West Ham may be busting a gut to bring Rafa Benitez to the London Stadium, but I’d like to bet that the Spaniard is only entertaining their interest for one reason and one reason only – to make Ashley believe he’s serious about leaving and force him into action.
Us NUFC fans woke up to some pretty horrible news today, with Sky and various others stating that West Ham are planning a big move to activate his £6m clause and give him whatever he wants this summer.
I have absolutely no doubt that they’re interested, but I have serious doubts as to whether he’d genuinely be interested in taking that job.
They may have a few quality players he’d like to work with and could throw a bit of money his way, but when you see how he talks about NUFC, the community, the fans, the potential and what he’s spent two years trying to build, why would he swap us for a club in such a similar position?! I’d be shocked – especially given their owners aren’t much less unpredictable and erratic than Mike Ashley himself!
His future is a real concern and talk of him leaving makes me feel physically sick given his importance to this club and everything he stands for at NUFC (hope), but I’m hoping (and am quite confident) that it’s all a big ploy on Benitez’s part – make it look like you’re about to leave and Ashley will probably panic, realise what he could be about to lose and pull his finger out.
The worry is that Ashley is a massive risk taker, but he’d face a backlash like never before if Benitez left and he’d also see the value of his asset (NUFC) fall incredibly. Why would he want to oversee the mess he’d create in allowing Rafa to walk away?
Rafa is a clever man. Talks over a new deal clearly haven’t progressed quickly enough so he’s taking action. He’s not got any intention to join West Ham in my opinion, he’s just going to make it look that way in a bid to force Ashley into action.
The key for me will be how Ashley now responds to this. If he doesn’t then he’s an even bigger fool than I could have ever possibly imagined, and then, who knows that will happen with Rafa Benitez..
Every time I see Parker Bowles it makes me think of the time when Prince Charles was caught in The Sun Sting saying he wanted to be a tampon in her. You do know what a tampon is for Charlie?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Surely a sending off here for Jones !!
kimtoon(Quote)
Phil Jones for England!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 Him a Stones fill me with confidence.
Jamaal who?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Exactly , pair of muppets
kimtoon(Quote)
I don’t want Chelsea to win anything but I REALLY don’t want Jose to win.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Spot the difference. Beaker or Phil Jones?
http://muppet.wikia.com/wiki/Beaker?file=BeakerHands.jpg
Eric Sykes(Quote)
😆 😆
kimtoon(Quote)
The problem is that Chelsea are playing with 10 men. What exactly does Bakayoko do? I think I would rather have Yoko Ono in midfield.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Stuart: Mourinho has a Hublot watch on.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
A no look yellow card for Valencia. Must be a good Ref.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
That was a penalty by Young.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric I only really enjoy a game when it means something to me – win or lose. I would prefer both to lose. BBC commentator comes across to me asa Man U man.
Groucho(Quote)
90 million. Yer avin a larf. Free header.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
You wouldn’t enjoy this because it is boring with absolutely no skill by either team.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Groucho: it means something to me because I want to see Jose miserable and also the original glory hunters miserable. I know Chelsea are that way as well by Man U made it into an art form.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Man U got Jose for trophies and **** the style of play. I want them to suffer and have a **** style of play AND no trophies. And having spent half a billion pounds I want their glory hunters to be miserable all summer.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I knew there was somebody that Matic reminded me of. It has bothered me for a while. Michael Keaton when he played Batman.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I am watching the German Cup final now and I am sure that Juup Heynkes is Dorian Gray. He must have pictures of Ugly John and Dour Dave in his attic because he is 20 years older than both of them and they have taken on all of his wrinkles.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Juup Henckyes 73.
https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=k3UlWOJP&id=E594516367550A99D3A216F3A531335CBDAC82F8&thid=OIP.k3UlWOJP5C8-Ix_SdK5ipQHaFq&mediaurl=http%3a%2f%2fwww3.pictures.zimbio.com%2fgi%2fFC%2bBayern%2bMuenchen%2bTraining%2bPress%2bConference%2byJ61p4A8eTox.jpg&exph=784&expw=1024&q=jupp+heynckes+pictures&simid=607997724515438345&selectedIndex=0&ajaxhist=0
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Picture in the attic of Ugly John, 103. And this was a few years ago when he was in his 40s.
