Three scenarios that now await NUFC – the biggest 6 months in the club’s history?

Where do we turn from here? What next? The questions and fears on every NUFC fans mind following last night’s news that a deal between Mike Ashley and Amanda Staveley if off.

In reality, things look bleak and it’s hard to be hopeful or ignore the situation we could now find ourselves in following Mike’s latest acts of incompetence. He’s more than likely burnt bridges with the one ‘serious bidder’ who’d come to the fore following October’s ‘up for sale’ announcement.

Not only does the news plague us with doubts that we’ll ever be able to get rid of Ashley, but it creates a huge surge of negativity around our hopes of survival, a crucial two weeks on the transfer front and Rafa Benitez’s future – the one man whose given us reason to be hopeful as NUFC fans over the last two years.

Moving on (it’s all we can do), we can only pray that things somehow work out in the end and we manage to keep a hold of Rafa Benitez. This is a situation that is currently hard to imagine, however.

Here’s three scenarios that await us (we are almost certain to encounter one) and a look into what each may mean for NUFC, Benitez and Mike Ashley. We’ll start with the potential bad news first, as this is what seems most likely at present, unfortunately:

Relegation – Rafa leaves (even if Ashley sells up in the summer)

We sit just 3 points above the relegation zone at present. Our run in looks the toughest out of all those scrapping in the bottom 10 and last night’s news will have done nothing to help our momentum in the race for survival.

It’s accepted that signings and an upturn in form at St James’ Park are essential to us staying up, but it’s hard to bank on either coming good for us in our current predicament – especially when you consider how the atmosphere could become negative and toxic (towards Ashley) at home games from here on in.

In all honesty, even if Ashley sold the club in the summer following our potential relegation, I don’t see Rafa hanging around. He was clearly having second thoughts about spending a gruelling year in the Championship last summer and I don’t see him doing it again unfortunately.

The worst case scenario in all of this is Ashley remaining and Rafa leaving following relegation. For now, let’s avoid thinking about how we’d tackle that scary scenario.

Survival and Ashley stays – Rafa almost certainly leaves

Now, even if we do manage to beat the drop this season and still be a Premier League side come the end of May, I do really struggle to see how Rafa remains at NUFC if Ashley isn’t looking like sealing a sale.

Rafa has experienced Ashley’s constant lies and awful communication as much as anyone over the past 12 months. Failure to do deals last January when Benitez wanted Townsend to seal promotion and prepare for the Premier League. Penny pinching over the summer and failing to secure his top targets when Rafa made it clear we MUST strengthen to compete in the top flight. And now, this month, he’s back at it again. When the club was officially put up for sale in October, Ashley’s lawyer confirmed that money would be spent in January even if a takeover was not completed. We are now in that exact situation, and not only have we not signed a soul over half way through the window, Rafa STILL doesn’t know his budget. What has Ashley been playing at over these past few months?

Benitez took over Newcastle as he believed we had the potential to become big again. With each passing moment, Rafa realises that his potential will never be unearthed under Mike Ashley’s ownership. Benitez stayed for us and I’m 100% sure he won’t walk out on us mid-season, but I think he’ll almost certainly leave in the summer if Ashley remains – regardless of what league we’re in.

Ashley has this club tied to chains and Benitez will have been desperate to see a takeover go through to break those. If it doesn’t happen, Benitez knows it’s a battle he can’t win and I don’t think any NUFC fan would blame him for leaving.

Survival and new owners arrive – Rafa stays

Now this is the scenario we must cling onto and pray comes off.

Starting with survival, we must use all our energy to get behind Benitez and the boys over the comings months. I totally understand why turning up at St James’ Park and remaining upbeat may seem difficult right now, but there’s still a relegation battle to be won here. We must come out on top in this race for survival if we have any hope of keeping Rafa – regardless of new owners arriving or not.

If we can secure safety, Ashley is then in a stronger position to receive his asking price. Don’t forget that the club is still up for sale despite last night’s major setback, and us securing our Premier League status will almost certainly attract more buyers. Dare I say it, Staveley and PCP *may* even return with an acceptable offer in the summer if this were to happen. Why? Because it seems one of the biggest sticking points for them was the threat of relegation and one of Ashley’s biggest issues with their offer appeared to be the relegation clause they insisted upon.

