The Wall Street Journal broke the sensational news that a consortium led by Amanda Staveley and backed by the Saudi wealth fund was in talks to buy Newcastle in late January.
It was on the Saturday that Newcastle had their dismal 0-0 draw at home against Oxford in the FA Cup, failing to capitalize on the momentum from the dramatic mid-week draw at Everton.
Steve Bruce was asked about the reports, which had since been backed up by other media outlets, on the following Tuesday and said the following:
“I just ignore all of that.
“But it won’t affect anything we look to do this week, I’m confident of that.
“We’re still trying (for more players).
“It was a shame that (Lazaro) couldn’t get done in time to play.
“He’ll give us another bit of quality in the forward areas.
“We’ll see what happens this week, we’ve got a couple of plates spinning.”
We had just brought int Valentino Lazaro on loan from Inter, and Bruce was preparing for a massive match at home against Norwich City. That game, too, would end in a 0-0 draw.
In the press conference for the Norwich match, Chris Waugh tweeted the following comments from Bruce when once again asked about the takeover reports.
On the potential takeover, Bruce's answer could be interpreted a few ways. He said he's spoken to Lee Charnley & that as of yet there is no news to report. Whether his "There’s nothing in it" comment meant there's nothing imminent or it isn't happening at all was unclear. #NUFC https://t.co/bpjRBiWGiX
— Chris Waugh (@ChrisDHWaugh) January 31, 2020
Updates on the reported takeover went somewhat silent around this time. This was said to be positive as leaks were seen as a hindrance to any progress being made.
In mid-March, the coronavirus pandemic hit with many feeling the economic uncertainty would delay talks between Ashley and Staveley. However, that turned out not to be the case.
On March 30th, the Times reported that the league had received preliminary paperwork from both Newcastle and the consortium regarding a potential takeover.
Then this past Monday, it was reported that a deal had been agreed last week and the Premier League is conducting their fitness tests for the owners and directors.
With it looking very much like Newcastle is about to have new owners within the next month, the coaching staff and players could be wondering if this is really going to happen this time.
The Chronicle are reporting that the players and staff are seeking clarity on the recent developments.
It’s interesting to note that the two most recent steps to a sale have happened while the players are at home in isolation so they could only know as much as we do.
The Chronicle is reporting that the players and staff are all ‘in the dark’ at the moment. That doesn’t surprise us at all. Mike Ashley has never been one to communicate.
This news also sheds light on Allan Saint-Maximin’s tweet from Monday.
— Allan Saint-Maximin (@asaintmaximin) April 14, 2020
29 comments so far
EssexJordy
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:27 AM
Comment #1https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-takeover-news-live-18098396#2077115
I hope redknapp isn’t just talking Sh!te and that he indeed does know these two!
hibbit
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:30 AM
Comment #2Max can only improve with better players round and a top manager and coaches guiding him and all these thing will now happen
“our one true player of world class potential”,
mikeashleyisamackem
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:36 AM
Comment #3mikeashleyisamackem
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:30 AM
Comment #10
Movement at st James
There is new signs been ordered with Ellis signs to be delivered to at James park
Massive order and I have been told one of the signs has Kevin Keegan on it And there is 2 massive magpies been made for the roof at st James
Watch this space
IrishRob
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:39 AM
Comment #4Telling the press you ignore takeover talk is standard. It really doesn’t mean they know nowt. I’m guessing the know more than the public anyways.
#BoycottAshley ( OP)
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:40 AM
Comment #5I’m having to do a cross region dash today due to a emergency vet appointment. Ripped off nail and pad.
Having to use public transport and it’s clear loads are ignoring isolation.
Got the ferry to north shields as metros are off on the south side, it was like a pleasure cruise.
People everywhere, 15 people waiting for the Metro, the one going the other way passed and it was about 50% full.
Everywhere seems a lot busier today, way more people cars etc than I’ve seen for weeks.
WLtoon
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:43 AM
Comment #6The clamour for STs will be ridiculous next season, i just hope that the most loyal of fans get what they deserve, got no time for fair weather or glory hunter type fans. Every club has them, dont want the prawn sandwich brigade in the stadium.
Pain in the Blog
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:44 AM
Comment #7By rights I should be landing in Málaga airport right now. But, hey ho. I’m not ill and neither are any members of my family. I do not have a business sliding into oblivion and I’m not facing mounting debts and fear of poverty. So I’m actually one of the lucky ones.
