Here we go again – the next episode in the Toon soap opera begins.

Posted on October 28th, 2009 | 383 Comments |

Here we go again
Here we go again
Mike Ashley has taken Newcastle United off the market after 5 months and appointed Chris Hughton as permanent manager until the end of the 2010/2011 season.

Emotions were running high when this was announced last night but I wanted to try and analyse the situation a little more objectively in the cold light of day.

It looked like Barry Moat might actually have been in with a chance at one point. According to the press, he’d had a £40m up-front plus £40m at the end of the season deal rejected and had come back to Ashley with a £60m-£20m upgrade to that, having been led to believe by Ashley that it would be accepted. Ashley however did not accept it and decided to take the club off the market amongst a lot of familiar-sounding rhetoric.

The rhetoric sounds familiar because it’s pretty much what he said the last time he took the club off the market. He stressed his commitment to the future of Newcastle United then too and he put some money into the club, but then we were relegated and the club was up for sale once again. So I have no reason to believe that Ashley’s aim is to do anything but maximise the club’s appeal so that he can put it up for sale yet again.

But what option did he have? All Moat had to do was find £80m cash to buy the club and he couldn’t. There were no other serious bidders – and in fact I don’t believe there have ever been any other serious bidders beyond Moat – so he could either let the situation continue to drift or do something about it. In that respect I think Ashley made the right decision to take the club off the market even if it is just until such a time as he feels he can sell it. 5 months is long enough to see if he could find a buyer at his asking price. Taking the club off the market removes a lot of the uncertainty surrounding the club for now and even short-term stability is better than none at all.

I wanted to see the back of him too but I can’t see what else he could do.

Based only on the length of Chris Hughton’s appointment, I’m guessing that Ashley’s plan is to get us promoted, spend a year stabalising us as a Premier League team and then put us up for sale again. It is likely that by then the world’s economy will be healthier and with Newcastle back in the Premier League he should be able to find a buyer willing to pay a decent price for the club. He could of course be genuinely committing to the club for the long-term but recent history makes me doubt that.

What we have to look at is where Ashley’s aims match our own. We want promotion and so does he. We want the club installed as a ‘safe’ Premier League club and so does he. Maybe our aims coincide enough to make this situation bearable, not that we have any choice in the matter.

Where the plans could fall down of course is if we don’t get promoted this season but I think Ashley’s prepared to gamble on that. It will be interesting to see what happens in the January transfer window when our emergency loans expire. Chris Hughton will certainly need to replace them if promotion is to remain a realistic hope and, if we’re still looking like contenders at the that point, both Ashley and Hughton will need to be thinking about preparing a team that can survive in the Premier League.

Another thing that could scupper Ashley’s plans is Ashley himself. He’s made some dreadful decisions and by his own admission he knows little about running a football club. If he’s really serious about making a good go of things – and if he’s learnt anything from his past experiences at Newcastle – I’d expect him to get shot of Llambias and employ a football-savvy Chairman to carry out his plans and manage communication with the fans.

Ah yes, communication with the fans – not Ashley’s strong suit. A point he demonstrated last night with the announcement that he plans to sell the naming rights to St James’ Park. What a master-stroke of fan communication that was, slipping in something like at the end of an announcement that he surely knew would already have the fans in fractious mood. It is hard not to wonder if he does it deliberately.

I am not usually one to wax lyrical about the emotional aspects of football in these articles, but they do exist. The whole point of football is to entertain and emotionally engage the supporters. Things like heritage and tradition are all part of what gives football its appeal. Fans may not actually own a football club in the commercial sense but there is no doubt the football club ‘belongs’ to the fans, they are it’s raison d’etre.

Ashley’s announcement about the renaming of the stadium simply didn’t take that into account and shows the same lack of sensitivity to such things as we’ve come to expect from the man. Does he even understand any of these aspects of the game? First of all, if you’re going to try something like this it has to be sold to the fans. If it was a choice between selling the stadium rights and Newcastle United going out of business you might be able to sell it to the fans, perhaps as a last resort to save the club. What you don’t do is put it matter-of-factly at the end of an already provocative statement.

I appreciate the financial realities of our club but there are some things that really should be ‘last resorts’ and if they have to be done they should be done carefully. Ashley appears to be thick-skinned about the fans’ hate for him these days but we saw after Keegangate that it can indeed get to him. If he’s planning on keeping the club for another season and a half he would do well to try and get fans on-side as much as possible and start treating them with respect. Some will no doubt ask why he should do that when all he gets is vitriol in response but he’s the owner of the club and I would expect a good owner to be able to rise above all that and start building bridges.

