31-year-old star goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has played in the Champions League before with MSK Zilina, and he seems happy that Newcastle may be taken over by wealthy and ambitious new owners.
He has been interviewed by Slovak news outlet Sport.SK, and it seems that the ambitions of the new owners match his.
That could be true for other players also, who may be looking to leave Newcastle like Fabian Schar and young Matty Longstaff, and we hope they will be signed up quickly once the takeover is official.
As we have reported, there seem to be four managers under consideration to take over from Steve Bruce next season, and Rafa Benitez could even come back – but that may not be possible.
Rafa is tied up in China with the Chinese Super League club Dalian, and he very rarely leaves a “project” while it’s still in progress.
But he knows the club well, and the players and Amanda Stevey too.
We wouldn’t be too surprised if Amanda’s vision for Newcastle matches very closely with that of Rafa.
Martin Dubravka – excited by the possible takeover
But this some project at Newcastle with our new owners – everything a top proven manager would want.
Here is what Martin has said today to Sport.SK as reported in the Chronicle today:
“We have had such reports here in the recent past.”
“Of course, the available information we have suggests that it was not so close. Everything will depend on the final signature because being close to the sale does not mean it is being sold.”
“I know of interest from the Middle East side, but it is supposed to be a combination of three sides.”
“We will see if this happens and under what circumstances.”
“A club like Newcastle United would deserve to return to its former glory,”
“People may not realize it, but since I have the opportunity to work in this team, I see how huge the club is, what legends it has, the fan base, the whole city is committed to it, so I enjoy such news.”
“I would like Newcastle to be able to get back to the places he was in the past.”
“I believe that if it comes to sale, the new owner will have the ambition to get the club up and back to European competitions.”
“These are all conjectures and we will see what happens.”
“We will probably learn more in the coming weeks. I’m curious myself.”
“I would like to repeat it because it is something special,”
“When you can be part of the atmosphere and listen to the anthem of the Champions League, it’s something unique.”
“I firmly believe that I will succeed in those six years, that is, during the term of my contract.”
“I’ve always had the highest goals and ambitions and it would be nice if I could get into this huge competition with Newcastle United.”
“These are all conjectures that come with it.”
“If this happens and the club sells, it will probably come with a huge supply of finance.”
“When you think about the possession of a new possible owner, it is not surprising.”
“But I heard that Rafael Benitez could also come back. There is a lot of speculation, so let’s be surprised at the outcome.. ”
Positive words there from Martin – who we expect to become one of the best goalkeepers in the League under the new regime.
But they may also bring in another top-class goalkeeper to challenge Martin for the number one position at the club.
What do you think?
Comments welcome.
136 comments so far
Rotonda heights
Apr 21, 2020 at 3:03 PM
Comment #1how did sheffeld united go under the radar so quietly but the world is up in arms, no pun intended, about us.
IrishRob
Apr 21, 2020 at 3:05 PM
Comment #2I dont think they will let Amnesty dictate anything to them, but still I dont want to be reading that. This is really starting to drag on now and its worrying.
Reilly
Apr 21, 2020 at 3:06 PM
Comment #3https://www.ft.com/video/656e803c-7b74-468d-b253-827090dfc419
IrishRob
Apr 21, 2020 at 3:07 PM
Comment #4Moonraker, Haven’t a notion!!
geordietom
Apr 21, 2020 at 3:07 PM
Comment #5William Westwood, 1st Baron Westwood OBE (28 August 1880 – 13 September 1953), was a British trade unionist and Labour politician.
Westwood was the son of William Westwood of Dundee, Scotland. He was National Supervisor of the Ship Constructors’ and Shipwrights’ Association (now part of GMB Union) from 1913 to 1929 and its General Secretary from 1929 to 1945 as well as Chief Industrial Adviser from 1942 to 1945. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1920.[1] On 29 January 1944 he was raised to the peerage as Baron Westwood, of Gosforth in the County of Northumberland.[2] He then served in the Labour government of Clement Attlee as a Lord-in-waiting (government whip in the House of Lords) between 1945 and 1947 and was also Chairman of the Mineral Development Committee under the Ministry of Fuel and Power from 1946 to 1949.
Lord Westwood married firstly Margaret, daughter of William Young, in 1905. After her death in 1916 he married secondly Agnes Helen, daughter of James Downie, in 1918. She died in 1952. Lord Westwood survived her by a year and died in September 1953, aged 73. He was succeeded in the barony by his eldest son from his first marriage, William
cleveleysbob
Apr 21, 2020 at 3:08 PM
Comment #6According to Caulkin’s article in the Atlantic, Staveley has been “working on this for 2 years”.
If we take this at face value, is it possible that Rafa will have an exit clause allowing him to return to NUFC “if the takeover is completed”??
