Rob Lee suggests bad feeling between Ashley and Shearer.

Rob Lee - back in the day

Rob Lee - back in the day

On what is an extremely slow news day so far, I managed to find an article in City AM about Rob Lee’s new role as an investment guru for sportsmen and other high net-worth individuals.

Lee does make a few comments about the current Toon situation though and when asked if Ashley was just throwing up a smokescreen by keeping Shearer hanging on for the manager’s job, he says:

Yes, yes. If you put Alan Shearer in charge he is going to want to improve the club, and he is going to want money. I think the cheaper way is what [Ashley] is doing. By not appointing Alan he hasn’t got to spend any more money.”

I think many people have suspected as much anyway. Just after relegation Ashley described the appointment of Shearer as ‘the best decision he ever made’ but that was when he was planning to hold onto the club and rebuild it. Of course, now that he’s decided to sell it he won’t want to spend any more money on it than he has to.

I don’t necessarily mean that latter statement as a criticism. It stands to reason that if you’re selling something you’ll only spend what’s necessary to secure the sale and long-term investment is pointless. Although if you’re struggling to sell you might have to reconsider matters.

Anyway, Lee goes on to say:

I think he [Shearer] is getting pissed off with it. It’s been going on too long. My gut feeling is I can’t see Mike Ashley having him back and I can’t see Alan working for him again. I’d be surprised if that happened.”

Lee then raises a few suspicions about how hard Ashley has really been trying to sell the club:

Nobody knows the truth apart from Mike Ashley. He is the only one who knows how many bids he’s had, how much they were for and whether he’s willing to sell. As a businessman, he doesn’t want to take a massive loss. As long as he doesn’t sell, it’s a paper loss.”

Personally I think Ashley did genuinely intend to sell. Putting the club up for sale is an expensive and time-consuming pastime and I think it’s unlikely he’d do all this as some sort of ruse. Ashley is prone to changing his mind though and I suspect that, particularly after our good start, he can see other options now and may not be too upset if he has to delay selling the club.

Lee also says that he is open to the idea of returning to St James’s Park to assist Shearer but stresses that he obviously can’t make a decision until he’s asked.

Finally, Lee says it’s tough to replace the excitement of football:

Try to find something that’s as good as scoring in front of 52,000 people or as good as playing for your country.”

It is impossible.”

avatar NUFCBlog Author: Hugh de Payen A life-long Toon fan currently exiled in Somerset who is known in some circles as "The Thinking Man's Thinking Man". Plays darts with the Dalai Lama and Rolf Harris, cohorts with the Minogue sisters and used to play the tambourine with punk band Definite Integral. Hugh de Payen has written 574 articles on this blog.

Related Posts:

Go to comment box

Kitbag

127 Responses to “Rob Lee suggests bad feeling between Ashley and Shearer.”

  1. 1
    avatar inselaffe says:

    Would like to see him back at SJP – reckon he’d be a decent coach or number two to Al.

  2. 2
    avatar Stuart79 says:

    Ashley’s a prick IMO

    Nuff said!

  3. 3
    avatar Dragonera says:

    “Waaah! waaaah! mike ashley won’t pay me big bucks to manage newcastle even though i have no management credentials and failed to have ANY impact on the last 8 games of the 2008-2009 seaon! life ain’t fair!”

    …Do us a favour Alan.

  4. 4
    avatar TROJAN 69 says:

    trouble is,nobody knows how much money was available,if any.alan may have been asking for the impossible,which ashley couldn,t deliver.
    how many clubs who are relegated to the fizzy spend ex ammount of money on signings? not many.
    granted we were the only club in the four divisions not to sign a player on a contract,but our wage bill was astronomical.
    even reducing our wage bill might not mean we can still go out and splash the cash.
    we as fans dont know how bad the finances are.

  5. 5
    avatar bowburnmag says:

    Dragonera – Probably unfair to criticise Shearer off the back of Rob Lee’s comments. You’d imagine he’ll probably be frustrated after getting a taste for it and then after Ashley’s and Llambias’ comment implying he’d be back at the helm before too long (“appointing Alan is the best decision I’ve made” etc). Surely that emotion would be natural. However, he’s said nothing publicly.

  6. 6
    avatar Dragonera says:

    fair enough Bowburn.

    Just like to say, fantastic blog, mate. Really impressed.

  7. 7
    avatar bowburnmag says:

    Dragonera – most of the credit should go to worky really but hopefully Hugh (holding the fort on article writing at the minute) and deb and I are helping. I’m certainly getting a buzz off it. I had to laugh when I got back from my weekend away and saw the pasting I took for my article about Ashley.

  8. 8
    avatar Hugh de Payen says:

    Yeah, you certainly got some grief for that one BBM. Pitchforks were at the ready.

  9. 9
    avatar batty says:

    Dragonera says:
    September 7, 2009 at 9:53 am
    “Waaah! waaaah! mike ashley won’t pay me big bucks to manage newcastle even though i have no management credentials and failed to have ANY impact on the last 8 games of the 2008-2009 seaon! life ain’t fair!”

    …Do us a favour Alan.
    <<<<<ware does it say shearer want big bucks to manage the toon you should have gone to spec savers and while iam here why do you only post negative veiws when we are talking aboot shearer s taylor or andy carrol if you could plz explain any 1 would think you didnt like geordies dragon ?