https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=l0UTYlke&id=6824F71966D178669BE5C8834B9A0B8707A5BB90&thid=OIP.l0UTYlkedhyRpjgdar29VAHaGa&mediaurl=http%3a%2f%2fwww.holleronline.be%2fsite-images%2fnewfaces%2fgallery%2fportrait_11_1.jpg&exph=388&expw=448&q=john+carver+footballer+pictures&simid=608005206356132836&selectedIndex=66&ajaxhist=0
Eric Sykes(Quote)
And it is true that I wore a John Carver mask to a Halloween party last year. Scared the **** out of adults never mind the kids.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
So the club are still messing on with Rafa’s contract. Jesus these lot are hard work aren’t they…
Kim, he won’t be selling any time soon. Apparently his new valuation is “perplexing” PCP. 👿
Stuart79(Quote)
Olly, just read your t/ fakeover thread and this is Jabba all over really, constantly moving the goalpost pricewise. A sale is never gonna happen and with him putting in £15m for his ongoing mistakes last year just means the club is indebted to him even more.
To part quote Henry II , ‘ Will no one rid us of this meddlesome owner ?’
kimtoon(Quote)
Stu, he has sucked all the fun out of following Toon, we should still be on a high from that marvellous finish. Yet here we all are fretting on whether Rafa will stay and what his budget will be and if we’ll be able to compete with bloody newly promoted teams even.
Why he insist on staying as owner when he is so hated is beyond me, the guys a sadist, he has a chance to walk away with £350m, just go for the love of god man.
kimtoon(Quote)
A ROI of 5% on £400m is 20m per year. Probably what sponsoring NUFC for advertising costs. He’s happy, and thick skinned.
He won’t sell on the cheap and why should he. If he funds RAFA as he has previous incompetants then the project will continue.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Looks like Liverpool are going to sign Fekir soon. The headline writers should have some fun with that. There is also a Manager in the Bundesliga called Titz. Can he move to the PL as well please. Had to cheer myself up after that borefest of an FA Cup and the ongoing soap opera at NUFC.
I can’t believe that that was last years champions against this years runners up. The endearing memories will be Phil Jones’ **** tackle and his gurn whilst doing it and the glaring miss by the one time most expensive player in history. Oh, and probably Jose’s excuses/game summary. The excuses were worthy of Pardew and his summary was like he had picked up the Big Fat Sam manual of making **** up.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Why is the Mirror article even news? That figure has been out there for weeks. Seems to me that they are just stirring the Rafa pot now that it looks like Wham are close to a deal with Pellegrini. It was always unlikely with Stavely after Ashley said she had been wasting his time.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Moyes was told that he would get a new deal from WHam and said it could wait until the end of the season. I am not sure if that was a disconnect between Sullivan and Gold but it is more evidence that they don’t know what they are doing. If the Pellegrini deal falls through expect more Rafa speculation but as I have said before he would be mad to go there. I also see Journos saying they have a good squad. Do they? Any team that plays Damian Rice does not have a good squad. And Arnautovic had a good few games but has always blown hot and cold. Just as likely he will revert to type.
Time for the Fatman to act sensibly for once and get Rafa’s contract sorted so we can ignore this takeover and Rafa leaving rubbish and get back to the rampant, bogus and totally made up transfer speculation.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
http://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/938687930?-11058:809
Could see this youngster make the step up to the first team squad next season.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I’ve been watching the super league rugby this weekend being played at SJP. I’m a Union man myself but have enjoyed it and it’s been a really good event to be fair.
But it got me thinking. Sir John ploughed money not only in NUFC but also formed and pumped money into the Falcons – who have had a great season this season. He also formed and put money into the Eagles – who have been very successful. The bloke done so much for sport in our area, and I’m sure if he still had Newcastle, he’d be there today and looking into setting up a Rugby league side good enough to compete with these sides.
Sadly our current owner couldn’t be arsed to turn up to our last home game and thank Rafa in person for another remarkable season in charge of HIS club. He can’t even be arsed to make a success of the club he owns, never mind venturing into other sports and making a success of those too.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Reading the Chronic they always bring up the academy. I can see that as important in the medium and long term but for now we send out anybody who is promising on loan anyway. Longstaff, Armstrong and Toney to name just a few.
I think we should concentrate on improving the first team facilities because that is what will make or break us now. The longer we stay in the PL the more there will be for other projects. Getting ginger Jack off the books would probably pay for most of a basic upgrade.
