On a day where Ashley made his first appearance at St James’ Park in sixteen months, perhaps the only positive we can take is that he saw first hand what a mess he’s created.
Whether he takes action is a different matter, but today confirmed what we probably all knew; it’s going to be another long, hard season.
Our severe lack of quality or ideas in attack was there for all to see once again, with Leicester barely having to get out of second gear to come away with a comfortable three points.
We had just one shot on goal and, quite incredibly, that one effort was Jonjo Shelvey’s from his own half. That perhaps sums up how much we’re struggling to create chances at the moment.
The vast majority of St James’ Park got involved when ‘stand up if you hate Ashley’ belted out from the Gallowgate. It was another clear message to the NUFC owner – on a day where Peter Kenyon has been linked with a takeover bid – however the problems ON the pitch should be our biggest concern right now.
After Man Utd away next weekend we have a run of VERY generous fixtures, but with confidence looking low and goals lacking, it’s hard to see where the wins will come from right now.
Today was another tough watch, with me struggling to come away with a single positive, but we must stay behind Benitez and the boys in the hope that things will take a turn for the better soon.
Kim – I believe there may well be truly in this Kenyon like. He’s looking at backing from the US and asked for a price so he and his backers can put a package together. The cost of the club being all important so the likes of wages, transfer kitty’s and future development can be determined – a complete package.
But when Ashley was asked his reply is ‘make me an offer’ – can you imagine?! – this is someone who is apparently looking to sell the club and he says ‘make me an offer’.
How is anyone supposed to do business with make me an offer?!.
If I went to a mortgage lender and said ‘I’ve seen this house I like, but it needs a new boiler, double glazing and a new kitchen – £30k should cover it. Ok, but how much to buy the house … god knows?!.
Can’t imagine they’d loan me a penny until that was known like – and I imagine the likes of Kenyon is in that situation now (as was Staveley before him).
Sharpy17(Quote)
Jabba is a clown. He is the pantomime Villain he talks about and for good reason. The supporters have to make his association with the club an uncomfortable and negative as possible. That’s the only way he will sell up and leave.
Stuart79(Quote)
I note we’re still waiting for the minutes from the fans forum. This club is a joke. How long does it take? Meetings I’ve been involved in get the minutes wrote up the next day, get them sent out to everyone there, are approved and released within 2 days! What could be holding them back? Rumour has it that it was a long meeting and someone recorded it. The club are probably trying to persuade the person not to let it get out into the public domain so they can send out edited and sanitised minutes.
I still find the forums a complete waste of time. Has any good every come from them? How is it possible to talk about NUFC in a positive light without lying?
Stuart79(Quote)
Damage limitation
georgio(Quote)
Villa sack Steve Bruce … whey he’s always wanted to manage NUFC hasn’t he?! Now he’s free – sounds perfect for Ashley I reckon
Sharpy17(Quote)
Cannot believe someone threw a cabbage at Bruce… just imagine ur leaving the house to go to the match… Money, check… coat, check… house keys, check… cabbage, check … right pet I’m off to the match … did you remember your cabbage dear? Yes pet, I’ve got my cabbage… ?????
Dubai Toon(Quote)
Stu, he’s no panto villain mate, they’re harmless fun, nowt harmless about Ashley .
kimtoon(Quote)
Villa fans, say no more mate. Wankers .
Steve’s had an awful 12 months losing his parents close together, I know what that’s like. He kept up with his job when he could of taken leave and this is how he gets repaid.
kimtoon(Quote)
Joe Kinnaer was watching the Villa game last night when that happened – he was heard to say ‘he used to play centre midfield for Newcastle United
Sharpy17(Quote)
Bruce had 1 win in 10 games. Were they saying he looks like a cabbage? I beg to differ, much more like a cauliflower.
Rafa has 1 win in 11 matches.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I am still 100% behind Rafa but you can’t ignore his record.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Apparently the club have circulated the minutes of the fans forum to those who were there and they’re actually unrecognisable from what was actually said. Basically the club not wanting the fans to know the truth and have said anybody who was there who tells people their own version will be banned. What’s the point in this forum? The fans should make a statement on what was actually said and then resign.
Stuart79(Quote)
Eric, depends what you’re comparing Rafa’s record to? Ask yourself if anybody else would be doing better these players.