  10. 10
    avatar workyticket says:

    Rob Lee isn’t doing Alan Shearer or the club any favours with his persistent stupid comments. Shearer was right to distance himself from them last time.

  11. 11
    avatar Stardust says:

    Yep – Lee’s comments sum it up as I had read it – Shearer made unreasonable demands for more and more cash – he was in front of Ashley – he had his chance to rebuild Newcastle and galvanise his reputation with another mans money.

    Shearer had the chance to accept the reality of the situation and work with it – he didnt – he made demands Ashley wasnt prepared to pay for again having been let down badly by everyone before him – why should Shearer be any different when he was simply spouting the same as everyone before him – “give me the money and I will rebuild your club”.

    Once more Ashley was left with no alternative.

  12. 12
    avatar batty says:

    Stardust says:
    September 7, 2009 at 11:48 am
    Yep – Lee’s comments sum it up as I had read it – Shearer made unreasonable demands for more and more cash – he was in front of Ashley – he had his chance to rebuild Newcastle and galvanise his reputation with another mans money.

    Shearer had the chance to accept the reality of the situation and work with it – he didnt – he made demands Ashley wasnt prepared to pay for again having been let down badly by everyone before him – why should Shearer be any different when he was simply spouting the same as everyone before him – “give me the money and I will rebuild your club”.

    Once more Ashley was left with no alternative.
    <<<>>ashle hughton kinnear the players and himself

  13. 13
    avatar batty says:

    Stardust says:
    September 7, 2009 at 11:48 am
    Yep – Lee’s comments sum it up as I had read it – Shearer made unreasonable demands for more and more cash – he was in front of Ashley – he had his chance to rebuild Newcastle and galvanise his reputation with another mans money.

    Shearer had the chance to accept the reality of the situation and work with it – he didnt – he made demands Ashley wasnt prepared to pay for again having been let down badly by everyone before him – why should Shearer be any different when he was simply spouting the same as everyone before him – “give me the money and I will rebuild your club”.

    Once more Ashley was left with no alternative.
    <<<<<<could you show me proof of that and shearer couldnt of put it any better when he blamed ashley kinnear hughton and himself for the relgation

  14. 14
    avatar batty says:

    stadust you know how you aways deal in fact so plz show me the proof ware shearer priced himself oot of the job

  15. 15
    avatar summerof69 says:

    http://www.nufc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10278~1789628,00.html

    i didnt know the reserves also dropped down a league when the when the first team does how unfair is that

  16. 16
    avatar Hugh de Payen says:

    Stardust, you’re talking twaddle again.

    I suspect you have no idea what Shearer ‘demanded’ and there is no reason to assume his demands were excessive beyond your desire to stick to your pro-Ashley/anti-Shearer stance.

    The simple fact is that money will, without a doubt, need to be spent to rebuild this club in the long-term and, I believe, that’s what Shearer’s plan was all about.

    Ashley chose not to deal in long-term plans because he instead decided to sell the club.

    So don’t go giving me this crap about Shearer ‘not recognising the reality of the situation’.

  17. 17
    avatar batty says:

    hugh well sed thats what i wanted to say but abit thick with words like lol

  18. 18
    avatar Stardust says:

    Batty

    Yes I deal in fact. Shearer didnt blame any individual – he blamed EVERYBODY – I liked that we are all collectively to blame for relegation – scapegoats were made by men who use them to absolve themselves of responsibility.

    Hugh

    The fact was Ashley met Shearer for 2 days they talked about moving forward.

    What we do know is that prior to that Ashley had described Shearer as the only man to take us forward.

    Shearer was there to work with Ashley BUT no solution was found that was acceptable.

    AFTER the KK debacle – could Ashley what were Ashleys alternatives? To appoint JK? to appoint another manger? After the reaction of the crowd to the KK walk out the club could have imploded so he fell on his sword and put the club up for sale.

    I am not sure how you can read it any other way.

    I AM NOT anti Shearer – I am TOTALLY AGAINST people forming a bandwagon mentality without thinking through the full situation on ALL SIDES, only then can you truly have an objective view.

  19. 19
    avatar Stuart79 says:

    workyticket says:
    September 7, 2009 at 11:42 am
    Rob Lee isn’t doing Alan Shearer or the club any favours with his persistent stupid comments. Shearer was right to distance himself from them last time.

    Their stupid comments in your eyes because they don’t conform to your beliefs.

    Lee was just giving his opinion on the state of the club.

    Let him do that please…

  20. 20
    avatar Hugh de Payen says:

    Stardust, you chose to read an angle into it that disparages Shearer for, IMHO, no good reason.

    Shearer went to Ashley with a plan to rebuild the club over the long-term.

    Ashley looked at the plan and he may or may not have liked it. Indeed, for all we know Ashley may have loved the plan and seriously considered backing it.

    It became irrelevant though when Ashley chose to sell because long-term planning would no longer be his concern.

    I see no reason to have a pop at either Ashley or Shearer over this particular issue. It’s simply a matter of their plans for the club being incompatible at the moment. One wants a long-term solution, the other wants a short-term solution until the club is sold.

  21. 21
    avatar Stuart79 says:

    Ashley’s a coward!

    He has walked away (or least tried) twice now when the going got tough!