The fear would be Ashley driving up his price if Premier League safety was sealed, however he does want out and I imagine potential buyers would be far more receptive to firming up their interest if they knew they were buying a Premier League club with Rafa at the helm.

To say this is a huge few months for the future of NUFC is an understatement, but, for now, let’s focus on supporting Benitez and the team.  That’s all we can control and something that is essential if we are to stay up. What follows in the summer is out of our hands, but the chances of an Ashley sale and Benitez remaining may go up considerably if we remain in the top flight.

(Fancy writing for us? Send any articles/ideas over to us at [email protected] & we’ll get back to you!)

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

120 thoughts on “Three scenarios that now await NUFC – the biggest 6 months in the club’s history?

  1. Cheer,
    I would imagine even a lot of the players will be feeling hacked off about now. They will of wanted us to have a future with ambition as much as us.
    One thing you didn’t mention Olly is the players futures. I can see the likes of Lascelles, Shelvey and a few others seriously considering their futures with us if Ashley continues as owner come next season. Lascelles has already spoken of the need for him to do the deal soon so that Rafa can be backed. Further more I’m sure Ashley will be aware of this and doubtless be open to offers for our up and coming star CB and captain. He sold Carroll a toon favourite so won’t hesitate to offload Lascelles for good money.

    I think this whole sorry episode as really buggered our season to be honest and it’s gonna be awful hard getting any momentum back, especially given next up is City away.
    Right now I would say we are relegation certs sadly .

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  2. kimtoon:
    Cheer,
    I would imagine even a lot of the players will be feeling hacked off about now. They will of wanted us to have a future with ambition as much as us.
    One thing you didn’t mention Olly is the players futures. I can see the likes of Lascelles, Shelvey and a few others seriously considering their futures with us if Ashley continues as owner come next season. Lascelles has already spoken of the need for him to do the deal soon so that Rafa can be backed. Further more I’m sure Ashley will be aware of this and doubtless be open to offers for our up and coming star CB and captain. He sold Carroll a toon favourite so won’t hesitate to offload Lascelles for good money.

    I think this whole sorry episode as really buggered our season to be honest and it’s gonna be awful hard getting any momentum back, especially given next up is City away.
    Right now I would say we are relegation certs sadly .

    Very good point re. players mate – if you don’t mind, I may add a little of that in as it’s a valid point.

    Didn’t even think of them in the moment – just shows how central Benitez seems to our hopes.

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  3. Look the suggested collapse of the takeover is a real disappointment (though may not be dead yet – who knows). That we can feel down beat about – though should not give up hope.

    But come on man, enough doom and gloom when it comes to our chances of survival. We realistically need 13-15pts from the remaining games. We achieved 23pts with the players we have already got – so I don’t see the remaining points being out of their reach.
    I would also hope senior players like Lascelles & Shelvey would be more focused on rallying their team mates to getting those points – rather than worrying about their own futures – which will be just fine if we get those points.

    I know people will say that Our rivals will strengthen this month and we won’t. I believe they will try, but the players they are linked with won’t join in their current positions.
    Stoke & Swansea have both changed their managers – their new managers are Championship.

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  4. What I do want to see is Rafa focus on bringing in a forward and creative midfielder – forget keepers and left backs.

    We have to best goal difference of the teams down there – and other maybe Yedlin, he’s rang the changes throughout the season so far – both the keepers and rest of the defenders. So that suggests we have enough to get by at the back.

    Get up top addressed and we will be fine I reckon.

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  5. Off topic, but NUFC related. A witness testified today that Gary Speed was one of 4 people who had commtited suicide after working with Barry Bennell at Man City. I don’t think anybody will ever know for sure if Gary was abused but everybody was so shocked that it happened that he may have been carrying a dark secret.

    https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/jan/17/gary-speed-one-of-four-players-coached-by-barry-bennell-to-have-killed-themselves

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  6. There has been a pattern in a few games this season where we dominate the first half, create chances but don’t score or don’t put the game away. Off the top of my head Swansea and Bournemouth, but there are others. The other team then gets emboldened and probably think screw it, if they can’t score from them chances they never will, let’s go for it. It then becomes the proverbial game of to halfs and then at SJP the crowd gets frustrated.

