club Slovan Liberec where he made thirteen appearances.
Rolando spent the second half of last year at Sheffield Wednesday making just ten appearances, though at times he played quite well.
The issue for Dabizas and Panathinaikos, like so many of our fringe players, is going to be wages. The report states that the Greek club can only afford to pay Aarons a fraction of what he currently earns.
While Panathinaikos may try to get Aarons on loan for the season, we would imagine that Rolando’s time is up at Newcastle and if he could be moved on a permanent deal that would be best for club and player.
68 comments so far
Oldgit1
Jun 21, 2019 at 11:15 AM
Comment #1Repost.
All the worries about Rafa are out of hand, surely he would be unable to sign a new contract until the process of the sale of our club have been completed. It will be the same re us signing new players or players awaiting new contracts.
I’m still in the Rafa staying camp.
Also I’m sure if Rafa was in danger of leaving he would have had some contact from other clubs and would be able to negotiate a contract before his contact expires as some players have as hoss and Mo Diame have done in which case he would become common knowledge via the press.
Stay strong fellow supporters Ashley is going and Rafa is staying.
L Toon
Jun 21, 2019 at 11:23 AM
Comment #2Rafa has maintained all along he wants to stay, what his demands are (very reasonable by today’s standards) and the potential that the club has. Unfortunately all those talks have done is prove how dimwitted lardey and his sidekick are. If lardey and penfold think that offering rafa more money will convince him to stay then they really are delusional.
Going by reports the contract on offer is the same as before, so rafa isnt going to commit to the crap contract banking on the takeover going through and then signing a new one that guarantees him everything he wants only for it to fall through and be lumbered with the crap contract. Likewise lardey isn’t going to give rafa what he wants hoping the sale goes through so he wont have to follow through on his promises to rafa, again for it to fall through so hes stuck in a contract that has no intention of keeping. Neither of them are going to put themselves in that position. Either the club’s sold or lardey gives rafa the guarantees he needs, but either way for the good of the club something has to give.
Rafa either know’s something or he doesn’t. If he does then hes obviously bound by the nda the club are under. However, if he knows nothing, fine but why? Even when the news leaked if it genuinely took rafa by surprise you can guarantee that rafa will have asked the club exactly whats going on. So i dont know how Rafa can know nothing. Unless, the sheik and the other interested parties have made it clear they dont want rafa as manager and told him not to sign the contract? Wich i find hard to believe. But if there is no takeover or bzg have said they dont want rafa as manager then rafa cant be still here under the illusion that lard arse is going to blink first! If all that’s on offer at the minite is a rubbish contract offer then surely Rafa can tell lardey to stick it and walk away! Unless there is another reason for Rafa to stick around. Just the hope im clinging to i guess.
Don’t sit there and think that Ashley’s given that contract offer to rafa that he has because he knows it will be superseded by the sheik. No, this is just typical lard arse giving Rafa nothing of what he wants and why should rafa be expected to sign it? If he doesn’t hes accused of stringing the club along and if he does he risks tying himself into a contract that only gives the club a chance of finishing bottom half or relegation.
If in three weeks theres still no takeover and no rafa, then no manager whether good, bad or john Carver is going to take the job when there’s so much uncertainty over the ownership. The really worry is then lard arse will bring back jfk on an interim basis or someone of that ilk until the takeover goes through and they can then appoint their own man. What ever your thoughts though, it’s s*it or bust now for lard arse, even he must know that without a takeover and rafa the club is relegation fodder next season.
Just on the criticism of the media, yes the local press at times are excrement but all any journalist can do is report on information they recieve that they believe to be true at that time. But what is true at the time, might not be true an hour later. If there’s absolutely no information coming there way then theres nothing to report on.
geordietom
Jun 21, 2019 at 11:25 AM
Comment #3repost …
Tony …
you a mind reader mate . she’s looking at September …
any info you can give would be good cheers mate …
geordietom
Jun 21, 2019 at 11:32 AM
Comment #4about NDA’s …
i worked at Vickers on Scotswood Road . when i got the job i had to sign the Official Secrets Act . is NDA like that .
if i mention anything about my job at Vickers will i get done for treason ? even though it was years ago when i worked there …
so if you sign a NDA would it if you said anything incur a massive fine and stop the take over going a head ? …
barkel
Jun 21, 2019 at 11:40 AM
Comment #5I guess it really is just a waiting game. There will have to be an announcement one way or the other on either 1st July when Rafa is no longer under contract or 4th July when players return for pre-season. Going on the assumption that the contract offered to Rafa has not been accepted will it be a case of we have no senior squad management or will it go to a rolling type contract arrangement. I know this can happen quite typically in the real world (being self employed for years), not so sure if it works in football management.