    Maybe he is made of the same stuff as KK eh Stardust?

  22. 22
    avatar workyticket says:

    Stuart79 says:
    September 7, 2009 at 12:23 pm

    “Their stupid comments in your eyes because they don’t conform to your beliefs.”

    Stuart, last time Lee was trying to cause trouble at the club, Shearer said that his comments weren’t true. So Alan himself is at least in some agreement with me! :-P

  23. 23
    avatar Stardust says:

    “Stardust, you chose to read an angle into it that disparages Shearer for, IMHO, no good reason”

    Far from it Hugh, my only point that was both men could not find a way to work together. IF Shearer said yes Mike – I will work on a shoestring DO YOU HONESTLY BELIEVE ASHLEY WOULD HAVE SAID NO?

    Therefore the only conclusion is that Shearer would not work to anything other than his way?

    The realities of life are simply that, and if there is not enough money – or an owner who has had a hideous ride – decides he no longer will dip his hand into his pocket for chancers who are paid exorbitant amounts of money for zero effort – who could blame him

    I believe this financial rebuild/restructure over the summer is the most valuable thing to have happened to us in a decade.

  24. 24
    avatar Stuart79 says:

    Worky,

    Lee’s opinion, he’s allowed one and he’s giving one.

  25. 25
    avatar Hugh de Payen says:

    “Far from it Hugh, my only point that was both men could not find a way to work together.”

    I would prefer to say their aims became incompatible when Ashley put the club up for sale.

    We simply have no evidence that – if Ashley had decided to keep the club and subscribed to a long-term rebuild – Shearer’s plan was unreasonable or too financially demanding.

    “I believe this financial rebuild/restructure over the summer is the most valuable thing to have happened to us in a decade.”

    What rebuild/restructure? We’ve dropped a division and sold some high earners – that’s it. I’m not denying we needed to reduce the wage bill but I would hardly call that a ‘rebuild’.

  26. 26
    avatar Stuart79 says:

    Hugh

    I agree.

    We could have done a rebuild in the PL but of course with no money being invested in the first team that dream died.

  27. 27
    avatar Stardust says:

    Hugh – I regard you as an intelligent man – your view on this is so far distorted and ignores timing, action and consequence I feel anger has got in the way of a rational view?

  28. 28
    avatar hitman says:

    whats hugh said wrong to make you come to that conclusion stardust (comment 27).

  29. 29
    avatar Hugh de Payen says:

    Stardust says:
    September 7, 2009 at 12:52 pm (Edit)

    Hugh – I regard you as an intelligent man – your view on this is so far distorted and ignores timing, action and consequence I feel anger has got in the way of a rational view?

    LOL, I never get angry Stardust.

    My take on things is different though: I think my view is quite rational, whilst yours is irrational due to an overwhelming desire to maintain a pro-Ashley stance.

    We’ve established an impasse about how we see one another’s views, so where do we go from here? Queensbury rules or do you favour the epee? ;)

  30. 30
    avatar Stuart79 says:

    Hugh and Stardust

    Nobody knows what was said in the meetings they had.

    Stardust is quite obviously coming down on Ashley’s side and Hugh is not actually committing to anything.

    Stardust you don’t know what happened. For all we know Ashley may well have decided to sell the club the minute we were relegated.

    Cowardice I call that!

  31. 31
    avatar workyticket says:

    Time to go and get the custard pies I think…

  32. 32
    avatar Stuart79 says:

    Does anyone know if Shearer was actually offered the job?

    Did Ashley meet Shearer and tell him straight away I’m selling and you can have the job but there’s no money to spend and we are selling 10 players and no replacing them?

    Who would take a job like that?

  33. 33
    avatar bowburnmag says:

    Stardust – I’m sure Hugh regards you in the same light. As do I, however, I have to totally agree with him.

    Twice you have taken umbrage with former Newcastle greats due to their actions within this Ashley regime. There are many parts to the overall story which all of us know or have been led to believe.

    BUT in simplest terms, Kevin Keegan and Alan Shearer have been great servants to this club and have undoubtedly earned the trust of the overhwhelming majority over the years and yet on boths occasions when it’s clear that a situation has become unworkable you’ve taken the side of Ashley. A man who has employed and overseen some of the most shambolic chairmanship of a football club any of us have seen (they were pretty much your words not mine). A man who’s actions have been continually questionable.

    And yet. And yet you choose to side with the one person who has never given us cause to earn his trust?

    I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Whether it is a noble effort or not you chose and are sticking to the wrong guns entirely in my opinion.

    BUT though that is my pregogative I’m still open-minded enough to understand there could be another explanation which we’re not privy too. I just don’t understand why you seem to take pleasure in denouncing two local heroes.

  34. 34
    avatar Stardust says:

    There were meetings – are you saying these meetings to move forward took place for no reason?

    If Ashley had decided to sell he would have announced it without the meetings and without Shearer.

    Hugh

    I prefer pistols at dawn – I throw my glove at you.

    By the way I am not PRO Ashley – I do have massive sympathy fro the man (though a lot of the problems were created by simply terrible PR)- I am PRO-NUFC and I am pro objectivity and understanding – a massive difference.

  35. 35
    avatar Stuart79 says:

    Stardust,

    What’s the difference between Ashley and KK?