    This above all else is why we need a goalscorer. We keep letting teams back into games and drawing or losing games that we should have won. We dominate the play in the first half and then it all slips away.

    I think we have one of the lowest, if not the lowest, goal conversion rates in the PL i.e. number of goals compared to chances created.

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  7. Eric Sykes:
    Off topic, but NUFC related. A witness testified today that Gary Speed was one of 4 people who had commtited suicide after working with Barry Bennell at Man City. I don’t think anybody will ever know for sure if Gary was abused but everybody was so shocked that it happened that he may have been carrying a dark secret.

    https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/jan/17/gary-speed-one-of-four-players-coached-by-barry-bennell-to-have-killed-themselves

    Eric – I saw that in the news tonight mate. I immediately felt for his family, coz whilst it’s important to get to the truth – it must be so hard for them.
    I loved Speedo & he was another I was lucky enough to cross paths with when he was a toon player (usually in a bar or night club to be honest) and he was a real gentleman.
    I really and truly hope that horrible piece of **** gets life in prison – and every day of it he’s punished by a real nasty ******* in there.

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  8. I have to laugh at the pundits saying that Klopp has shown the blueprint of how to play City. What other teams in England have the firepower to play City at their own game? Not Man U and Chelsea and certainly not Arsenal. Maybe Spurs on a good day. As for the rest of us, no chance. Yet one more of the nonsense these pundits, and even seasoned journalists, spout.

    Even in the CL there are probably only PSG and Barca who could play this way. Maybe Bayern at home.

    How will we approach the weekend probably 5-2-2 again and hope to keep the score down again. Imagine if we went at them from the get go like Liverpool. Aguero would probably score 11.

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  9. Man City beat Spurs 4-1 this season so even the 3rd most attacking team in the country, after City themselves and Liverpool, got tonked. These pundits are morons.

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  10. Eric Sykes:
    Chelsea looking a bit toothless so far -36 mins – and letting Norwich have a few chances.

    Eric – yeah I’ve been a fan of Batshuyi, but he’s been pretty anonymous so far. Kennedy has blown hot n cold.

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  11. Sharpy17: Eric – yeah I’ve been a fan of Batshuyi, but he’s been pretty anonymous so far.Kennedy has blown hot n cold.

    Both had a bit of a ‘mare in my opinion. Doubt either will last beyond 65 minutes if this continues. If we are thinking that either would be our savior we have another think coming on this evidence. Look short of match sharpness, which is understandable and we cannot afford to give them 4 or 5 games to get up to speed. That would be my fear with Ings as well but I would rather take the risk on him as he has scored goals in the past in the PL.

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  12. It is a difficult decision to loan/buy some of the bit part players who have looked good in cameos for the big teams. I am thinking Ibe and Ihaneachio who both scored for the first time this past weekend I think. And then again some have worked out like Lukaku.

    What the hell do you do in our position? We have a choice of a striker who has sat on the bench or from a European League who might take time to settle. BTW Thauvin is tearing up League Un.

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  13. I hope that Phill Neville getting the England Women’s job keeps him off commentating. Not only is he a Man U fan boy but he spouts absolute bollocks.

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  14. Of course Kenedy and Batshaui combine to score now 🙂 I don’t know what Norwich’s defenders were doing though.

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  15. Eric Sykes:
    Of course Kenedy and Batshaui combine to score now ? I don’t know what Norwich’s defenders were doing though.

    ? it was inevitable really wasn’t it. Both would add extra quality to our squad mate. Batshuyi in particular is a forward who will score far more goals than our forwards.

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  16. Sharpy17: it was inevitable really wasn’t it.Both would add extra quality to our squad mate.Batshuyi in particular is a forward who will score far more goals than our forwards.

    Just worried about lack of game time and a settling in period mate.