Tony Baloney
Jun 21, 2019 at 11:43 AM
Comment #6Tom: I wrote something on the last thread. Can’t keep up with Neil and Ed.
Jail for Ashley
Jun 21, 2019 at 11:47 AM
Comment #7geordietom,
If you do Naples by cruise don’t pay the cruise for the tour of Pompeii, it is unbelievably easy to get off the boat and take a train there, all the info is on Tripadvisor.
Toonbean
Jun 21, 2019 at 11:53 AM
Comment #8Has our Commercial Profit actually stagnated under Ashlie?
Yes our revenue has not increased but as a lot is now subcontracted we no longer have the costs associated with them.
How much “commercial costs” have we saved?
Tony Baloney
Jun 21, 2019 at 11:55 AM
Comment #9Tom: down the coast from Pompeii is Sorrento which is the gateway to Amalfi. Your cruise may even stop there. It is a really nice little town with a big Brit influence but don’t hold that against it. Best place to get a Hotel as down the coast is mega-expensive. From there you can do a tour of the Amalfi coast which is spectacular. Positano, made famous by Steinbeck and is a picture postcard Italian coastal town, and Amalfi itself. It is really hard to park so a tour might be better and the cliffs are a bit scary when you would be driving on the wrong side of the road.
Then there is Capri. You take a short ferry there – maybe an hour each way. Lots of very high end shops but fantastic views. Some guide books say you can walk from the dock to the town. Don’t believe them. Get the bus or taxi. Ana Capri is the highest point and OK if you have time. It is all a little bit of a tourist trap but still worth it.
Go to the blue grotto which is sea cave with enchanting light. You get in there by row boats run by the locals. Probably a rip off but once in a lifetime so do it anyway.
geordietom
Jun 21, 2019 at 11:56 AM
Comment #10cheers jail i’ll have a look mate …
tony i’ll have to skip over to the last thread mate Ed and his son are banging stuff out at a rate of notts cant keep up …
Return of the Geordi
Jun 21, 2019 at 11:57 AM
Comment #11Just a thought. What if, like Calkin of the Times, who is one of the better journos, is saying that there is another buyer besides BZG. Then does it not make more sense that Rafa wouldn’t sign a new contract, surely he’ll want to sit down and discuss the “Project” before committing. I’m sure he could have a monthly rolling contract after the 30th of June until the new owners are in place.
geordietom
Jun 21, 2019 at 11:58 AM
Comment #12cheers lads for the info …
aint it nice to be nice …
Return of the Geordi
Jun 21, 2019 at 11:59 AM
Comment #13Hibbitt. Great article in the New Statesman thanks for the link
Shoulders knees
Jun 21, 2019 at 12:01 PM
Comment #14That 2nd BZG statement doesn’t actually say the fit and proper test is under way though does it?
Return of the Geordi
Jun 21, 2019 at 12:05 PM
Comment #15I can’t believe that if Rafa was leaving in just over a week, we wouldn’t have heard rumors. Remember a few weeks back when he was being linked to clubs in France and Italy, they’ve all gone quiet.
Chancel My MBembaship
Jun 21, 2019 at 12:11 PM
Comment #16If Rafa is running his contract down then he’s not going to change his status on his online accounts or make a statement prior to July 1st, because technically he’s still our manager until his contract is over.
After that, who knows? If this alleged takeover actually happens (I highly doubt it) and Rafa knows what is going on then he could hang on and wait for a new offer from a new owner, or he could consider his options elsewhere. He doesn’t have to sign anything with anyone on July 1st, he can take his time.