He’s just making life hard for himself and miserable for the fans if he doesn’t, and that doesn’t even make commercial sense.

NUFCBlog Author: Hugh de Payen I'm a baby-boomer of the punk rock persuasion, currently exiled in Somerset for crimes committed in a previous life where locals keep trying to poison me with something called 'scrumpy'. Hates sprouts, coat-hangers, Cilla Black, ornaments, Steven Seagull movies and 50 Cent (he's not worth 10). Hugh de Payen has written 634 articles on this blog.

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383 Responses

  1. Now he wishes to sell the name of our stadium …….. F@~k Me!
    how low can this fat idiot stoop ? we have to find a way to rid ourselves of this moron once and for all.
    Hughtom the manager…… No supprise there hes a Yes man bot boy who wont kick up a fuss when he has no money to spend in january while yet more of our players are sold to line that fat nobs pockets “oh yes mr ashley sir … we’ll manage ok”
    I’m off to support Gateshead! cant take anymore of ths!

  2. Just a thought but when he stated he wanted to sell the naming rights for SJP, are we sure thats what he meant & not meant to sell the naming rights to the 4 stands instead??? as that wouldn’t be so bad but to be the FIRST owner to rename a current stadium, not a new stadium is beyond belief!!!

  3. there’s a certain amount of pragmatism in that article but this really is the final insult, he’s done way too much damage to ever get the fans onside now, Shepard was disliked but I would never have said hated, and after it all, he was a fan, Ashley seems to have a genuine dislike for the club he bought, as far as the “fit & proper person” nonsense the FA claims is in place, this whole debacle shows how much of a joke that is, in his tenure he seems to have done as much damage to this proud club as is possible, he better hope we continue with the good form else the backlash will get frightening

  4. We could emulate the established North-East tradition and name the ground “The Stadium of Crap”

  5. lads ive got a bit inside info,where egither going to be named,the netto stadium or the aldi centre.

  6. Probably the best article you’ve written on here Hugh – well done.

    Bad news that the FCB is staying, given that he seems incapable of making correct decisions when it comes to running a football club.

    Bad news that the FCB will have the final say on which players come and go (Harewood anyone?)

    Bad news that Hughton has been appointed manager, given the club’s dismal historical (hysterical?) record when coaches/assistant’s are promoted because the powers that be can’t be @rsed to find a proper manager.

    If he doesn’t bring in an experienced football chairman things will pretty much carry on slipping as they have been so far under his tenure.

    If he doesn’t employ proper PR and communications, and if he continues to lie to the fans in the name of “Public Relations Exercises”, the fans will begin to drift away….it’s happened before – fans, at the end of the day are human beings and are capable of deciding enough is enough…

    As for the renaming of the stadium….Like many fans, I was introduced to St James’ Park many years ago by my dad (God rest his soul), and my love affair with United began. When I’m in the ground, I refer to “The Leazes End”, “The Gallowgate End”, “The West Stand” and “The Popular Side” (although I accept you younger chappies have come to call that the “East Stand”.

    St James’ Park will always be St James’ Park to me – no matter what this fly-by-night Barrowboy decides to call it.

    Any new name will just be used by the media….not the fans. My only worry is that, given the FCB will sell to the highest bidder, how will we all feel when the match is beamed live to the world from the “Tena Lady Stadium” or some such?

  7. Hugh – “raison d’etre”, touch of class my friend. And a thoroughly pragmatic, yet emotive article. What balance you have!

    Like I said last night, I will support the team unequivocally and will continue to go to games.
    But I think the board are genuinely beyond redemption and this is going to be just another uncomfortable few month/years until the price is right.

    Yes, I’m as indignant as I was last night about the renaming of the ground. Although I concede Cyprus-Toon has a point about the context, which I probably decided to ignore because I was so upset. I will probably always call assistant referees, the liner. But Marathon used to be Snickers and it’s not anymore. Sometimes things stick. It would be a crying shame to hear people talking about a branded stadium.

    If it is about the stands rather than the ground, why not say so and be careful about how you deliver the news like Hugh suggests? Probably because you don’t give a stuff?

  8. Ashley can put what he likes on a placard outside the ground but it will still be St James’ Park. End of story – he’ll never win that one short of building a totally new stadium.

    And if he said to me that we either sell the stadium naming rights or go bust, I’d tell tell him to rename the stadium. But it’s a last resort. Are we at that stage yet?