It would also be a good idea to shake up the staff. What is happening with Beardlsey, for example? His fruit and veg must be ready to enter a few gardening shows by now.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I think at this point we are better off going and poaching some young players from teams that have spent a fortune on their youth systems – Chelsea, Man City. There seems to be a trend that when it comes to signing professional contracts that the youngsters see their path to the first team blocked and how few make it and some have left for the Bundesliga. Solanke left Chelsea for Liverpool. This is something to consider because we haven’t had anybody come through since Dummett and it would probably take years and years to alter this. Probably beyond Rafa’s contract if he signs new one.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I think Chelsea have deals with Leige and perhaps Arnhem. Maybe it is Man City with Arnehem but I know they have deals with NY and in Aus. We should start scouting there.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric, we have, didn’t Curtis Good come over from Aus, that worked out well didn’t it.
kimtoon(Quote)
https://twitter.com/BenDinnery/status/997450062115504129
kimtoon(Quote)
Of the players that Olly thinks Rafa will clear out I think Colback is the most complicated. He only has a year left on his contract, but could he be willing to bide his time and become a free Agent again? If he went to The Championship he would probably take a pay cut but he would also extend his contract, probably for 4 or 5 years, he’s 28. Does he see himself as Championship player and does he see Forest as promotion contenders? Then, how much would NUFC want to get him off the books – 3 million? Would they settle for nothing just to get him out of Dodge?
Then there is Saivet? He could be our Winston Bogard who sat in the Chelsea reserves for like 3 years because he was on such a high contract. Saivet is under contract until 2021. Or is he the new Marcelino? I never knew if his injuries were real but I think he sat out like 8 weeks with a broken finger. Middle finger to Sheppard?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/newcastle/16238580.Benitez_to_reject_Russian_approach_-_but_Newcastle_future_still_uncertain/
The fact that he still hasn’t got any assurances is completely and utterly moronic! It really is! Graham Carr got more control over transfers than Rafa has and what has he ever achieved compared to Rafa…
How hard can it be? Why are the club still slow and reticent about this whole thing? Doesn’t this prove Rafa correct and justify his own view that the club can’t be trusted and aren’t committed to changing?
Stuart79(Quote)
It does mate, but then deep down we all knew it as does Rafa. The whole of football will be watching and if we lose Rafa the fatman has nowhere to hide, no amount of PR spin will make such a disastrous move right this time.
kimtoon(Quote)
It’s still only a week since the season ended and everyone is up in arms at the lack of developments. Rafa’s probably having a week or two with his family. Nothing is happening in the transfer market. People are complaining Dubravka hasn’t been signed yet but the european market isn’t open for another two weeks.
I’d like everything to be done and dusted as much as anyone but I’m fairly relaxed right now and have no idea who we’ll sign.
georgio(Quote)
Georgio – I’m with you mate. I’m sure it will get sorted in time, and I’m sure these things take far more negotiation than we all give credit for. There will be lots of backward and forward terms of Rafas new contract and that is the frustrating period – and Ashley’s track record only goes to promote that fear factor.
But I personally think it will get done, and I also see some quality signings coming in this summer.
Sharpy17(Quote)
It’s clearly not all going to plan. Why else would Rafa’s reps be briefing the press? The press are all saying the same thing. The club are dragging their feet, Rafa hasn’t had assurances on whether he can spend the budget as he wants, he’s lost trust in Jabba and he hasn’t had anything concrete from the club yet at all and doesn’t even know his budget. It would be a hell of a coincidence if all these media outlets have guessed the same things wouldn’t it?
I’m actually not so much bothered that it’s taking so long as the fact that it shows the club are not really for changing. They’re still slow and risk averse in everything they do. There is still clearly this hierarchy at the club which means Rafa tells Charnley one thing and then he has to wait for ages for it to get to Jabba and for him to give a yes or a no. That’s no way to in a football club. Especially if the fat git is sipping cocktails and stuffing burgers down his neck on Barbados!
Stuart79(Quote)
I’m with Stu here. We have a shortened window and a WC distraction too. We should have Rafa’s contract sorted by now and be getting ahead of newly promoted teams in bringing in players because make no mistake that’s who we will be competing with this window.
If you think Rafa will be content on another rush to 40 and fighting to get anyone half decent you are deluded.