Tony Baloney
Jun 21, 2019 at 12:14 PM
Comment #17I wrote on the last thread that if we reach July 1 with no resolution Rafa and his coaches will probably be gone. Doesn’t mean they won’t come back under new owners because I doubt they will go to China. There is no way Charnley has a new Manager lined up in these circumstances so we need an interim. Neil Redfearn has managed (unsuccessfully) at Leeds but I am sure he could take training and maybe oversee the China trip.
We would be in limbo regarding transfers but that would probably suit a certain Fat Cockney.
RobLeenio
Jun 21, 2019 at 12:15 PM
Comment #18Tony “The Amalfi coast is probably THE most scenic in the world. Better than Whitley Bay and Cullercoats even”
Nope, nah, I’m not having it. No way Jose!.
Dire Straits never sang a song about the Amalfi Coast, did they?
Case closed!
RobLeenio
Jun 21, 2019 at 12:17 PM
Comment #19With regards to Rafa, last season he and his coaching team rocked up at Benton the week before the players.
This season, the players are due back on the 4th July, two weeks’ time. If they follow the same pattern, Rafa should be back on Tyneside next week.
Whether he is or not will be illuminating, I think.
Tony Baloney
Jun 21, 2019 at 12:18 PM
Comment #20Robleenio. You didn’t quote my second bit where I said I love the NE Coast and drove from Blyth to Berwick last time I was back. On another day went to Seaton Sluice, Whitley Bay and Tynemouth.
Shadow_Shearer
Jun 21, 2019 at 12:23 PM
Comment #21If the fans gave Ashley the same treatment he gives us, St James park would be empty every single week
Bills Son Is Back
Jun 21, 2019 at 12:23 PM
Comment #22On Almiron,
That run he made from inside his own half for the assist is something we haven’t seen enough of in a Toon shirt.
The reason, as most fans know, is that wing back Ritchie being a natural winger keeps heading into the space in front of him instead of releasing the ball early for Almiron. Time and again this puts Ritchie in the final third with Almiron sidelined on the byeline as Ritchie crosses the ball or passes inside.
Wingers with the pace of Almiron want to receive the ball much nearer the half way line and use their speed to get a run on defenders making him much harder to deal with. Ritchie, when he does pass, it’s nearly always to a static Almiron within a few yards of the corner flag where he is likely to boxed in and easier to defend against.
It beats me why Rafa didn’t tell Ritchie to release the ball earlier because I’m convinced Almiron would have performed much more to his potential, and given how well he played under Ritchie’s shackles that shows how good he really could be.
Rafa has to sort this out for the start of next season.
RobLeenio
Jun 21, 2019 at 12:27 PM
Comment #23Tony, of course I didn’t – it didn’t fit my narrative
😉
I completely agree, by the way. the Northumberland Coast is one of the biggest secrets in the UK. Miles of clean, golden sandy beaches with virtually nobody on them, dotted with picture postcard castles along the entire length, populated by diverse and engaging marine wildlife. Beautiful, without doubt.
I’m sure the Amalfi coast is equally stunning, mind you. I was being a little facetious. I imagine the sea’s a tad warmer, too!
Tony Baloney
Jun 21, 2019 at 12:28 PM
Comment #24I even stayed at a Hotel in Sea Houses with me Mam. Only 40 miles from her house but I fancied having a few pints. Very nice place looking out towards the Farne Islands on the coast road. Has a bar with a telescope and the rooms open onto a courtyard so you can have a beer. Highly recommend it except for the Manager – Malcolm the Mackem. He stiffed me on a $100 refund for nights stay. I booked an extra day and then changed my mind. He said he would take care of it and the Mackem tw@t didn’t.
Tony Baloney
Jun 21, 2019 at 12:37 PM
Comment #25It is quite funny. I mentioned to some people I was staying at Sea Houses and all said “what the hell you staying there for like?”. I really enjoyed it. Reminded me of my childhood. Went on a school trip there and the Farne Islands.