    They have both walked away from the club twice when the going has got tough.

    You call KK a coward but not Ashley……?

  36. 36
    avatar Stardust says:

    KK walks when everyone loves him and he is paid 3m a year.

    Ashley goes when no one wants him, many hate him, and he has blown 250m attempting to run the club.

    And you struggle to see the difference?

  37. 37
    avatar Stuart79 says:

    He hasn’t blown any money Stardust.

    He may lose £33m if and it’s a big if he sells the club.

    He’ not as dignified as you think. He will want his money back.

    He’s a hideous creature who bought NUFC to make a quick buck thinking it was a bargain only to be stung by the debt he uncovered after failing to do due dilligence. (He didn’t do that because there were people interested in the club and he wabted to beat them to it)

    Everything he has done has been a joke and he wants to sell up now as he knows you cannot make short terms gains in football.

    People who cannot see that are either Mackems or blind.

  38. 38
    avatar batty says:

    18 Stardust says:
    September 7, 2009 at 12:18 pm
    Batty

    Yes I deal in fact. Shearer didnt blame any individual – he blamed EVERYBODY
    <<<< he didnt blame the fans like some people do lol

  39. 39
    avatar batty says:

    stardust not pro ashley ha ha ha

  40. 40
    avatar Stardust says:

    BBM – no pleasure in denouncing any heros – nor Ashley.

    I was over the moon when KK came back, but to this day I can not reconcile his walking with a love of the club. I have lost respect in him – the KK of years ago simply doesnt exist in that shell of a man that outwardly appears the same – i feel he has weakened over time.

    Shearer – I have said nothing against him – but if you were Ashley would you back the next messiah with untold millions when he had no track record whatsoever?

    Shearer was in front of Ashley – think of it as a job interview – do you go in and demand this and that without a management record? No BBM you dont – you accept the job on its terms and circumstance and reality if offered.

    As I said Shearer blew it in my opinion – and I am not against him whatsoever. Just saying it as I see it.

    Time and time again people forget the ultimate can carrier is Mike Ashley, he has to make real decisions taking into account reality of finance, time and circumstance. Why people think they can shout the odds when not holding the can is beyond me – but maybe thats because Ive carried cans for years and know the realities that exist.

  41. 41
    avatar batty says:

    Stardust says:
    September 7, 2009 at 1:32 pm
    KK walks when everyone loves him and he is paid 3m a year
    <<<<wonder when hes gettin his cash

  42. 42
    avatar Stardust says:

    Staurt – “He may lose £33m if and it’s a big if he sells the club.”

    I simply say purllleeeassseee – use that tosh on others without a clue – its a nonsense grabbed out of thin air and notional facts that dont even exist – not worthy of a response.

  43. 43
    avatar batty says:

    stardust >>>>>Ashley goes when no one wants him, many hate him, and he has blown 250m attempting to run the club.<<<< lets all say a rrrrrrrrr poor man you have me in tears lol

  44. 44
    avatar batty says:

    stardust you crack me up

  45. 45
    avatar Stardust says:

    Batty – I would like to think if KK proves his point that he walks away while not taking the cash.

    I dont expect that – I expect to lose respect for the man forever regardless of outcome.

  46. 46
    avatar Stuart79 says:

    batty says:
    September 7, 2009 at 1:42 pm

    Ashley (coward) has spent more mony on paying off managers than he has on buying players!

    Says it all realy!

  47. 47
    avatar Hugh de Payen says:

    The trouble with a lot of these arguments is that we have so little fact to go on.

    We simply read between the lines and form opinions, which is exactly what the press do and we slate them for it.

    Not that I’m saying we should stop doing that though. We need some fun.

  48. 48
    avatar batty says:

    stardust can tell when your in 1 you call me batty instead of batts lol

  49. 49
    avatar workyticket says:

    Stuart79 says:
    September 7, 2009 at 1:39 pm

    “People who cannot see that are either Mackems or blind.”

    Stuart, there’s no need to use the ‘M’ word. That’s taking things too far! :-)

  50. 50
    avatar Stuart79 says:

    47 Hugh de Payen says:
    September 7, 2009 at 1:46 pm
    The trouble with a lot of these arguments is that we have so little fact to go on.

    We simply read between the lines and form opinions, which is exactly what the press do and we slate them for it.

    Not that I’m saying we should stop doing that though. We need some fun.

    Stardust seems to know everything….

    He cannot comprehend that Ashley might actually be a complete prick who just wanted to make money!

  51. 51
    avatar Hugh de Payen says:

    “Stardust seems to know everything….”

    Yep. At least I’m humble enough to admit I was wrong once back in 1976.

  52. 52
    avatar workyticket says:

    Stuart79 says:
    September 7, 2009 at 1:49 pm

    “He cannot comprehend that Ashley might actually be a complete prick who just wanted to make money!”

    Why on earth would a businessman want to make money Stuart? That would be insane! :-)

  53. 53
    avatar Stardust says:

    stardust can tell when your in 1 you call me batty instead of batts lol

    Got me there BATTY grrrr lol

  54. 54
    avatar Stuart79 says:

    workyticket says:
    September 7, 2009 at 1:58 pm
    Stuart79 says:
    September 7, 2009 at 1:49 pm

    “He cannot comprehend that Ashley might actually be a complete prick who just wanted to make money!”