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  17. Kenedy definitely has the look of a “star”. Shiny gold boots, neck tattoos and even a couple of back of the head tattoos visible with the extreme short back and sides cut. Batshuayi almost blasted over his goal from 2 yards.

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  18. Eric Sykes: Just worried about lack of game time and a settling in period mate.

    Mate I think it would only take Batshuyi a couple of training sessions and he’d get an understanding of Rafa & the players – he’s quality mate.
    Kennedy looked better in the second half, but I think Atsu & Murphy are doing ok on the left personally.

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  19. Biggest 6 months in the history of my ****.

    That fat **** needs to go, FFS. Sick of all this bollocks. It was wearing thin in 2009.

    Good article anyway mate, thanks for your thoughts.

    😎

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  20. Rodzilla:
    Biggest 6 months in the history of my ****.

    That fat **** needs to go, FFS. Sick of all this bollocks. It was wearing thin in 2009.

    Good article anyway mate, thanks for your thoughts.

    ?

    Cheers mate

    Interesting you say that, but how is it not a HUGE moment.

    Relegation, Ashley stays, awful appointment and we could do a Sunderland

    Surival, Ashley leaves, ambitious new owners and Rafa stays and we become a respectable PL club again with a bright future.

    They’re two total opposite ends of the scale but both are very real possibilities depending on how things go in the next 6 months.

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  21. We are fcked. Fatty will invest the bare minimum which better be about 20 mil or we are certain to be down. That, and 15 mil for Gayle might give us a fighting chance. What I mean by fcked is that even if we stay up what are the chances of another bid for the club that meets Ashley’s valuation? Who would want to even contemplate a bid after the latest fiasco? If the PL money goes up as expected then Fatman’s valuation goes up. And so the in-merry dance continues.

    Another Catch 22! If we stay up, Fatty wants more, if we go down Fatman will not sell because he will lose money on his “investment”. Another viscous circle with a Fat Cnnt at its centre.

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  22. Olly Hawkins: Cheers mate

    Interesting you say that, but how is it not a HUGE moment.

    Relegation, Ashley stays, awful appointment and we could do a Sunderland

    Surival, Ashley leaves, ambitious new owners and Rafa stays and we become a respectable PL club again with a bright future.

    They’re two total opposite ends of the scale but both are very real possibilities depending on how things go in the next 6 months.

    Olly – that’s not a fact though is it mate?. I mean it’s possible, but at this stage it’s only opinion.
    It’s is equally as possible that survival sees Ashley stay (but likely Rafa leave if that be the case). It is equally as possible that relegation sees Ashley say **** it, giz £150m and I’m off.

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  23. Just look at the form book, Sharpy. I’m tired of telling people this. Ashley is the most predictably, unpredictable person in football. We do know he will do stupid things.

    Not investing (which he’s clearly not doing), pissing managers off (which he’s clearly doing) and ruining the football club with his complete neglect for every single part of the club. I personally fear our time has been and went. We could look back in twenty years time and realise what a **** he really was. We’re that far behind every club in terms of infrastructure ie academy, training ground, commercially and of course on the pitch.

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  24. Stuart79:
    Just look at the form book, Sharpy. I’m tired of telling people this. Ashley is the most predictably, unpredictable person in football. We do know he will do stupid things.

    Not investing (which he’s clearly not doing), pissing managers off (which he’s clearly doing) and ruining the football club with his complete neglect for every single part of the club. I personally fear our time has been and went. We could look back in twenty years time and realise what a **** he really was. We’re that far behind every club in terms of infrastructure ie academy, training ground, commercially and of course on the pitch.

    Stu – I won’t need 20yrs mate. I think what Olly suggests is entirely plausible and highly likely – which is excactly why I offer alternative suggestions.

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  25. We are stale as last weeks bread and in desperate need of freshening up as a club. We need new owner, players and ambition if we are ever gonna kick on. Sadly I do think we will go down now, I think the feel good factor we had at promotion has gotten lost with lack of proper investment which looks like continuing. I think Rafa has a big decision in may if not already. He’s an ambitious guy and right now he will know that a team like West Ham would be more likely to back him for success than Newcastle. I think he’ll see the season out because of the fans but after Moyes goes in may he may well move to west ham .
    Lose Rafa and even without relegation I still expect our better players to bail, you cannot expect young ambitious guys to stay at an ambitionless club.