Chancel My MBembaship
Jun 21, 2019 at 12:40 PM
Comment #26I see Fernando Torres is retiring, so there’s one of the regular names we get linked with scratched off the list. Of course it was never going to happen due to his age, but that never stops the journos and online rumour mongers, does it? 🙂
The Sheik of Araby
Jun 21, 2019 at 12:40 PM
Comment #27This is just a thought and may have already been mentioned. But in relation to the owners and directors test, it’s been mentioned that this is a rigorous investigation which looks into any past criminal activity. Now, I moved to the land down under 6 and a half years ago and I had to get a police check (I can’t remember what it was actually for!!) And it took at least 3-4 weeks to come through.
Now if I’m not mistaken, but didn’t Sheikh Khaled live and study in America for a number of years? If this is the case then getting documentation from America to prove that he has a clear record could be one of the things delaying the process. He would also have to prove a clean criminal record in his home country.
Anyway, this is just a thought and may or may not have already been mentioned.
Dubs Left Glove
Jun 21, 2019 at 12:41 PM
Comment #28Mentioned this before but Justin Allen the journo who broke this news clearly outlined the timelines we are playing with.
@justinallen1976
Regarding Rafa Benitez, the group absolutely want to keep him as the manager and are trying to complete the deal BEFORE his contract expires.
If it is BZG that are buying us then clearly highlights the timelines involved. Whilst it is not an ideal situation to be going into pre season without a manager, if it means the club is sold then so be it.
The Sheik of Araby
Jun 21, 2019 at 12:41 PM
Comment #29Sorry, I forgot to say that I had to get a police check from the UK whilst living in Australia.
Captain AmeriMag
Jun 21, 2019 at 12:42 PM
Comment #30The Northumberland Coastline will be even more beautiful once we sail a certain parasitic beached whale back down to the white cliffs and breathe the clean air again. Howay the Sheikh!!
Lindisfarne
Jun 21, 2019 at 12:43 PM
Comment #31There is a willing buyer, but as others have said, potentially not a willing seller and we shall have to wait and see how this unfolds. Rafa will not renew his contract with the unwilling seller and can not say anything until that contract runs out, but probably optimistic about signing for a new owner.
GeordieinOhio
Jun 21, 2019 at 12:47 PM
Comment #32Tony Baloney @ 24 I use to drive up to sea houses all the time and Holy Island loved it up there, funny you mentioned ya child hood school trip that was the first thing I thought of….our school sent us to beal by haggerston.
magscar
Jun 21, 2019 at 12:47 PM
Comment #33Great read in New Statesman article linked by Jib.
Made me wonder did Rohan (Banerjee) read /contribute to Blog as he has the pulse just right.
On checking he has worked for a few papers and was educated at Durham and York so probably does have an affinity with NUFC.
Diddly
Jun 21, 2019 at 12:47 PM
Comment #34If it goes on into July rafa won’t get his top targets. But if he stays and a takeover goes through he will have better second options than he would if Ashley was still in charge
Tony Baloney
Jun 21, 2019 at 12:48 PM
Comment #35Went to Holy Island as well. Changed my avatar to the view from the Sea Houses hotel.
Chancel My MBembaship
Jun 21, 2019 at 12:50 PM
Comment #36To all of those who think we have a tough start to the season, please spare a thought for the SMBs for have an incredibly difficult Carabao Cup tie away to Accrington Stanley.
Tony Baloney
Jun 21, 2019 at 12:52 PM
Comment #37Geordie in Ohio: there’s a book you should get – The Northumberland Coast by Joe Cornish. It is on the US Amazon.
TomaKaThor
Jun 21, 2019 at 12:55 PM
Comment #38So much for the guy who posted yesterday who said he got a call from a guy who knows Fat Mike(In some capacity)and was told the sale would be announceed today..i know theres plenty of the day remaining but lets just say i will eat my hat if anything was announced.
GeordieinOhio
Jun 21, 2019 at 12:55 PM
Comment #39Tony…I will check it out. I have a friend in Crammy who takes a bunch of photos and sends them to me via Instagram …I think he does it just to p@ss me off lol
Tony Baloney
Jun 21, 2019 at 1:00 PM
Comment #40GeordieinOhio: this Joe Cornish guy is known as one of the best landscape photographers in the world. I have the book, you will love it.