Stuart79(Quote)
Just stating facts. I do not think anybody could do better with this squad but they are hand picked by Rafa, whether 1st or 4th choice.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I am worried, but I still think we will stay up.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I’m still struggling to find a third team worse than us after Cardiff and Huddersfield. In fact I’m not even too confident about Cardiff. I’ve seen them play a couple of times and they’ve been better than we have.
Stuart79(Quote)
Jabba has arrived at an Italian restaurant to meet the squad and Rafa. What on Earth can he say? What can he say that will make any difference whatsoever? Apart from “I’ve sold the club” Anything else is worthless.
He will say I’m happy to take the flack from the fans of it means deflecting it away from you. He’s that sort of person who will actually think he’s doing something good doing that.
Stuart79(Quote)
Janna has taken them to Rialto in Ponteland. It’s happy hour. £5.95 for a main meal before 6:45.
Stuart79(Quote)
* Jabba
Stuart79(Quote)
Jabba will be letting Rafa know about now over espresso that he’s accepted a £6m offer from Villa for him…
Stuart79(Quote)
Could see that happening, and Villa fans having the last laugh .
kimtoon(Quote)
So Jabba left the restaurant, got hushered into a car whilst fans where chanting where’s the money gone. He then stuck two fingers up to the fans. Class personified.
Stuart79(Quote)
not unexpected though. would expect nothing less from him .
kimtoon(Quote)
Stu – he had to get out of there before they brought the bill mate ??♂️
Sharpy17(Quote)
What was the point of the pizza party? Ashley has been to the last 2 games and didn’t stick around long enough to talk to Rafa but had Charnley, Barnes and Bishop with him.
We have the break for 2 weeks and most of our players will not be on international duty. What does that say about the quality of the squad? With all of their troubles, virtually all of the Man U squad will be playing for their countries.
Perhaps Ashley can take our team paintballing or on some Marines boot camp experience?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
A team building exercise! We need one judging by the 1st 7 games.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Is this media circus the best preparation for Rafa and the players ahead of the Man Utd game as well though?!.
I’m not suggesting it’s the difference of winning or loosing the game, coz I don’t hold out much hope anyway, but they certainly don’t need anymore distractions.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Which media circus Sharpy? We seem to be creating our own whilst Man U is 10 times bigger because they are a 10 times bigger club. Mourinho and Pogba seem to enjoy it. Pogba angling for Barca and Jose wanting his 16 million quid so he can move out of the Lowry Hotel where he has been living for more than 2 years.
Who, apart from Howard Hughes, lives in a hotel for 2 years?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I’m still steaming about my thoughts on Rafa last night. The guy is so so inflexible. Every manager has lots of nationalities in their squad and they cope with it. Not Rafa. He gets rid of Mitro and Mbemba for some reason to do with language or whatever and replaces them with the genuinely useless Joselu and Manquillo. Mbemba looked a far better left back than Dummett and miles ahead of Manquillo.
Then he wastes £18m on Murphy and Atsu. Let’s Gayle go and brings in Muto. Is he any better?
Very very suspicious of Rafa at the moment.
georgio(Quote)
We have seen these players play much better, but we do not have a goalscorer. Or he is injured. AND…
Shelvey is a good player
Ayoze was brilliant in the last 3rd of last season
Ritchie is a good player
We were talking about maybe spending 20million on Kenedy 3 months ago.
It is time for them to step up AND FOR RAFA TO TAKE THE SHACKLES OFF.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I am not bothered that Rafa sold Mitro because he was never going to play him anyway.
I am really bothered we let Gayle go because, unlike Stuart, I think he offers something we do not have – pace. And I think he was really unlucky last year and with the 3 or 4 penalties he should have had he would have been in double figures for goals. I know, woulda, shoulda coulda.
Firing WBA to the PL now and we might need him next year 🙂 Sticking with 16th for now. Let’s see what happens as I stew in the international break 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I still think when fit Rondon will be better than Gayle, Gayle has found his level again, he’s a solid championship player and I do like him but he got less goals than Perez last season.
We basically need all the players to step up a bit more like they did last season and to clear up a few injuries to key players.
Rafa’s uncertain future and the lack of backing from jabba has done untold damage to us, not helped by such a tough run of games to the season.