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  26. The biggest problem we’ve got is scoring goals and I can’t see any solution even if Ashely releases the money. Can we wait for Ings to get up to speed after over 2 years out? Batshuayi has the touch of an elephant and makes Joselu look elegant. The likes of Gameiro may come but I doubt it. There’s one extreme scenario I can see working – Jermaine Defoe.

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  27. Sam Allardyce is “thrilled to win the race to sign Theo Walcott”. Is it really a race if there is only one runner?

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  28. 70k a week Sunderland man Jack Rodwell gives exclusive interview from his couch to the Daily HateMail saying – it is not about the money!!! Let’s see how he likes the 3rd division then.

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  29. 35k a week NUFC man Jack Colback doesn’t even warrant an interview from his couch and says it is all about geography and money has nothing to do with it – I like training with 16 year olds.

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  30. Georgio – time catches up with all footballers and it has with Jermaine Defoe. Do you really think Fatty would pay 140k a week anyway?

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  31. Hate to think the Amanda and PCP have used this whole situation as a promotional opportunity for their business . Make low ball bid.. get seen out n bout town and the world is watching. Was there a real ridgey didge bid made or was it all for show?

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  32. Aussie:
    Hate to think the Amanda and PCPhave used this whole situation as a promotional opportunity for their business . Makelow ball bid.. get seen out n bout town and the world is watching. Was there a real ridgey didge bid made or was it all for show?

    hows footy going on your side mate?? still involed?

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  33. Na mate.. all done and dusted. . Purely a spectator now days.. hard watching what is happening at the toon tho.. too much drama off the field.
    How you been mate?

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  34. Aussie:
    Hate to think the Amanda and PCPhave used this whole situation as a promotional opportunity for their business . Makelow ball bid.. get seen out n bout town and the world is watching. Was there a real ridgey didge bid made or was it all for show?

    Well, that’s always a possibility but if it was it’s a big fat fail . Considering she failed to get Liverpool and the owners actually issued a rather damning statement about her antics and now us, well , as far as promoting herself goes, oh dear is all I can say mate.

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  35. kimtoon: Well, that’s always a possibility but if it was it’s a big fat fail . Considering she failed to get Liverpool and the owners actually issued a rather damning statement about her antics and now us, well , as far as promoting herself goes, oh dear is all I can say mate.

    Kim, oh dear indeed.. any publicity is good publicity and all that. . She may have met her match in Ashley.. it is all looking light weight from both sides atm..

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  36. Aussie:
    Na mate.. all done and dusted. . Purely a spectator now days.. hard watching what is happening at the toon tho.. too much drama off the field.
    How you been mate?

    Ime good mate,pity you have pulled out,it’s a heart breaking game in or out of it,keep tanning mate

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  37. Well if Sanchez ends up at Man Utd I wouldn’t mind asking about Rashford on loan – the lad could well be in for the England squad and could use game time. With Sanchez & Martial, Rashford may struggle.

    Unlikely, but worth an ask.

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  38. Sharpy17:
    Well if Sanchez ends up at Man Utd I wouldn’t mind asking about Rashford on loan – the lad could well be in for the England squad and could use game time.With Sanchez & Martial, Rashford may struggle.

    Unlikely, but worth an ask.

    unlikely, that’s one way of putting it mate.
    I have decided not to watch SSN on deadlineday this year since we have all trodden that worn out path to no avail. Won’t get fooled again. We all know nowt much is happening and unlikely to under Jabba, we might get a loan who knows, even that won’t save us.
    Even considering ditching my Sky sports package from virgin, the only games we play on tv are the ones where we face opposition we are very unlikely to beat and I’m demoralised enough without that added.
    Thought 2018 was gonna be a good year too.

