Fans right to send SOS to Mike Ashley?
Posted on June 29th, 2009 | 108 Comments |
And so it would seem some of us have had quite enough of sitting around waiting and the NUSC have put together a new campaign.
They are urging Mike Ashley, to do what they see as the right thing for the sake of the club’s short term future. The ‘right thing’ in their eyes is to appoint Alan Shearer as manager.
NUSC spokesman, Colin Whittle, had this to say:
“The time has come to show the outside world that the supporters of Newcastle United are ready to move on and get behind the club. We believe that the appointment of Alan Shearer would send out a massive signal to potential buyers and, most importantly, the fans, who have so far been ignored.
“We all want the club to progress and the idea behind the Trust is that we will be a representative body for the supporters that can work with the club for the future benefit of the club and the supporters.
“At the moment, a fans’ buyout is not a realistic possibility, but in the medium term we would like to be able to create substantial funding to buy into the club.
“We have been approached by a number of individuals who are looking to invest – individuals who can’t buy the club outright but who have sufficient funds to buy into it – with the very long-term aim of fan ownership of the club.”
The NUSC has been ridiculed by some sections of the NUFC fan-base because it was apparent that they originally had no direction or organisation. It was felt that it was a knee-jerk and foolhardy reaction which had the likelihood of making matters worse. Other more sympathetic fans, saw that at least NUSC was attempting to do something for the sake of the club. However, more recently their press has improved and arguably they have much more support. Evidenced by the comments on the ever-popular nufc.com website and from spokespersons from popular fanzines and independent supporter groups.
Predictably, some fans have been quick to condemn the actions of the group suggesting that it will merely bring more bad press. They suggest that this will also demonstrate that the fans expect to have too much say in matters and imply an insular and arrogant attitude.
Personally, I see it a different way. I would suggest that there are many capable managers out there, however, I’d also argue that given the timescales involved it would be extremely difficult for them to make an immediate impact. I think it’s crucial because of the precarious position we’re in that an immediate impact is made. Alan Shearer was in the mix for a good few games at the end of that last awful season. He’s seen just what state the club is in. In addition, his ‘team’ of backroom staff have also seen at close quarters just what needs to be done to bring this club back from the dead. He has connections, both tangible and emotionally to this club. That isn’t a pre-requisite but it certainly helps in my opinion.
Looking at the short time he was in charge, the stats don’t really show him in the best light but given the circumstances, I think the ‘immediate impact’ I’m looking for, just wasn’t possible last season and the slide was inevitable. I think with a fresh start he would get us firing and heading in the right direction. The Championship will be challenging but with the right support, Shearer will steer us up and not down. Of course the longer he’s left out of the loop, the bigger the challenge becomes.
Provided the NUSC and a collective of intelligent and sensible fans can make this point amiably and in a constructive manner, then I think it can only be a good thing. Ashley has been accused of listening too much to the fans. I believe that’s very debatable and conversely this is one time they might be better served taking heed of the warning. If they can keep the bedsheets in the drawers, the rabble at the local park with their bottles of 20/20 and missing teeth and ears then a point being made is better for their sanity than sitting sweating on proceedings in my opinion. Patience is all well and good and inevitably recognised that it’s a virtue not many NUFC fans are necessarily blessed with, particularly younger generations. While I’d distance myself from any ‘protest’, I can relate to wanting to do something rather than nothing.
With the 1st of July rolling around and no further announcements of progress, this group or groups are right to be concerned. Why Shearer can’t be installed even on a part-time basis or at least we can’t be informed as to the reason why he can’t be, has left many of us bewildered.
Either way, I was taught not to stamp my feet when I wanted something as a kid. NUSC et al are being accused of that very thing but we’re all big kids when it comes to NUFC and I can appreciate why they’re doing it, even if it all gets them is sore feet and a clip round the lug off their detractors. Should those people wanting to buy back into the club financially and emotionally be put on the naughty step for their desires?
NUFCBlog Author: bowburnmag
bowburnmag has written 234 articles on this blog.
no matter what nusc may say the simple fact is ashley is not about to appoint a manager and no manager will be in until the club is sold, god knows when that will happen