A must-read message to all NUFC fans following the takeover developments this week

Another typical week in the life of a Newcastle fan continues to develop, with the takeover becoming more and more of a soap opera and less of a business deal with each day. This is incredibly frustrating for fans, as we all want to see progress, however it’s a big distraction from vital events on the pitch. It’s easy to forget we have a game tomorrow!

What we must do next as NUFC fans..

One of the first suggestions I heard mentioned following Tuesday night’s news was a potential protest at the Burnley game at St James’ Park. We’re well within our rights to fume at Mike Ashley, but let’s not fuel what could be a crisis when there’s VERY important matters to attend to on the pitch. Should we protest against Burnley? No. Let’s use all our energy to get behind Benitez and the boys instead. Why? Because beating them, and getting 3 closer to the 40 point mark significantly increases our chances of safety. And safety is the key if we are to keep Rafa and hope for a summer sale.

These players care and Benitez deserves our support – he hasn’t got Ashley’s!

One of the things I have been proud of being a Newcastle fan over the last two years has been the unity. What other club would have cheered their team off following relegation? We sell out home and away and stick with the manager and players win, lose or draw.The takeover talk is draining and the developments on Tuesday were one of the lowest times I have had as a lifelong fan. We all want and need Ashley out of the club. But today it looks like the PCP deal isn’t dead just yet.

We need to re-focus and remember our goals at the start of this season, as fans. They were to stay up, keep Benitez and get rid of Mike Ashley. All these are still achievable and nothing but support for the players and manager makes our dream more likely. We have played a part in attracting Staveley and PCP in the first place with such a fanatic fan base (she praised the ‘passionate fans’ and the ‘magic’ of NUFC in her interview), so until the worst is confirmed let’s keep doing our part.

Regardless of your view of Rafa, he is key to all this too. It is unheard of that he was a part of each of PCP’s offers, insisting he stays as manager. He clearly makes us a more attractive proportion, and whether you like his style or not, he is the best manager we’ve had since Bobby Robson, so let’s stick with him and continue the united front together. Our away support at Manchester City will be outstanding as usual for a thankless task of a trip, so let’s ensure St James’ is rocking when Burnley visit.

Finally, where do we actually stand on the takeover front?

Well things are even murkier, let’s be honest. The was supposed to be a NDA in place but Ashley insisted on mudslinging in public through SKY and Staveley in turn responded last night. If you look past the statements and get to the crux of the issues it’s perhaps nothing we didn’t already know; talks have stalled. Ashley wants more money (£300m up-front allegedly) and PCP are reluctant to pay it, with Rafa admitting today that Mike told his the takeover wasn’t happening ‘2-3 weeks ago’..

This saga has legs to run yet, likely until the summer and certainly past next month where a new TV deal is announced. Both parties will then value the club differently depending on the outcome of that deal and talks will hopefully begin again at that stage.

Let’s leave that to take its course and focus on the relegation battle at hand, however. We struggle at home, the players need our help. We are used to it after a tortuous decade under Ashley but let’s make one last stand as fans until clarity on this takeover finally emerges.

If relegation occurs, a takeover fails and Benitez leaves then lets unleash hell on Ashley and make it known just how he’s ruined our beloved club, but until then, lets bite our tongue and focus on the task in hand. Roaring Rafa and the lads onto safety could play a huge part in making our dreams come true on Tyneside.

Howay the lads!

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

About Simon Riddlesden

Lifelong Newcastle United fan and East Stand season ticket holder. Observations from a supporter who has followed NUFC during Champions League participation and through relegation, taking me from Milan to Scunthorpe.

3 thoughts on “A must-read message to all NUFC fans following the takeover developments this week

  1. 100% agree…Being militant is NOT what is required at present as potential buyers and investors look on…..

    Mike Ashley already knows he is not welcome at his own football club and I doubt we will see him in the stadium ever again..

      (Quote)

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