In his shoes I would not sign an extension until after seeing how this window pans out .
kimtoon(Quote)
Kim, apparently one of the problems is we don’t get a tranche of tv money until July. So what does that mean? Does it mean we can’t sign our first choice players until then? Giving all our competitors the edge over us? Is that one of the reasons Rafa is a bit pissed? I would be if I was him.
Stuart79(Quote)
Stu – I’m not entirely sure who (if anyone) is briefing the press, or what exactly they are saying to be honest. 3-4 days ago Rafa was going to West Ham, the day after Balligue (or however you spell that Spanish journos name) said he was off to Arsenal, and today Olly has put an article up taken from the mirror saying an agreement has been struck and all is sorted – quickly followed by an article saying he could be off Zenit ??♂️.
So what do I know. Well I know Rafa does not want to leave England – I know coz he’s said that himself. So I’m confident that any reports linking him with foreign clubs hold no water & it’s paper sales.
I know WHU are looking for a new manager, and I know that it’s no beyond the realms of possibility that they would want Rafa and I’m pretty sure his £6m clause is not beyond their financial capabilities.
But that apparent interest didn’t even get as far as Rafa speaking to WH before they turned their attentions elsewhere – so they either bulked at his £6m, or where told early on that Rafa does not intend to leave. But that would either be by Rafa or by his reps – who are apparently briefing journos saying things aren’t going well.
Leicester was another solid possibility, yet nothing has come of that either.
So that suggests to me that talks may be taking longer than we’d all like. But must be heading in the right direction, as if not, he’d be packing his bags for WH I reckon.
I think that was a realistic destination and a club he could probably see himself achieving as much at as if he stayed at Newcastle. But he’s not going there – so for me, he’s staying put.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I have a pretty easy solution, pay them in July. Sign off on all of the contracts, allocate a portion of the cheque coming in in July and have the selling club agree to wait a month for their money. Stu, you and I have discussed a short term overdraft but failing that just show them where the money is coming from and that it is guaranteed by the PL 5 billion pound contract with TV.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Yeah that’s right, don’t see why jabba can’t sub the club until the money comes in really tbh. Also we should be due instalments from the Gini and Sissy sales and if we sell Mitro that’s surely £20m in the coffers you would think.
Sharpy, West Ham and it’s fan base are a basket case, Rafa would be going from the frying pan into the fire there imo.
kimtoon(Quote)
I just don’t see why such a short term delay in money would be an obstacle. I think the main obstacle is Ashley paying cash and receiving instalments. Unless he changes this it will always mean we do not have the immediate spending power of other teams. It also is the reason that Journos like Ryder can throw out loss numbers of 90 million in The CHampionship season and give Ashley credit/cover when the real loss was 42 million.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Kim – but all I’m hearing is that dealing with Ashley is an absolute nightmare and Rafa is getting pissed off.
Of the top 6 clubs, the only one I think he’s got a realistic chance of going to would be back to Lpool – and the job Klopp is doing, that isn’t going to be any time soon – the rest will look at young up and coming managers from round the globe I think.
So outside the top 6 what’s his options? – well he himself has said he won’t go to Everton, so we can write that one off. Burnley – nope. Leicester – well that move has been suggested already, but they haven’t got rid of Puel and have already started buying players – which suggests they are sticking with Puel or why start spending money.
So what other clubs from the rest of the league? – well no disrespect to the rest, but I only see WH as a club on par with us (the rest smaller).
Could I see Rafa achieving 7-10 with them, absolutely. Could I see him being able to have cup runs with them, possibly winning one – why not? If I think he could with us, then he certainly could with them too. Do I think their fans would get behind him?, if we was winning games and bringing success – why wouldn’t they?.
Sharpy17(Quote)
There is also something fishy about the increase in wages in the Championship. When you look at the players going out compared to the players coming in there was no way there would have been a 25 million increase (35-10 mil bonuses). There must be some sort of accounting maneuver, probably to bring forward tax write-offs.
I don’t disagree that Rafa would have to consider wages when buying and selling players, I just do not believe the headline numbers.
I am guessing we paid off a lot of any loss during our first PL season so the debt will be manageable. We didn’t spend any on players that’s for sure.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric – I agree. I also wonder if we will see our transfer record broken this summer. I’m not bothered about spending £40-50m on one player, but there is only so much quality you can get on a shoe string.