    However what is unforgivable is the way he goes about things. That’s always been one of his major problems and he hasn’t started this ‘new era’ any differently. I find it extremely depressing because he seems to have learned nothing.

    If he means the stands rather than ground I’d expect him to clarify that today once he’s aware of the current backlash.

  9. They do use the word “Stadium” rather than “Stands” but I can see where you’re coming from. Here’s the relevant extract from the “good news, Mikey and Chris are wonderful” press release:

    “The Club aims to maximize its commercial revenues; this includes renegotiating its Club sponsor and kit deal, which expire at the end of this season, as well as welcoming offers for the stadium naming rights for next season.”

  10. jesus on a donkey… i am stunned.

    this man is gonna be in big trouble… the backlash to even suggesting renaming the stadium will be massive. this will lead to more trouble between him and fans thats a given.

    the man really doesnt give a hoot

  11. and thats what it’ll be, dont kid yourself, st james’ will now be asda stadium… my heart is numb

    i was a tad prepared for taking off the meerkat but rename the stadium… something that has stood for 130years… jesus… i cant think… today will go by in a haze

  12. Been thinking long and hard about the renaming of SJP.

    The fact of the matter what I object to is that Ashley has now invested 270million plus into us. Fans scream that thats not enough.

    When he comes up with a revenue generating idea – to rename the ground, the fans go of it again. How dare he? This is something available to the fans and to Ashley alike at ZERO cost.

    The fans want success but arent even willing to suffer a temporary FREE inconvenience to get that success – but they demand someone else who they hate – and he know they hate him – pay for that success. That is simply astounding and shames anyone with that thought process as a lazy, selfish self centred so and so – either that or just short sighted.

    Again I reiterate – many of our fans are hate filled romantics, no doubt many with inadequacies and frustrations in their every day lives – they choose to hate first instead of thinking things through.

    And we wonder why investors wouldnt buy us – once more you see it played out for all to see. Wonder what wonderful quotes we will see strewn on bedsheets today.

  13. What’s more important that everyone seems to have overlooked is, will the metro station change it’s name too?

    It’s weird how much emotion something that should, by all rational, not be such a big deal. But somehow it is a big deal. You just cannot take this away from the fans. It’s our stadium, not yours Ashley. Your name may be above the door, but you are just a custodian. You should treat NUFC with the same respect that all custodians of precious items do and remember that when you are gone we will still be here.
    NUFC was here long before Ashley and will continue long after him. It was his job to look after the club until the next person came along. If NUFC was a pet or a child, the social services would have been involved a year ago and Ashley would have lost custody of the club.

  14. Stardust, would you agree that, if renaming the stadium is necessary to ensure the commercial future of the club, he could have gone about it in a more careful, sensitive manner?

    Would you also agree that it is good commercial sense to try and deal with fans respectfully and keep then on-side as much as possible?

  15. Stardust, not everything is about money. I usually just let your pretend support for Ashley wash over, as I know you just do it to try and wind people up, probably to support your theory that all mags are just hate filled morons. Your life must be very empty if you can’t let a bit of emotion and passion into it and actually make a decision with your heart rather than your head.

    I know you are going to tell me what a wonderful life you actually do lead. Well then prove it and start posting what you actually do believe in, rather than some crap to provoke your cod psychology experiment.

  16. Hugh at 15 – Yes absolutely. Thats what people should be bitching about – that he hasnt learned how to communicate – not about the issue itself.

  17. Micky – no need for the personal attack because I disagree with you – thought you were better than that.

    Its not psychology Micky – I believe my position but am flexible enough to change if a compelling argument can over-ride my position.

    Please dont confuse that with winding people up – I try to get them to the heart of their debate – to change my opinion – isnt that what free thiking is? But people dont seem to justify their positions. they simply fire cheap and insulting lines like you just have at me.

  18. like all the income from players gone to ashley, this sponsorship money will go to ashley and he’ll “invest” 20mil to cover our supposed shortcomings… we’ll never see any of this sponsorship money on the pitch nor of his 20mil

    and i think you’re being a little short sighted regarding why the fans have such animosity towards ashley… its not all to do with his investment into the club… its his lack of business acumen and his inability to learn from his mistakes… this has led to the downfall of the fifth largest club in england (in regard to fan base success etc.. there is a table which proves such a statement!)

    ashley has over seen the demise, and yes i’ll grant you that ther’es a lot of people who can take an ounce of blame, but the buck stops somewhere… and we know where. the fans (us) have a right to be angry surely stardust

  19. EastEnd Toon – well reasoned and level headed.

    I disagree with parts of your post but in the main its his continual lack of understanding or trying to form an understanding that creates these problems.