WLtoon
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:44 AM
Comment #8mikeashleyisamackem
Can i ask where you got the info from re the signs?
mikeashleyisamackem
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:44 AM
Comment #9As long as the feeble fans who chucked there tickets don’t get one
hibbit
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:49 AM
Comment #10what happens to all the fans on the cheap 10yr deals, will the new owners be liable or will the just scrap them,????
geordiemark
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:51 AM
Comment #11hibbit
probably have to honor them mate, the club bought when the supporters done there 10 year deal, I want to know if theres going to be a run down on the clubs books with the amount of money still left in the clubs accounts like transfer money ect ect ect
hibbit
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:51 AM
Comment #12mikeashleyisamackem how long have you had your ticket ??????
geordiemark
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:53 AM
Comment #13just watch sky sports, btsports, every single tv station you can think off jumping at the bit to get an interview, then look out for major advertising companies wanting to sponsor us
mikeashleyisamackem
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:53 AM
Comment #1412 years
hibbit
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:55 AM
Comment #15mikeashleyisamackem
when you get to fifty start telling people what they can and can not do,
Moonraker15
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:56 AM
Comment #16OP
The high level of activity outside may explain why the North and East is one of the areas where infections are still rising!
FFS why don’t they stay at home! I appreciate you had a vets appointment as I had the same last week and got an emergency appointment but many people are just ignoring the lockdown!
WLtoon
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:57 AM
Comment #17I think we will end up with a huge ST waiting list similar to the KK years, just as well we have better coverage of games nowadays. At least supporters will get the chance to see matches through lots of different sources.
mikeashleyisamackem
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:57 AM
Comment #18Pfftt
As long as the fans in at James are proper fans not diluted who quit when the going gets tough
Proud that 40000 strong fans stood with it to the very end
The real fans they are
Moonraker15
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:59 AM
Comment #19Hibbit
Haha you tell him! Lol
mikeashleyisamackem
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:59 AM
Comment #20The ones who chucked there dummy out the prank should be refused a ticket imo
They basically turned there back on the club because they never got what they wanted
mikeashleyisamackem
Apr 16, 2020 at 11:02 AM
Comment #21People should be on there knees thanking mike Ashley for doing this deal
And saving the club from financial ruin
Mike Ashley has went from zero to hero
Hail mike Ashley for making all our dreams come true
It’s been a long road but he has succeeded in making us the richest club in the world
DaveD1000
Apr 16, 2020 at 11:03 AM
Comment #22not footy but someone earlier mentioned a kid with autism
UK coronavirus rules relaxed for people with autism and learning disabilities
Policy updated (Corona Virus Act 2020) after lawyers challenge ‘discriminatory’ lockdown measures
People with learning disabilities or autism can leave the house for exercise more than once a day and can travel outside of their local area under current lockdown measures, the government has said.
The guidance, which had previously stated that non-essential workers should only leave their homes once a day for exercise or to shop for basic necessities, was amended on Wednesday.
“This could, for example, include where individuals with learning disabilities or autism require specific exercise in an open space two or three times each day – ideally in line with a care plan agreed with a medical professional.”
Although those with autism and mental health conditions are advised to limit their travel, and stay as close to their local area as possible, carers and support workers who do not live in their household can accompany them
https://www.theguardian.com/…/uk-coronavirus-rules-autism-l…
hibbit
Apr 16, 2020 at 11:03 AM
Comment #23bollocks
hibbit
Apr 16, 2020 at 11:07 AM
Comment #24that was addressed to mikeashleyisamackem
and the bus is now 3 stops a head !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Novocastrian66
Apr 16, 2020 at 11:10 AM
Comment #25mikeashleyisamakem: do you reckon the 10k that got the freebies deserve first choice? Ihad a season ticket for 35 before I binned mine 2 years ago. Where do I fit into your order of priority?
captainmarvel
Apr 16, 2020 at 11:37 AM
Comment #26Makem,You purchase/reserve/loaned the rights to sit in a seat for as long as you pay for it..
It is irrelevant how long you have sat in it, it may be all your life and that’s it.
You have no rights other than that, hopefully you enjoy what’s put in front of you..
Forget about anyone else, its not your business
you might think otherwise but your wrong.
Moonraker15
Apr 16, 2020 at 11:45 AM
Comment #27Mikeashleyisamackem
You won’t see me thanking fatso for selling to rich investors. He has presided over 13 wasted years for HIS benefit! A lot could’ve been achieved in that time but for him and his regime. He won’t be welcome on Tyneside should he venture North in future!
Moonraker15
Apr 16, 2020 at 11:49 AM
Comment #28The question is! Is mikeashleyisamackem a Jib alt?
Sounds like the sort of stuff he and his kind would spout.
However, once the new owners get cracking he will be shown up for the underachieving tw@t that he is!
widowmagandapoke
Apr 16, 2020 at 4:03 PM
Comment #29Mike Ashley is a Mackem should learn grammar and spelling before it spouts its drivel.