I think the signing of a new player, albeit only on a four and a half month loan, marks a bit of a turning point in the club sale saga. I suspect what it means is that Ashley is more or less resigned to failure (again) in his attempts to sell the club and is preparing to remain as owner until at least January.
I’m guessing we’ll see a new manager appointed shortly, probably Joe Kinnear if he’s fit enough. I just can’t see too many other managers being interested in working under Ashley with an extremely tight budget and with a short-term outlook on things. Red Adair would be a good choice.
As to the players that have gone, the list currently numbers nine – Owen, Viduka, Cacapa, Lovenkrands, Edgar, Nacho, Martins, Bassong, Beye – and if Duff and Steven Taylor leave too that’ll be eleven players who’ve gone and one who’s been brought in.
Personally, I’d rather we’d kept Steven Taylor, Duff, Bassong and Beye and got rid of Coloccini, Barton, Nolan and Ryan Taylor, although some or all from that latter group may yet depart. I know Barton’s not a bad player and should shine in the Championship but, sorry, I just think he’ll screw up again – either on or off the pitch – and as far as I’m concerned he’s too much of a risk. As to Coloccini, well, he simply hasn’t done it for us and I would love to see us get a decent fee for him and send him on his way (by invisible bicycle maybe). (more…)
Sick as ****Once upon a time, comparisons were made between the clubs based on positive notes such as the club history, the passion of the fans and their desire for success diluted with a realistic and humorous outlook on the game. Instead, the familiarity these days is apparent for a different reason. It doesn’t take a genius to draw a parallel between our decline and that of our old friends down the road, Leeds United. That’s why people have been doing it for the last couple of years or more.
Mismanagement and poor finances off the field together with mismanagement and poor performances on the field led to the downfall of the once great Leeds. A club who, less than 20 years ago (just less mind), were the English Champions. Holding off the challenge of their bitter rivals across the Pennines to take the 1991/1992 title, while the destiny of Newcastle United was being re-charted dramatically by a certain messiah (ahem….). (more…)
Money, money, money, must be funny, in a rich man's world. While we await the dawn of a new era, some of our former staff will be looking to carve out a new career elsewhere. We’ve had more than our fair share of expensive disappointments over the years but they don’t come much bigger than The Damaged Duo.
Arriving with great expectations, between them they have caused more gnashing of teeth than many who have gone before or those who will follow them onto that hallowed turf.
I leave you with an all-too-infrequent sight of the pair celebrating a goal. One of a handful of fleeting glimpses and empty promises of what could and should have been a great partnership. Both have undoubtedly had their injury problems which have plagued Newcastle careers which should have seen them projected to hero status. Owen for his undoubted goalscoring ability and overall professionalism earlier in his career and Viduka simply because of his genius, when he decides to turn it on. (more…)
Freddy attempts to make one last trophy signing. £400,000, that will do nicely for players such as Michael Owen and Mark Viduka, as they walk away from Newcastle after playing little part in helping the club avoid relegation last season, or being available for a fraction of the games for which they could have been eligible. So as we say “adios”, we will all rest easy knowing they have a nice ‘loyalty’ payment due to cushion the blow while they find some other mug to keep them in the style to which they have become accustomed. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not their fault that the fat scrap man wanted to shower them with money. In their shoes would you turn down mega wages and very nice ‘loyalty’ payments? Would you not fill your boots if some idiot was waving large wads of used tenners in front of your nose and begging you to take it? So if it’s not their fault who’s is it? (more…)