    It all stems from communication – each and every time – he is a clown for not getting to grips with it – he would have saved himself and awful lot of money and hassle if he had done.

    But to counter myself (lol) fans have a responsibility to think things through before they react to…..

  20. Stardust – Sorry, I did not mean for it to come across as badly as it seems. Let me explain –

    All of your posts seem to me to be based purely on logic and money. If renaming the stadium generates millions for the club, then so be it, am I right?
    However, to others, me included, you can’t put a price on heritage. For me, renaming the stadium would be sacrilege. There is no logic to my stance, it’s pure emotion.
    My comments were based on that if you base everything in life on just how much it costs then in my opinion you cannot lead a full and fruitful existence.

    Also, let’s put this in some perspective, I’ve been humble enough to explain my reasoning, for what you deem a personal attack, yet you are constantly berating people with personal insults on here, so before you moan about one small misunderstanding, you should take a re-read of some of the posts you have written.

  21. Stardust – not everybody can be as pragmatic and emotionless as you. Why do you continue to cast aspersions on those who are indignant about his decision, and try to qualify it with personal slights?

    Can a man not be completely satisfied with most other things in life and still be upset by something like this? At what point do you get emotionally involved with this club?

    I probably for the first time disagree with Hugh on the principle of changing the name, I would be steadfastly against it, even when recognising the commercial implications. But at least you agree he continues to be useless at one of the more elementary and essential aspects of owing a football club. We can all agree his communication is pitiful. The question being, can a man get things wrong so consistently or is it a deliberate message? Which is more likely?

  22. we are one step away from disaster yet again,ashley would never get into the diplomatic core,that,s for sure.
    the whole sorry saga will continue,how long will it be before hughton makes a pigs ear of it?not too long me thinks.

  23. Micky

    “All of your posts seem to me to be based purely on logic and money. If renaming the stadium generates millions for the club, then so be it, am I right?”

    Yes thats right.

    “However, to others, me included, you can’t put a price on heritage. For me, renaming the stadium would be sacrilege. There is no logic to my stance, it’s pure emotion.”

    Micky – if fans demand Ashley stump up all the cash to run the club, to buy player, to underwrite our losses – surely they can stomach a temporary inconvenience to help out free of charge? Only a few months ago people were bothered about administration.

    “My comments were based on that if you base everything in life on just how much it costs then in my opinion you cannot lead a full and fruitful existence.”

    Unfortunately Micky – football is now a business – as you can see from our very own fans if they dont get a trophy and success they scream and demand it. Fans are happy with the wages players are paid – as long as someone else pays it? Life isnt like that – success has to be earned Micky – it is never given, thats whether you are a football club owner, a fan, an employee or otherwise.

  24. bowburnmag says: “I probably for the first time disagree with Hugh on the principle of changing the name, I would be steadfastly against it, even when recognising the commercial implications.”

    Yes, we probably do disagree there. If the renaming of the stadium was the last resort to ensure the club doesn’t go bust then I’d support it. Sure it’s still an ’emotional wrench’ but if it’s really a case of ‘needs must’ then I’d put up with it.

    I don’t know if that’s the case now or whether there are other, better options but – either way – I strongly object to the way Ashley has brought the announcement to us.

    This ‘new era’ was the perfect opportunity for Ashley to demonstrate that he’s learned something for his time at the club but it appears he hasn’t and I find that thoroughly depressing. I can only see the relationship between him and the fans becoming more and more strained until he does.

  25. Hugh: Genius post! Hats off to the most balanced poster here. It’s as neat, reasoned and accurate assessment of the situation as I have ever read…I salute you sir!

    Stardust, on the other hand, has obviously left no stone unturned in his attempt to paint the proposed renaming as a positive thing.

    Who on earth would want to put their name to a stadium, rich in history and tradition though it is, that is an integral part of a club that has become a footballing byword for incompetence? What august institution would want an association with a businessman currently under investigation by The Serious Fraud Office? Those with money enough to make a real difference wouldn’t touch us with a barge pole!! How much revenue will it generate anyway? Enough to drown out the laughter of the away fans at “Primark Park”, “The M&S stadium” or “The Mr. Buyright Arena”? Will it be invested in the club or tucked neatly into Ashley’s pocket? All these points are moot….it’s a ridiculous, half baked, PR mans idea that typifies the stupidity which runs through this club, from top to bottom!