    Why on earth would a businessman want to make money Stuart? That would be insane!

    Because you don’t buy a football club to make a quick buck.

    These are long term investments for proper owners like Abramovitch and Mansoon ect…

  55. 55
    avatar bowburnmag says:

    I’m never wrong. If I am, it just means someone has changed the facts.

  56. 56
    avatar workyticket says:

    Stuart79 says:
    September 7, 2009 at 2:01 pm

    “Because you don’t buy a football club to make a quick buck.”

    Stuart, if he wanted to make a “quick” buck, what was all the youth academy stuff and the emphasis on scouting about etc? Or installing a very controversial Director of Football? It tends to indicate that he was after making a rather slower buck. If his sole intention was to make alot of money very quickly, these would be strange actions.

  57. 57
    avatar Stardust says:

    Stuart “Stardust seems to know everything….”

    Argghhh sigh……….an admission of my greatness at last.

    I will accept it with graciousness an bring that up at every chance I get. x

  58. 58
    avatar Tino 11 says:

    A few handbags today!

    I think if people have an opinion they should be allowed to say it, without having facts or quotes, as it is just an opinion.

    People who may be better at putting their opinions into words should not try and palm their opinions off as a facts unless they have evidence. Neither should someones opinion be mocked at just because it is not formed well or does not come from someone as intelligent as someone else.

    Don’t dismiss people’s arguements/opinions just because they are different to your own.

    None of this is directed at anybody, just an observation! :-)

  59. 59
    avatar Stardust says:

    Im never wrong either – I am the main proponent and chair behind the Humphrenphoaten principle

  60. 60
    avatar workyticket says:

    Stuart79 says:
    September 7, 2009 at 2:01 pm

    “These are long term investments for proper owners like Abramovitch and Mansoon ect…”

    An extortionist and a slave owner are hardly the best examples to use as “proper” owners, Stuart.

  61. 61
  62. 62
    avatar batty says:

    stardust while your oot getting ashleys 2 dozen pasteys could u pick me up a sandwich plz

  63. 63
    avatar Stuart79 says:

    workyticket says:
    September 7, 2009 at 2:09 pm

    It tends to indicate that he was after making a rather slower buck. If his sole intention was to make alot of money very quickly, these would be strange actions.

    Ashley is strange!

    How else do you explain the lack of investment in the 1st team, the sacking of Alladyce after 6 months, the appointment of KK who had been out of football for three years, the appointment of a DOF which hasn’t worked at any British club, him putting the club up for sale after a little demo, him appointing Joe Kinnear who again hadn’t been in football for thee years and someone who had a dodgy ticker, his refusal to replce Kinnear when his ticker packed in, his appointment of Shearer with only 9 games left and finally him putting the club up for sale AGAIN! Oh and his inability to sell the club AGAIN!

    Doesn’t that say something?

    I think under Ashley we have had 8 managers (Hughton a couple of times).

    This along with his obsession with youth and debt rather than right here and now got us relegated.

  64. 64
    avatar Stuart79 says:

    workyticket says:
    September 7, 2009 at 2:12 pm

    You got any evidence of that Worky?

    Think they call that libel!

  65. 65
    avatar batty says:

    stu 8 games

  66. 66
    avatar Stardust says:

    Hands up anyone who googled “Humphrenphoaten principle” lol

  67. 67
    avatar Stuart79 says:

    Even worse then Batty.

    He’s gone further down in my estimations…..

  68. 68
    avatar Hugh de Payen says:

    Stuart79 says:
    September 7, 2009 at 2:19 pm (Edit)

    Ashley is strange!

    How else do you explain the lack of investment in the 1st team, the sacking of Alladyce after 6 months, the appointment of KK who had been out of football for three years, the appointment of a DOF which hasn’t worked at any British club, him putting the club up for sale after a little demo, him appointing Joe Kinnear who again hadn’t been in football for thee years and someone who had a dodgy ticker, his refusal to replce Kinnear when his ticker packed in, his appointment of Shearer with only 9 games left and finally him putting the club up for sale AGAIN! Oh and his inability to sell the club AGAIN!

    Doesn’t that say something?

    —-

    Incompetence?

  69. 69
    avatar workyticket says:

    Stuart79 says:
    September 7, 2009 at 2:19 pm

    “I think under Ashley we have had 8 managers (Hughton a couple of times).

    This along with his obsession with youth and debt rather than right here and now got us relegated.”

    Well you’re absolutely spot on with the first one Stuart, but not the second.

  70. 70
    avatar Hugh de Payen says:

    Stardust says:
    September 7, 2009 at 2:25 pm (Edit)

    Hands up anyone who googled “Humphrenphoaten principle” lol

    —–

    I did.

    Didn’t find anything though, so I put it down to your medication.

  71. 71
    avatar Stardust says:

    Hugh – cant believe youve ignored timing in all of that.

  72. 72
    avatar Stardust says:

    just twisted humour Hugh lol

  73. 73
    avatar Hugh de Payen says:

    Sorry Stardust, you’ve lost me.

  74. 74
    avatar Stuart79 says:

    Worky,

    So you think if he’d have invested more in the presnt 1st team we would still have been relegated?

    Spurs were worse off than us come January but went and invested and look at them now.