Just a thought..
yogz69
Apr 21, 2020 at 3:10 PM
Comment #7I’m just starting to worry this is dragging on wouldn’t be unlike Ashley to be contacting amnesty to ruin it so he pockets the deposit
Hail Wor Staveley
Apr 21, 2020 at 3:10 PM
Comment #8Team next season with Rafa back and £100m to spend:
Buy
M. Aarons – £20m
Willems £7m
Luis Alberto – £50m
Willian – free and give him his 3 year-deal and £150k+ wages he wants
Fraser – free
Mertens – free – prob similar wages to Willian
Callum Wilson – £30m and then he apologises to the captain for injuring him.
Once you’ve sold a couple of those not good enough and binned the hangers on you’ll be looking at around a £100m spend.
____________________________Dubravka______________________
M. Aarons___________Fernandez________Lascelles_________Willems
___________________Hayden__________Luis Alberto
Willian_______________________Almiron__________________ASM
____________________________Mertens
Very exciting team, that front 4 would wreak havoc.
Try it yourself.
Name a manager – max of 6 signings and a little over £100m budget when taking sales into account.
It’s nice to know such fantasies are about to increase in chances of becoming real drastically.
geordietom
Apr 21, 2020 at 3:11 PM
Comment #9yogz …
dont think that letter will have much bearing on the sale , the saudi’s wouldn’t be buying us if they thought it would fail …
toon22
Apr 21, 2020 at 3:12 PM
Comment #10It is kind of dragging on the same way as every other fakeover
It is a worry
RobLeenio
Apr 21, 2020 at 3:12 PM
Comment #11Aye, the PL is not going to be swayed by Amnesty International. It takes its lead from the Government, UEFA and FIFA, none of which have said anything.
I think if the PL did try to block the deal, there would be a legal challenge from the PIF and / or PCP which they would struggle to win as their own rules say nothing at all about human rights.
If they did suggest anything about human rights, considering that the tests are applied every single season then Man City, Chelsea, Man U, Arsenal, Sheffield United’s and Everton’s own Directors would be coming under intense scrutiny in their turn, among others probably. In order for the rules to be changed, these Directors would actually have to vote for the change to happen, which they never will.
All good in the Hood!
Bigjim67
Apr 21, 2020 at 3:13 PM
Comment #12Just wish it was announced and over with now, making me ill 🙁
geordietom
Apr 21, 2020 at 3:13 PM
Comment #13from previous …
agree with MoonRaker …
geordietom
Apr 21, 2020 at 3:14 PM
Comment #14give owa with the fakeover shite will you TOON22 , sometimes i think you DO NOT want the takeover to happen…
hibbit
Apr 21, 2020 at 3:15 PM
Comment #15Tom
NUFC Lord Westwood was a man with a razor-sharp wit, a captivating conversationalist who was an outstanding after-dinner speaker.
He also cut a distinctive figure with a patch over his left eye (lost in a car crash) and snowy white hair.
A director of Hornby Railways among a host of companies, he will be remembered most for his chairmanship of Newcastle United.
For 18 years he held power at St James’ Park – including when United won their last meaningful trophy, the European Fairs Cup of 1969.
However, it was the manner of Lord Westwood’s departure which caused controversy, a double whammy if you like that brought some outrage among fans.
Back in 1981, when United were in dire straits, each director was asked to put up a £16,000 guarantee to help the club’s finances.
Lord Westwood had just been hit with a big financial loss following the stock market collapse of DCM, Europe’s leading toy company, of which he was chairman, and wishing to protect his family’s inheritance he refused and quit the board.
However, his timing was delayed to allow him to carry out what would have to be his final job as president of the Football League – presenting the League Cup to the winners of the Liverpool v West Ham final at Wembley.
Yet, in an ironic twist, the match ended 1-1 and by the time the replay came about on April 1 at Villa Park Lord Westwood was no longer league president and therefore unable to carry out the ceremony. Liverpool won 2-1, by the way.
To the thinking of some fans angered by Westwood’s refusal to help bail out United after living a privileged life in the boardroom, it was poetic justice.
Newcastle in those days used their close proximity to the border to raid Scotland for their footballers.
Lord Westwood’s cousin Hal Stewart ran Morton and such a link inevitably brought about business, notably the signing of Preben Arentoft, who was to star and score in the European Fairs Cup final against Ujpest Dozsa.
Rotonda heights
Apr 21, 2020 at 3:16 PM
Comment #16yog
do you honestly think the saudis and especially the prince would let ash get away with that
Jib
Apr 21, 2020 at 3:16 PM
Comment #17Ha ha ha
geordietom
Apr 21, 2020 at 3:17 PM
Comment #18hibbit …
aye i remember the pirate …
RobLeenio
Apr 21, 2020 at 3:17 PM
Comment #19I had no idea who Lord Westwood was. I was 6 in 1981. I have heard of him mentioned here and there, but couldn’t have said anything about him.
Every day’s a schoolday.
DaveD1000
Apr 21, 2020 at 3:20 PM
Comment #20Amnesty Intl is toothless
lesh
Apr 21, 2020 at 3:21 PM
Comment #21Geordietom
Posting that Pointer Sisters reminded me that I haven’t played it for years. Must look it out.