Sharpy17(Quote)
After Mr. Roy’s comments on Mitro how about a bidding war between Palace and Fulham? Palace would have been safe a month before they were without Benteke. He cost them 29 million so they are used to spending. I think Sahko was like 28 million as well.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
They showed quite a lot of Palace games here and Benteke was absolutely awful. I mean really, really bad, couldn’t hit a barn door with a banjo bad. I don’t think it is just confidence with him either. He was **** at Liverpool and for Villa he would go on streaks and then do what he has just done for Palace. They say class is permanent but we know it is not that simple – we had a player like that where for 9 months everything he touched turned to gold and thereafter turned to **** – CISSE.
What I am saying is that Mr. Roy will definitely want a replacement and he has just as good as said it will be Mitro. Why bother commenting otherwise?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I also don’t think there’s any media briefing to journalists from Rafa’s people or the club. They don’t need any briefing or encouragement. They just make stuff up on a daily basis to keep the fans reading.
georgio(Quote)
So you’re saying every media outlet have made up the exact same reasons why Rafa is wary? Don’t you think that’s a bit of a coincidence? You also don’t think managers, players or club officials brief the press? Wow! What a world you must live in.
Talking of the press. I see Lee Ryder has reported that Rafa will be staying until “at least 2019.” FFS! Basically it means he will see out his contract! Utterly pathetic how some of our fans are in ecstasy land at that news.
Stuart79(Quote)
After last season, how about Man U selling Smalling and Jones to Sunderland? Time for an O’Shea/Wes Brown type clearout and I hear the Mackems need some help.
Or some Everton rejects. That worked out well for Moyes as well. Rooney 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
What is happening with that takeover? Surely the failed owner of Eastleigh FC must be able to put a deal together.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sharpy, you are forgetting that West Ham fans demand they play the ‘ West Ham ‘ way, that’s why Fat Sam wasn’t that popular . Rafa can be a very defensive coach and I’m not sure they would get him at all.
Also the owners are just as crooked and apt to bend the truth as jabba is, especially where cash is concerned.
When stuff goes wrong at Toon the fans tend to have a moan and that’s it, West Ham fans are a different kettle of fish altogether as we witnessed this season.
kimtoon(Quote)
Stu – I think it basically means he’s gonna give Ashley the chance to prove he’s ready to back him before considering a new contract. Who could blame him mate?.
I think this was only ever the ‘best case scenario’ we could hope for this summer.
Rafa would have been stupid to agree anything else imo. It could well be the 1st Feb 2019 before Rafa even enters into new contract talks – why run that risk?.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Kim – other than clubs he’s saving from relegation, where has Fat Sam ever been liked? ?
I understand your point though, but if Rafa had WHU playing like we have the 2nd half of this season, they’d be happy I reckon. I think if Rafa had Lanzini, Hernandez, Carroll, Arnautovic, Mario and Antonio as his forwards, he may not have opted to be so defensive.
Actually, I’ve just been checking a stat on that – on how defensive Rafa has actually been. In terms of shots – Newcastle rank 9th this season with 451. West Ham rank 17th with only 372.
But in terms of goals, Newcastle rank 13th with 39 and West Ham finished 8th with 48 goals.
If that doesn’t scream get us better forwards, I don’t know what does?!.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Correct, Sharpy. I wouldn’t commit anything to the club until they proved themselves. It is a sad indictment of the club though. There’s a problem for players signing for us. What assurances can Rafa give them? Also I would be very nervous that the club could let Rafa get to within 6 months of his contract expiring. The club risk losing him and actually losing him for nothing.!
Stuart79(Quote)
Serve Fatty right if he did lose him for nothing.
kimtoon(Quote)
I think there will be some money. Last year was a year of catch-up and consolidation after the gamble and losses of the Championship year. Rafa spent very little and I think the decks are cleared of the debts in the Championship, apart from maybe the 15 million Ashley added to his debt.
The accounts can be manipulated to an extent and companies bring forward losses all of the time when they have a bad year so they can get it over with and the next year will show a vast improvement. They have definitely done something to manipulate the wage bill so there is probably a lot more room there than they want us to believe. I do however agree that they have to shift a lot of the dead wood because decent players are demanding more and more.
Even if we have 100 million in wages we are probably in a good position because we will have revenue/turnover of about 170-180. That’s about 60% which is about average in the PL.