    Since Ashley has been at the club we have had a ridiculously small squad that has never changed in size as everytime we bought we sold to off set it.

  75. 75
    avatar Stardust says:

    Sorry Hugh I had made it up

  76. 76
    avatar workyticket says:

    Stuart79 says:
    September 7, 2009 at 2:34 pm
    “Worky,

    So you think if he’d have invested more in the presnt 1st team we would still have been relegated?

    Spurs were worse off than us come January but went and invested and look at them now.”

    Spurs’ debt was only a third of the debt that Newcastle had. You just can’t compare two clubs like that without taking all factors into consideration.

    I think that any club can get into trouble with five managers in one season. It was an absolutely ridiculous situation and it didn’t surprise me at all that the team looked completely below par considering the quality within it. A team needs consistent leadership.

  77. 77
    avatar bowburnmag says:

    Hugh – I think you’ve written “me” where you meant to type ‘it’! ;)

  78. 78
    avatar bowburnmag says:

    77 comments before business hours are over?

    You can tell Stu and Stardust are back up in their tree.

  79. 79
    avatar Stuart79 says:

    We didn’t have an debt worky!

    Ashley had paid it all off.

    Could you imagine if Ashley had invested £20m in January and we stayed in the PL and got rid of all the dead wood we have got rid of now?

    We would be in a brilliant position. But for some reason we got relegated and are in a shambolic state!

  80. 80
    avatar Informant says:

    News just in;

    My mate’s nana is the tea lady at SJP and she just rang him to say she spilit tea on Mr Ashley whilst he was sitting in his favourite chair.

    Apparently Mr Ashley’s words were “look what you’ve done you silly woman, you’ve wrecked the owners chair, Mr Moat will need a new one now”

    The tea lady responded by saying “I don’t like being shouted at Michael, your not getting your cream cake at tea time”.

  81. 81
    avatar Stardust says:

    “Could you imagine if Ashley had invested £20m in January and we stayed in the PL and got rid of all the dead wood we have got rid of now?”

    Ashley did that last year and look at the accusation and trouble it caused? He has got rid of untold dross from this club – theres hardly a player – Bassong and Beye aside that I am genuinely sad we lost over the last 2 years.

  82. 82
    avatar Stardust says:

    Informant – Does your mate’s nana know “wor Donna”?

  83. 83
    avatar Stuart79 says:

    Stardust says:
    September 7, 2009 at 3:05 pm

    When did he invest £20m last year and what accusation and trouble did it cause?

    I think you misunderstand.

    When I mean invest £20m I mean without weakening the squad first by selling our decent players to finance the purchases.

    When you do that you don’t improve….

  84. 84
    avatar workyticket says:

    Stuart79 says:
    September 7, 2009 at 2:21 pm

    “You got any evidence of that Worky?”

    Yes, and so have organisations like Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch etc etc.

    As for Abramovitch, it’s a matter of record how he withheld the wages of his employees until they were forced to sell their shares to him for a pittance just to eat. That’s extortion.

  85. 85
    avatar Stardust says:

    Stuart

    You cant simply invest 20m – the club this year was to haemorrhage twice that – I am very grateful we have got rid of these overpaid mercenaries masquerading as footballers

  86. 86
    avatar Stuart79 says:

    PL happy with that then eh

    Think you’ll find there just accusations by leftie, latte drinking and do gooding organisations who need to attract attention to themselves.

  87. 87
    avatar TROJAN 69 says:

    another day another ashley conspiracy zzzzzz.
    if you want to have a protest get yourselves down to wynyard to have a go at the real villain bloody john hall.
    i,m not a massive ashley fan,but i do think he,s being made a scapegoat for the real culprits.

  88. 88
    avatar Stuart79 says:

    Stardust says:
    September 7, 2009 at 3:15 pm

    Accoring to Llambias the club was to only lose £20m this year and £7m next year.

    What they did was unforgivable – They took PL status for granted!

    I agree with getting rid of the high earners but we should have done it in the PL.

    Also any chance of answering my queston?

  89. 89
    avatar Stardust says:

    Trojan – 100% agree.

  90. 90
    avatar Stardust says:

    Which question – though I have to admit I find it tiresome debating with you – and pretty pointless in responding – - a year on you have learned nothing.

  91. 91
    avatar TROJAN 69 says:

    people are forgetting when that metro centre opened he put a lot of lads out of business.
    john hall is a crook plain and simple,i think he only put 600 grand into the club and walked away with millions.
    this is our own who have done this,and some want him and the likes of freddie back.
    john hall and freddie shepherd couldn,t lie straight in bed.

  92. 92
    avatar Stuart79 says:

    When did he invest £20m last year and what accuastion and trouble did it cause?

    You do have a wonderful habit of ignoring things that don’t suit your warped point of view.

    Don’t bother answering as you’ve made yourself look stupid and totally blinkered with regards to Ashley.

    I myself am bored of talking to a brick wall.

    Speak soon

  93. 93
    avatar workyticket says:

    TROJAN 69 says:
    September 7, 2009 at 3:28 pm

    “people are forgetting when that metro centre opened he put a lot of lads out of business.”

    I’m not Trojan, and I still remember how he turned one of the most beautiful town centres in the country into a boarded up wasteland for years too. I also remember how many contractors weren’t paid for the work they did on the SJP extension.