And
https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/men-who-ran-newcastle-united-17059641
justthetoonofus
Apr 21, 2020 at 3:22 PM
Comment #22Does anyone think it’ll get announced this week? I know theres a lot of speculation. I’m on tentahooks
lesh
Apr 21, 2020 at 3:22 PM
Comment #23RobLeenio
Back in the day at SJP, one chant was ‘Wrstwood is s pirate’s
Cruel bustards
lesh
Apr 21, 2020 at 3:23 PM
Comment #24#23
,Westwood even
Anglo Saxon
Apr 21, 2020 at 3:23 PM
Comment #25Good post Hibbit very informative.
yogz69
Apr 21, 2020 at 3:24 PM
Comment #26I actually agree with Toon22 here it’s starting to drag like every other hope he’s wrong though the cans in the fridge are getting more tempting each day
lochinvar
Apr 21, 2020 at 3:25 PM
Comment #27All the talk was of Rafa having a £20million exit clause and they may well be accurate at face value.
But wonder if that was on a diminishing rate so that the longer he stayed in China the exit value reduced or even if there is another clause that allows him to talk with NUFC and go back upon receipt of a more modest fee say £5m, while other clubs would have to pay the full exit fee.
Problem now is that Ponchettino or Allegri are unlikely to resist the temptation to be involved at NUFC which could leave Rafa on the sidelines. Time will tell.
Anglo Saxon
Apr 21, 2020 at 3:25 PM
Comment #28Jib 17 posted earlier, wake up.
Moonraker15
Apr 21, 2020 at 3:27 PM
Comment #29geordietom
I was of course referring to his heir, William who became our colourful chairman in the fifties and sixties!
Hibbit
thanks for the text; we are entering a new era of success and I like others am so proud we are going to be a force again in English football !
NUFCadon
Apr 21, 2020 at 3:28 PM
Comment #30Well, I’ve had a little time away from the blog. One because a new job meant I couldn’t spend as much time on here and two because it was quite frankly becoming depressing.
With the amazing news looming though I couldn’t help myself from returning. I have to say it feels a bit weird, good, but weird. The rugs been pulled so many times before I am waiting for the news to come in of it all falling through again. I think, like most, until it’s on sky sports news with 100% confirmation I won’t be able to relax
I have seen a couple of names mentioned about transfers and for me, let’s not make the mistakes of others and end up with a Man U fielding a 500m team but failing to get into the champions league. Let’s go after young, up and coming players and build a team for the future. Number 1 priority for me (ok after a top flight striker) would be to invest heavily in a youth academy and look at developing and bringing in the best teenagers in the world to develop and bring into the team. We may have all the money in the world but it would be nice to do things properly as well
JDdubai
Apr 21, 2020 at 3:28 PM
Comment #31yogz
Nothing is dragging, its the checks that take between 2-4 weeks, so far its taken 12 days.
again if people hadnt noticed the documents at companies house then all of this would still be secret, nothing has leaked from anyone involved, its all come from the documents which legally had to be registered.
Id bet all the takeovers that have happened followed the same process, its just their supporters werent as desperate as ours to be looking at companies house for this kind of stuff – i bet the City one would have had the same info registered, just no-one was looking for it.
Moonraker15
Apr 21, 2020 at 3:29 PM
Comment #32Jib, man FFS try to keep up! hahahahahahhaha !
Moonraker15
Apr 21, 2020 at 3:30 PM
Comment #33Jib
I thought you’d been furloughed anyway!
JDdubai
Apr 21, 2020 at 3:30 PM
Comment #34Rafa having his contract up in 18 months could actually be a nice plan B for the new owners in case their first choice doesnt work out.
If they go with Poch or Allegri, then if it doesnt work out for whatever reason in 2 years then Rafa will be a free agent by then and can come in to get us back on track.
yogz69
Apr 21, 2020 at 3:31 PM
Comment #35Jdubai I know but the wife’s doing her nut in I’ve got a whole shelf of cans in the fridge and she cannae get her shopping in
hibbit
Apr 21, 2020 at 3:31 PM
Comment #36if its left to Amanda it will be Raffa for Gaffa no matter what the cost is,
On the other hand
Apr 21, 2020 at 3:33 PM
Comment #37Why is SSN saying contracts have been exchanged etc.
Have I missed something, have they announced
Spellcheck
Apr 21, 2020 at 3:33 PM
Comment #38Onwards n upwards for the Toon. It’s been a tough 13 years under Ashley. Here’s hoping ?
Budge123
Apr 21, 2020 at 3:34 PM
Comment #39Amnesty international is only doing what it thinks is right. It’s the publicity it wants rather than actually expecting to influence outcome.
They get their name and opinion highlighted and we move on.
No harm no foul.
Novocastrian66
Apr 21, 2020 at 3:36 PM
Comment #40Amnesty International sticking their oar in really annoys me. They need to influence the Government not the football authorities. If the Premier League are politically influenced by AI it is a game changer. Football has always tried to avoid political influence. This is ultimately a business transaction. AI trying to make it out as something else is pure speculation and has little foundation.