These international breaks are a bloody joke as well, how do gain any momentum .
kimtoon(Quote)
Kimtoon: just wait. The talking heads on Sky and the BBC will say the friendlies are meaningful when only 4 teams qualify from them and England will have an easy group afterwards (only Schteve could fck that one up).
Gayle or Joselu, Kimtoon?
Gayle or Joselu?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
And Rondon was a swap for Mitro/Slimani NOT GAYLE. Muto was the swap for Gayle.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
So Jabba promised the players that he would take them on holiday if we stayed up. Is this man for real? It’s like they can’t afford a holiday and it’s a treat for them…
He also told them he won’t be selling the club this season so don’t get distracted by it. He told them he wants Rafa to stay and plans are also started for January.
He’s a liar so we can take with a pinch of salt.
Stuart79(Quote)
Come back Jan 31 Stuart. Fatty will have spent 30 million pounds. I am not defending him. This is my prediction.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
What’s £30m get you for where we need improvement? We should have £80m sat in the bank!
Stuart79(Quote)
Stuart man. That’s just my guess of what Ashley will give Rafa in January. A guess. Nothing more.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Agreed, what a crock of horse ****.
He’s told the world the clubs for sale then tells the players he’s not selling .
If he wants Rafa to stay then back him. I swear if I was a player there that night and he said he wanted him to stay I would ask why he hadn’t backed him if he did.
Imagine knowing ownership isn’t changing and all you had to look forward to to staying up was some holiday which won’t match what you can already afford yourself anyway. 🙄 It’s enough to make em down tools altogether .
Cheapskate, is he gonna buy the long suffering fans a holiday for watching too.
kimtoon(Quote)
Doesn’t matter anyway, Eric. Jabba’s offer of a holiday will be much more beneficial than buying better players in January or better still last summer.
Stuart79(Quote)
Doesn’t matter how much Ashley gives to Rafa in January. The damage will have been done by then and what kind of good player wants to come to a club with one foot in the
Championship?
georgio(Quote)
A holiday in Cambodia. Circa Pol Pot ( I saw the Dead Kennedy’s when I was in college).
I heard he hired **** van **** to sing this song on his yacht on the trip:
Its a Jolly Holiday with Fatty, Fatty makes the your heart so light
When the day is so grey and ordinary
Ashley makes the sun shine bright.
Oh, its a Jolly Holiday with Fatty
Eric Sykes(Quote)
It seems that if you are on loan in The Championship from Chelsea and your name is Mason Mounts you can get called up to the England squad. Not so much if your name is Jonjo. And Harry Winks?
I know Shelvey has had a quiet start but…
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Harry Winks 2018/19 Premier league season.
Starts: 1
Sub appearances: 4
Minutes: 124
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Is Harry Winks any good? I can honestly say I don’t know because he was injured for almost the whole second half of last season and has played 124 minutes this season.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
We need more Harrys in the team. That’s the only explanation I can think of.
Whetherehe is good or not is besides the point because Southgate cannot have seen him enough to determine that. It is not like he is Alan Shearer or Gary Lineker where you have seen them enough before to know that they should be straight back in the team. Winks was never in the team and is called up after 124 minutes.
Maybe Southgate’s cunning plan is just to put as many Spurs players in the team as possible. Even if they are **** like Dier.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
How about Mark Noble for England? He’s from London as well and admittedly played a really good game against Man U on Saturday. The fact that it is the first good game in 10 years is immaterial. He plays in London, see.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Jack Wilshere? Hasn’t had a good game since he was 17 against Barcelona but is also from London. Is Harry the new Jack?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
So, what we have are a couple of friendlies that Uefa are trying to say are meaningful but they really aren’t. England have an easy qualifying group anyway and it is a backdoor in for some teams that happen to be **** in this football cycle. They already have a backdoor in via the playoffs but now try to fool people that this made up excuse of a “tournament” is useful and excuses these interminable international breaks.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I agree with georgio. Likeyhood os the damage will be done and we will find it almost impossible to attract the players we need in January without over paying and that will never happen!
Nobody can be expected to keep letting Ashleybmake the same stupid mistakes and then listen to him spout the same **** every single year.