    Corruption has always thrived on Tyneside.

  94. 94
    avatar Stardust says:

    When did he invest £20m last year and what accuastion and trouble did it cause?

    the last released accounts demonstrated he invested 34.5 and 20m into the club over and above debt restructuring.

    Why do you ignore that? Because it doesnt suit you? the next accounts are due in Jan – we will see then what he invested 08-09 – I would have expected it to drop as the hate campaign gathered pace.

    Whilst doing this players such as Emre, Rozenhal, Faye going out but the catalyst of trouble Milner will not appear in the accounts until Jan 2010. These were all factors leading to the KK hysterical walkout and Mob Riots.

    The Mob were all screaming he was asset stripping?(bizarre) here to make a profit etc but their argument failed spectacularly when the accounts were released and proved Ashley stood up to his financial statements.

    So once more Stuart you look foolish – choosing to ignore audited public information.

  95. 95
    avatar Stardust says:

    Trojan – No one forgets how many local families that regime put on the breadline by collapsing a series of contracted companies under the CH banner.

    They grew fat and suckled while ordinary men, women and business people folded – I despised them.

    Stuart on the other hand loved them.

  96. 96
    avatar Stuart79 says:

    I love Capitalism…..

  97. 97
    avatar TROJAN 69 says:

    where them two are concerned,capitalism no,organised crime definatley.

  98. 98
    avatar geordie deb says:

    Trojan 69

    Agree 100%. It doesn’t suit a lot of people to have dodgey geordies at the root of most of our problems though does it? Far easier to focus on the outsiders, the cockney mafia – they’re the one’s to blame for our downfall aren’t they??

  99. 99
    avatar geordie deb says:

    To think we even have a stand named after him

  100. 100
  101. 101
    avatar TROJAN 69 says:

    freddie was never good at football when he went to raby street school.
    he never played played in the team with me fatha and his mates.
    in fact he was never interested in football,but comes across in the media as though he lives and breathes it.
    aye freddie your family got rich off the backs of byker people after the war.
    freddie only made it to head boy of the school because he,s fatha was bunging the headmaster a few bob.
    when freddie was a kid his uncle bought him a donkey for his birthday,he came along hotspur street trying to show off.
    he tried to jump on the donkey,s back to ride it,the donkey ran out of the way,and freddie plunged headlong down hotspur bank into a pile of rough gravel.
    suffice to say,he was cut to ribbons,and all the lads who were there p###ed themselves laughing because he was a dick who no,one liked.
    that,s what he was like,trying to flaunt the fact his family had a few quid,this is a true story.

  102. 102
    avatar Tino 11 says:

    geordie deb says:
    September 7, 2009 at 5:24 pm

    To think we even have a stand named after him

    ——————————————————–
    Well the East Stand should be re-named after SBR.

    To be honest nobody calls them the “Newcastle Brown Ale Stand” or “The Sir John Hall Stand” it’s just the Leazes and the Gallowgate.

    Officially though, for sponsorship purposes or whatever, i don’t see why they couuldn’t re-name the SJH stand now he isn’t really connected to the club.

    Perhaps Stardust would advocate “The Mike Ashley Stand” :-)

  103. 103
    avatar geordie deb says:

    Tino 11

    They should revert back to what you rightly say they will always be known as The Leazes and The Gallowgate Ends. Is SJH still Life President? If so can’t see them changing it while he’s still around sadly.

  104. 104
    avatar Stardust says:

    “Perhaps Stardust would advocate “The Mike Ashley Stand”

    Was actually thinking of a wonderful combination involving my respect for Stuart and the Gallowgate.

    Maybe we should just call the stand “The Gallows” and allow Stuart to “hang” around there for a long time?

    Just an idea – being friendly and neighbourly.

  105. 105
    avatar workyticket says:

    I’m still trying to figure out why Stuart finds drinking latte and doing good so objectionable.

  106. 106
    avatar Stardust says:

    Worky – If I do a Billy Bunter sketch should I use his terrible spelling? Or is it better all round, readability, search engines etc if it is spelled forrectly?

  107. 107
    avatar Stuart79 says:

    105 workyticket says:
    September 7, 2009 at 7:18 pm
    I’m still trying to figure out why Stuart finds drinking latte and doing good so objectionable.

    Because they cause more trouble than it’s worth and often make accusations for their own gain and their very good self publicists.

    They hide behind the human rights act which often results in ridiculous decisions by governments and other self important organisations.

  108. 108
    avatar workyticket says:

    Terrible spelling, definitely.

    Just a thought, but you could also have the contents of people’s bins eg Freddy Shepherd, Mike Ashley, Llambias, Alan Shearer, Moat etc. There’s alot of comic potential there.

  109. 109
    avatar bowburnmag says:

    I hope that was intentional.

  110. 110
    avatar Stuart79 says:

    workyticket says:
    September 7, 2009 at 8:13 pm
    Terrible spelling, definitely.

    Just a thought, but you could also have the contents of people’s bins eg Freddy Shepherd, Mike Ashley, Llambias, Alan Shearer, Moat etc. There’s alot of comic potential there.

    Ashley’s bin will just be full of Greggs wrappers and coke cans!