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  39. kimtoon: unlikely, that’s one way of putting it mate.
    I have decided not to watch SSN on deadlineday this year since we have all trodden that worn out path to no avail. Won’t get fooled again. We all know nowt much is happening and unlikely to under Jabba, we might get a loan who knows, even that won’t save us.
    Even considering ditching my Sky sports package from virgin, the only games we play on tv are the ones where we face opposition we are very unlikely to beat and I’m demoralised enough without that added.
    Thought 2018 was gonna be a good year too.

    Well SSN have confirmed we are looking at loaning Ings or Sturridge – which sadly is the most positive news we’ve had in a while.

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  40. Sharpy17: Olly – that’s not a fact though is it mate?.I mean it’s possible, but at this stage it’s only opinion.
    It’s is equally as possible that survival sees Ashley stay (but likely Rafa leave if that be the case).It is equally as possible that relegation sees Ashley say **** it, giz £150m and I’m off.

    Ok, but I’m pretty sure those scenarios you’ve suggested still paint a bleak and Benitez-less picture for our future?

    Fair points – my take on it in the comment above was very black and white – but it’s ridiculous how much this could go either way.

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  41. Olly Hawkins: Ok, but I’m pretty sure those scenarios you’ve suggested still paint a bleak and Benitez-less picture for our future?

    Fair points – my take on it in the comment above was very black and white – but it’s ridiculous how much this could go either way.

    Olly – an NUFC still in the PL isn’t bleak for me mate.

    Here’s my thing. I love & am loyal to NUFC above any owner, manager or player. The expectation I have of any of them is that while they are at our club they give 100% and have us competing at the highest level possible.
    I think I’m on my 4 owner/chairman now, and I’ve lost count of the managers (more ***** ones than good ones sadly) and I don’t know how many players – some world class – most bang average and below.
    I’m sure I’ll see even more come and go in the remainder of my time on the earth.

    I want Ashley gone as much as anyone else – he’s not 100% committed to our club – he doesn’t even appear interested anymore.
    Personally, I still believe there is a twist to be had in this takeover – but time will tell.
    Rafa may stay or go – only time will tell.
    Players may come or go – only time will tell.

    But what won’t ever go is my love for NUFC – and whatever happens, I want us playing at the highest level possible – regardless who’s the owner, manager or wearing number 9.

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  42. Problem with going on like that, Sharpy is that you feel yourself asking “What’s the point?”

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  43. And by that I mean what’s the point if the clubs owner only wants to stay up and not even compete to win a trophy?

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  44. It is getting a bit stupid when you get into Alexis Sanchez territory though, isn’t it. If you believe reports he will be paid a 10 million signing bonus and his agent will get another 10 mil. Then he will be paid about 1 third of what our entire team is paid including the 35k for Colback and 70k for Shelvey.

    We live in a Bitcoin world my friends.

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  45. Stuart79:
    And by that I mean what’s the point if the clubs owner only wants to stay up and not even compete to win a trophy?

    Stu – I fell in love with NUFC in the mid 80s after going to SJP as a young lad. Willie McFaul was the manager at the time and we were mid to bottom half of the league.

    Between that time and as I write this post now I can honestly say I’ve witnessed more bad football than good. Around 10yrs combined under Keegan and Sir Bobby was fantastic – but that leaves around 20yrs of average or below. Over that 30yrs though, there’s been 1 occasion where we had a real chance of winning the league & 2 trips to Wembley where we were well beaten in the finals and some great European nights under KK in particular.

    So you ask what’s the point?. Well it’s a fair question mate, and without wanting to sound too dramatic about it mate, I love the club. I love SJP and trips to it. I love the energy in the pubs around the town on match days. I love the sight of the pitch as you come through the stands, and I still love the goosebumps & how the hairs stand on the back of my neck at the sound of local hero as the players come out.

    Has SJP been tarnished by SD advertising (yes) but it’s still SJP and the adverts will go one day. Has the engery dipped in the last 10yrs thanks to Ashley (yes) but he will go & the buzz will return. But I still love the sight of the pitch & i still get goosebumps at local hero.
    See those things have been constant across all my 30yrs – All of the stuff Ashley has done in 10yrs including his lack of backing – the thing that pissed me off the most was his attempt to change the stadium name.