    We’ve had our self respect bought and sold so many times over the years what’s one more indignity, eh Stardust. Trust me, the few quid it generates will be as nothing to the future indignities that will be heaped upon us now.

    Hugh, rightly identified the Ashley rhetoric as being identical to the last aborted attempt at a sale; and also the fact that (with no other options being financially suitable) he had little recourse other than to stay. He’ll pour £20m in, not for players, but to cover this seasons shortfall. We’ll struggle along with loans and kids with much talk of “belt tightening” and “cloth cutting”. If, in the event, we are promoted….as the winning goal, in the final match, hits the back of the net the “For Sale” signs will be banged up at an indecent haste, and the whole sorry circus will begin anew.

    Anyone wanting to know what the death of hope sounds like….well, last night it sounded an awful lot like David Craig on Sky Sports news…ever Ashleys gleeful apple-polisher, he positively giggled as he slapped us across the face with this catastrophic news.

    That being said the only right, sensible and sane reaction is to…..swallow what remains of our pride, and put our hearts, hands and voices to the use they were intended for….supporting this team, this club, this city.

    The war is over…..Ashley dropped both “Fat Man” and “Little Boy” on us last night….all we can do now is wait, hope and sing.

  26. “Yes, we probably do disagree there. If the renaming of the stadium was the last resort to ensure the club doesn’t go bust then I’d support it. Sure it’s still an ‘emotional wrench’ but if it’s really a case of ‘needs must’ then I’d put up with it.”

    To be honest though Hugh, rename or bust? I don’t think there is a choice there?

    But isn’t that the point (one you’ve probably made), is this absolutely necessary or just an easy and viable option? Sorry, I’d prefer to look a gifthorse in the mouth on this one. Even if it meant slowing down our progress as a consequence. Not if it heralded the end, but I’d hope that would go without saying.

  27. “and had come back to Ashley with a £60m-£20m upgrade to that, having been led to believe by Ashley that it would be accepted. Ashley however did not accept it and decided to take the club off the market amongst a lot of familiar-sounding rhetoric.”

    Hugh, just because someone writes something in a newspaper somewhere, it doesn’t necassarily mean that it’s true.

  28. Money, money, money….why don’t we just turn SJP into a giant casino and have done with it. No class, no honour, no sense of history, no sense of heritage, no sense of community, no perspective….just a greedy “little” man

  29. What kind of financial mess are we in where re-naming the stadium is being looked at as a source of revenue, anyway?

    East End Toon @ 19….spot on Kidda!

  30. With all the furore going around this morning, I’ve been reminded of the time when the Halls were in charge and we were going to build a new stadium on the town moor and give SJP to the rugby team. Everyone on here must remember that. What did you think about it at the time? Be honest now. Remember Sir John Halls comments about moving the team to Gateshead and building his new super stadium on the grounds of the International Stadium, if the Newcastle City council didn’t approve his planning application?
    It makes the renaming of SJP seem like small beans, doesn’t it?

    I know at the time I was all for the new stadium, built on the town moor, joined by a boulevard to SJP, where they would put the Jackie Milburn statue. And then some old nanna had the cheek to object to us building on a glue sniffers camp and it was all over.

  31. workyticket says: “Hugh, just because someone writes something in a newspaper somewhere, it doesn’t necassarily mean that it’s true.”

    You are correct. I’ve added ‘According to the press’ to the front of that statement for clarity.

  32. Ashley has struggled to fill the corporate boxes (lying to possible purchasers with stories of “WOW” signings), crowds are down, his search for a buyer (twice) conducted in a slipshod, incompetent manner and doomed to failure…how much trouble are we actually in? It wasn’t that long ago claims were being made that he’d reduced our debt to manageable levels? Now it’s all hands to the pumps….sell the silverware (well that’s out), sell the players (not until January)…erm….Oh yeah! Rename the ground!! That’ll work.

    The cold, chubby, fingers of dread creep around our hearts…if the future is Ashley shaped…then there is no future!