  111. 111
    avatar workyticket says:

    Stuart,

    So you beleive that people should just keep their mouths shut about torture, forced labour, child abuse and all the rest because it gets in the way of lucrative investment?

    If so, that’s rather pathetic and amoral I’m afraid.

  112. 112
    avatar Stardust says:

    “Just a thought, but you could also have the contents of people’s bins eg Freddy Shepherd, Mike Ashley, Llambias, Alan Shearer, Moat etc. There’s alot of comic potential there.”

    Already been thinking – the possibilities are endless.

    Might start when he went to prison for killing his best mate – some of the well known bloggers might even make an entrance – “Alright batts and Roddas lol”.

  113. 113
    avatar Stardust says:

    BBM – nope lol

  114. 114
    avatar Tino 11 says:

    From Rob Lee to Alan Shearer to Greenpeace!

  115. 115
  116. 116
    avatar Tino 11 says:

    Sorry, i put them in the “do gooding organisations” that were mentioned.

  117. 117
    avatar bowburnmag says:

    worky – can you make the ‘nufc blog’ the same colour as the old scoreboard? That would be a canny touch.

  118. 118
    avatar workyticket says:

    Tino 11 says:
    September 7, 2009 at 8:33 pm (Edit)

    “Sorry, i put them in the “do gooding organisations” that were mentioned.”

    Ah! I see Tino.

  119. 119
    avatar Stuart79 says:

    workyticket says:
    September 7, 2009 at 8:19 pm
    Stuart,

    So you beleive that people should just keep their mouths shut about torture, forced labour, child abuse and all the rest because it gets in the way of lucrative investment?

    If so, that’s rather pathetic and amoral I’m afraid.

    Worky,

    Slightly unfair insinuating that I approve of all the above.

    Extremely poor on your part too Worky.

    But to answer your question I feel these organisations should really have evidence before they spout the sort of rubbish they do.

    Talk about ruining reputations without evidence.

    It’s like me calling you something like a child abuser. It would be totally and utterly out of order without evidence and would I’m sure ruin your reputation.

  120. 120
    avatar geordie deb says:

    Is Billy Bunter coming back like Bobby in Dallas?

  121. 121
    avatar Hugh de Payen says:

    workyticket says:
    September 7, 2009 at 7:18 pm (Edit)

    I’m still trying to figure out why Stuart finds drinking latte … so objectionable.

    —-

    Well as a rule I don’t like latte drinkers either as it happens. Just one of those things – similar to not liking sprouts.

  122. 122
    avatar workyticket says:

    Stuart79 says:
    September 7, 2009 at 8:41 pm (Edit)

    “But to answer your question I feel these organisations should really have evidence before they spout the sort of rubbish they do.”

    They do, Stuart. What made you think that they don’t? Other organisations do as well, including the United Nations. It’s always best to think before you type, Stuart.

  123. 123
    avatar Stuart79 says:

    Sorry Worky they don’t!

    Tell me why these people they accuse have absolutely nothing done to them by their own county or the international community?

    You mentioned Abramovitch and the City owner – They both passed the fit and proper owners test but I’m pretty sure if they had been found guilty of the things you mentioned they wouldn’t be anywhere near the PL.

    Also, the government wouldn’t let some half wit Dutch MP into the country or USA disk jockey just because of what their opinions were yet you think they would let these two into our country if they had done what you say.

    MMM, not sure about that Worky.

  124. 124
    avatar workyticket says:

    Stuart79 says:
    September 7, 2009 at 9:05 pm

    “Sorry Worky they don’t!”

    Stuart,

    Here’s one report, on the building of Saadiyat Island, to get you started. It’s only around eighty pages, but there’s alot more evidence if you want it. Just let me know when you’ve finished this one.

    http://www.hrw.org/en/reports/2009/05/18/island-happiness-0

  125. 125
    avatar workyticket says:

    Stuart79 says:
    September 7, 2009 at 9:05 pm (Edit)

    “Also, the government wouldn’t let some half wit Dutch MP into the country or USA disk jockey just because of what their opinions were ”

    That’s actually completely untrue BTW, Stuart. They actually had the opposite view!

  126. 126
    avatar Jim says:

    Canadian content: Google Harold Ballard and you will see a picture of Ashley….Fat and willing to sink their teams…unfortunately NUFC fans are asked to pick between their players and Ashley…we all want to see NUFC win and buy tickets….Ashley runs away with profits with sub par squad…Shearer was right to ask for cash and squad…need to spend money to make money (i.e. promotion and ability to stay up…The big 4 are splashing cash) Ballard sunk the Toronto Maple Leafs for over 20 yrs with the same crap! eerily similar!

  127. 127
    avatar Stuart79 says:

    workyticket says:
    September 7, 2009 at 9:45 pm
    Stuart79 says:
    September 7, 2009 at 9:05 pm (Edit)

    “Also, the government wouldn’t let some half wit Dutch MP into the country or USA disk jockey just because of what their opinions were ”

    That’s actually completely untrue BTW, Stuart. They actually had the opposite view!

    They wouldn’t let these two into the country Worky. The government didn’t like their right wing views.

    So it’s true!

    The Dutch MP got off the plane and then got deported.

    Also the report you give me the link for – Where does is directly accuse Man City’s owner of slavery?

Leave a Reply

Top of page

 
 

Switch to our mobile site