It is not out of the question to get rid of 10 or 12 deadwood and bring in 5-6 quality for roughly the same wages, total. Maybe a few million more.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
We have quite a lot of high earners that we can get rid of. On top of transfer fees this clears payroll that we can give to others WHO WILL ACTUALLY PLAY.
Off the top of my head (not the same list as Olly’s):
Sels
Darlow
Manquillo
Clark
MBemba
Colback
Joselu
Gayle
Mitro
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Stu – I think if Rafa is negotiating with the players he wants he can give them every assurance that he will still be there, coz if he’s signing the players he wants, he will sign a new contract. If he’s negotiating with his 3rd choice player – he won’t give a **** either way coz he won’t sign a new contract and he’ll see out his final year with what he has. I’m sure he will continue to do his best with what he has coz he’s very professional, and is a proud man. But ultimately, if he leaves or any failure will be as a result of broke promises and let downs from the board and owner.
But I will take the positive from today and that Rafa isn’t going anywhere just now, and he’s been promised money to spend – so let’s see who he brings in.
Sharpy17(Quote)
John Terry against Mitro in the play-off should be interesting.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
If anybody ever reads Ed’s site there is one man on there, Bobby Bee, who will be going into meltdown over the Armstrong news.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
What I would like to see happen is new contracts being offered to Lascelles and Shelvey
Sharpy17(Quote)
Lascelles under contract until 2023, Shelvey until 2021 so there is no urgency. Get the new players in see where their contracts are and then give them new deals that match what we have to pay for new players.
I agree we will probably have to improve their contracts but it is pretty low down on the to-do list for this summer.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Didn’t Lascelles sign a new contract last season?
I agree with your deadwood list, Eric. I actually think rafa could raise £50m by just selling 4/5 players and with a budget of £50m plus sales Rafa would be happy providing he can spend it how he wants. Of course the problem is that it’s all relative. You have to replace the players you sell and if you get too whack then you’re going to have to pay top whack for replacements.
Stuart79(Quote)
Yeah maybe we can hang fire on their contracts. I guess Rafa staying next season might convince them to stick round too (hope so ??).
We spent close to £100m immediately prior to Rafa when McClaren too charge – though I suspect they were Carr signings. I don’t think it was spent all that wisely personally, so the prospect of Rafa with a similar amount and knowing exactly he needs excites me.
Sharpy17(Quote)
With Lascelles under contract until 2023 we just sit tight for now. If Liverpool or Chelsea come in for him I don’t care what we are paying him he will leave and earn even more money there anyway. Considering Van Dijk was 75 million we would probably get 40 million for Jamaal. I know that sounds outrageous but that is where the market has gone.
Rafa is pragmatic enough to then say it is what it is and to find a replacement. Of course that sort of fee would wipe out ALL of the Championship post tax loss. You see those numbers and it looks scary but really it is a Jamaal Lascelles.
I really do think that 40 million is what it would take. Van Djik went from like 50 to75 million and they were talking 25-30 for Sigurrdson and he went for 45 as the transfer window closing became a reality.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
They can have him for £50m and Salah and nothing less!!!
Sharpy17(Quote)
Wonder if Rafa goes back in for Ings? He’d a be a decent replacement for Gayle I reckon.
Stuart79(Quote)
Probably nobody is interested in Sunderland but I just read in The Chronic that this Stuart Donald chancer paid 40 million for them. I thought that Ellis Short was paying off all of their debts and basically giving them away? I know the bank loan was secured against the SOL and Training Ground so Short probably had to cover this before it could be sold.
This seems like a massive gamble to me that they will get back to the Championship first time. The Sunderland fans know nothing about this guy.
I looked up Eastleigh FC and he did a pretty **** job as owner there.
He is also shacked up with a lap dancer after leaving his wife and 4 kids when the youngest was 6 months old. Obviously a man of good character. The problem with a lap dancer is you DO know where she has been.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
This transfer window stuff is a bit confusing. The English transfer window opened on May 17 which means business can be done now but only between English teams. The European window opens June 8th which means we have to wait until then to sign from European clubs – including Dubravka.
Both windows run for 12 weeks, which means the English window closes before the season begins but the European window remains open.
I think we would still be allowed to buy from Europe but probably not sell when there is the overlap.
I am sure somebody will (SHOULD) explain this soon but I think this is why there hasn’t been any movement.
Add in the world cup and I think it will be a confusing mess.
Eric Sykes(Quote)