Stuart79(Quote)
Eric, I’m in Millennium Park. Who’s dropped a big shiny piece of metal in the middle of it and what is it?
Stuart79(Quote)
Frank Gehry. It is a piece of ****. For some reason every city seems to want a crappy sculpture by him. There are many great architectural masterpieces in Chicago. This is not one of them. I was at the Art Institute yesterday. You might want to stop in there. It is about 400 yards away from millennium park. Take the Wendella river cruise. Leaves from outside the Wriglley Building where I worked for 17 years.
The other architectural monstrosity in Chicago is Trump Tower.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Stuart: it doesn’t fit, does it. I have been to quite a few concerts there and the designers are idiots. It is built to be able to enjoy the music from the lawn bit but they have sunk the stage and you cannot see it from the grass.
Bad design all round but you will enjoy the rest of the city.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
If you want an early beer go to The Palmer House bar which is about a 15 minute walk from the park. A hotel, but very avante garde, designed by a socialite who came back from Paris and wanted Paris in Chicago.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
A bandshell.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Thursday night. Go early to the roofdeck of the Witt hotel on Wabash and Lake, just for 1 or 2. Close to where you are now. Where all the beautiful people go. I have been there many times 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Clearly I should be going there. ?
Stuart79(Quote)
Where’s the best place to watch the match? I think it’s 11:30 isn’t it?
Stuart79(Quote)
AJ Hudson’s – 3801 North Ashland Avenue. About 3 miles north of downtown. Owned by an Everton fan, Jamie. Toon Army Chicago meet there.
I wasn’t planning on going but if you are I will be there. The Man U fans have their own bars so it will not be tribal.
Perfect weather as well.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Actually: I just checked the weather again and it looks like rain.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Let me know Stuart, because I will definitely go if you go. Do I have to get a carnation to wear in my lapel so you can spot me?
It won’t be difficult. There will be about 10 NUFC fans. I am the tall one (6-3) with an accent that is now somewhere in the mid-Atlantic after being away from Newcastle for 33 years.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
And Stuart: you will love these Toon Army Chicago guys. Most have been to watch NUFC in England and met Rafa. One was in Consett last year and I asked him why 🙂 To see the holiday matches.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
It would be a shame not to meet up as I’m in town, Eric.
Staying in Gold Coast area. Is that a walk or a taxi?
NUFC blog American first annual meeting… 🙂 The carnation would remind me of Rigsby in Rising Damp! ?
Stuart79(Quote)
Gold Coast is about 2 and 1/2 miles from the bar. Easy. Taxi or Uber. About 10 bucks.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
No politics Stewie 🙂 I have a hard enough time deciding if ted heath was gay or not.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Really ! single and a sailor who liked playing with his organ 😆
kimtoon(Quote)
Ok. I’ll leave my Maggie one love t-shirt behind then… ?
You never know, we might even bring us some look and we might actually score.
Stuart79(Quote)
It’ll be good Stuart.
I have never seen a single Man U fan in this bar. They must go to other ones. Sedgewicks, I think, if you want to meet them 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Will be there for about 11 Eric. See you then.
Stuart79(Quote)
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Dwight Gayle wins the Championship player of the month award #nufc
Well done
kimtoon(Quote)
If there was ever a good time to play Manchester United, then this is it I guess, but the problem is that we are sh.it as well… oh well. ☹️?
Dubai Toon(Quote)
We don’t do good times at the moment.
georgio(Quote)
hope you boys have a good meeting 😆 and brings a change of luck
icedog(Quote)
Fans forum minutes are out. Laughable!
It seems there’s unique problems here that don’t effect every other club. We have to be concerned about inbalance in the changing room when offering players more money, we don’t look like we’re prepared to pay above our transfer record and we have to balance outgoings with incomings as Sky money doesn’t come in one lump.
How do the likes of Brighton, Wolves, Fulham, Bournemouth, Watford or Burnley manage?
More hillarious moments include the club confirming they pay up front fees while give buying clubs credit for up to 4 years. This was just after explaining to everyone how cash flow is vital for them. Wonder why… 😳
Stuart79(Quote)
Rafa gets £60000 fine but so far Zaha gets off Scott free but then Zaha plays for a London club. When are we going to get a level playing field both on and off the pitch? I have feelings of paranoia.
Groucho(Quote)