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  46. I get the love bit, Sharpy, but I genuinely believe by continuing to go and watch the team we’re complicit with Ashley’s contempt of the club. By going, we’re saying it’s ok not to want to actually try and win anything. It’s ok to just “exist” and that’s why he does what he does. Why should he sell up and why should he start treating the club like a football club when idiots like us continue turning up? It’s not even the money that the club would miss as its peanuts compared to Sky but the embrassment he would face and the terrible publicity he would get by SJP being half full would be enough in my opinion for him to get serious about selling. He would say, you’re only harming the club because it means we can’t buy players, but let’s be honest, it’s only a matter of time until we go down yet again under him so we might as well make our point while it happens.

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  47. Only scenario I can see is Ashley stays, we either go down or stay up but Rafas passion for the toon is on borrowed time. He’ll walk eventually.

    We’ve been up for sale more than Mikes SD lonsdale vests.
    The more you read into it, this starvery bid seems like some kind of sick publicity stunt. 2 of her main backers, haven’t heard from her in months and no longer have any interest in us.

    She’s the only 1 that’s showed any interest, and @250mill mike isn’t going to accept so sick of up, mikes here to stay..

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  48. Stuart79:
    I get the love bit, Sharpy, but I genuinely believe by continuing to go and watch the team we’re complicit with Ashley’s contempt of the club. By going, we’re saying it’s ok not to want to actually try and win anything. It’s ok to just “exist” and that’s why he does what he does. Why should he sell up and why should he start treating the club like a football club when idiots like us continue turning up? It’s not even the money that the club would miss as its peanuts compared to Sky but the embrassment he would face and the terrible publicity he would get by SJP being half full would be enough in my opinion for him to get serious about selling. He would say, you’re only harming the club because it means we can’t buy players, but let’s be honest, it’s only a matter of time until we go down yet again under him so we might as well make our point while it happens.

    Stu – sadly I don’t get often coz I work shifts. The way I see it, Ashley only get to let the club down twice a season – when those 2 windows are closed it’s down to the manager & players – and under Rafa there is ambition mate. I might not agree with his approach every time, but I do believe he wants to win with Newcastle & I go to support him & the players. I go for a day out with my mates (pre & post match drinks), I meet up with my cousin (who I saw my first ever toon game with) and his mates. I go for my benefit, not Ashleys, coz I was enjoying NUFC long before Ashley and will continue to do so long after him mate.

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  49. I’m pretty sure she will say “still want the club.” “Have big plans.” “Still hoping to do a deal.” “We have difference of opinion on asking price.” Ect ect

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  50. Apparently her offer of £250m was her third offer. All stipulated Rafa must stay as manager and get a new contract. Also she has plans to invest £200m on players and a new training ground.

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  51. She hasn’t heard from Ashley since December and the first she heard since then was on Sky on Tuesday.

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  52. Now one side is lying. Which one has been found guilty of lying a tribunal? Which one has been nothing but dishonest with customers and employees? Mmmm

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  53. Stuart79:
    There is no ambition at a football club if the owner has none.

    Are you saying Rafa has no ambition? Are you suggesting that the Newcastle fans have no ambition?

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  54. Stuart79:
    Apparently her offer of £250m was her third offer. All stipulated Rafa must stay as manager and get a new contract. Also she has plans to invest £200m on players and a new training ground.

    Well Ashley has always made his price clear – so if she’s made 2 below that she has done exactly what Ashley gets lambasted for – lowball offers.

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  55. Sharpy17: Are you saying Rafa has no ambition?Are you suggesting that the Newcastle fans have no ambition?

    Manager and fan ambition is pointless and completely and utterly irrelevant if the owner doesn’t have any.

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  56. Sharpy17: Well Ashley has always made his price clear – so if she’s made 2 below that she has done exactly what Ashley gets lambasted for – lowball offers.

    Where has he made his price clear? Why isn’t he rejected her final offer? It’s still on the table and she hasn’t heard from him since Dec and he hasn’t rejected the offer.

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  57. I had a $20,000 bid for my $40,000 – 4×4 car.
    I rejected it and reaffirmed my price. The bidder said he is still keen to buy my car and the offer still stands.

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