  33. Stardust,
    Simply, nobody demanded anything of Ashley, he CHOSE to buy a club with a big name, a high wage bill and a generous revenue, 43,000 people fill the stadium regularly to face (and no disrespect meant) smaller teams like doncaster, regardless of how much money Ashley puts in, he has the money to spend and he CHOSE to spend it on Newcastle – 3 times by my count having taken the club OFF sale twice now, the fans repay him by attending the games, which goes into the club and therefore his pockets, regardless of whatever you claim, your arguments have no base other than to windup, give it up and find a proper pastime, leave the grownups to talk about the football club that we care so much about

  34. EXCELSOR >>>We’ve had our self respect bought and sold so many times over the years what’s one more indignity, eh Stardust. Trust me, the few quid it generates will be as nothing to the future indignities that will be heaped upon us now.<<<< aye exacty what i think

  35. “Micky Toon says:
    October 28, 2009 at 10:34 am”

    Yes Micky, I remember the new stadium being proposed, and feeling great about it! No doubt, had the council not declared the site “an area of outstanding natural beauty” (What the…?) then we’d all be crammed into the, 70,000 seater, Sir John Hall Arena moaning at Ashley!

    The name is not an issue….it’s what it represents. A new stadium, named….”Stardust” (for arguments sake) would represent planning, progress, investment…a future in our future. This, this is a pathetic, morally bankrupt notion dreamed up by Ashley’s Circus of Idiots, that’s unfit for purpose….i.e. papering over the financial morass in which we find ourselves.

  36. “many of our fans are hate filled romantics, no doubt many with inadequacies and frustrations in their every day lives”

    “they simply fire cheap and insulting lines like you just have at me”

    – If you can’t take abuse then don’t dish it out

  37. yous lot are quite rightly getting worked up by ashley changing the name of the stadium. However, dont get worked up by stardust.

    THESE ARE FACTS, ALL TRUE AND SHOULD BE READ BEFORE GETTING WOUND UP BY HIM.

    1. He does not have a season ticket.
    2. He does not go to the match.
    3. He rarely makes it to the bar to watch the away games on tv cos he has to go shopping.
    4. In his early 20s, he used to take turns to go to newcastle matches and yes, sunderland matches.!
    5. He is at home all day so has nothing better to do than wind you’s up with his distorted views.
    6. Everyone of our mutual mates just thinks he’s a d*ck over this subject and don’t even acknowledge his opinions any more.

    In summary you are listening to and getting worked up by a nick griffin / david icke character. He is thriving on the attention you are giving him.
    Please make a concerted effort to ignore him. I have personally told him i wont speak to him about it again and he has took a hissy fit like the little child he is.

    @Excelsior – You wont convince him and the more outrageous ashley becomes the stardust thrives on it. Just ignore him. Pleeeeeeease!

  38. Excelsior – I agree and I stand by your statement of how much financial trouble must we be in for Ashley to be even thinking about selling the stadium naming rights.

    My gut feeling is that we aren’t in dire financial trouble and Ashley is just trying to re-coup the money he’s invested, which he is entitled to do, but it doesn’t make it right.

  39. “Macas says:
    October 28, 2009 at 10:58 am”

    My sentiments exactly Macas! One wonders what sort of “everyday life” Stardust has that would foster has peculiarities?

    Why would he even want to be a part of a group of people he, so clearly, despises?

  40. Tory, everyone knows you and stardust are best mates. You constantly wind each other up on here and on Ed’s blog, just like two mates would do.

  41. “Troy Stavers says:
    October 28, 2009 at 10:58 am”

    Thanks for the heads up, Troy. It’s just so much fun though…

    One day there will be issues, other than Ashley, to occupy our posting hours….hasten that day.

  42. “Micky Toon says:
    October 28, 2009 at 11:00 am”

    Thanks Micky.

    Sometimes people forget…..Ashely is the club! It’s his! Any monies paid in (transfers and wages excepted) he is in effect paying to himself. Likewise any revenues raised are his to do with as he sees fit.

    Question: Does the City Council still own the ground…or does he have that too?

  43. Excelsior says:
    October 28, 2009 at 11:04 am
    “Troy Stavers says:
    October 28, 2009 at 10:58 am”

    Thanks for the heads up, Troy. It’s just so much fun though…
    <<<<< dont be drawn in by troy m8 because i beleive him and stardust are the same person stardust used to post under a wum called billy bunter and wrote near enough the same as troy untill i grassed stardy up :lol:

  44. Again, Who’s advising Ashley?? anybody knows you only give naming rights to a new staduim not an existing one!! I think the fans need to be better organised and create a trust that has a voice on the board rather than writing stuff on bedsheets, because if that had been the case and the fans consulted before the idea made public they would have been give the no-no straight away inhouse, the club is now a soap opera!!!

  45. Stardust Im guessing your argument is that look we will get maybe 60 million for a 5 year sponsership for the staduim and if its a good business deal why not look into? IF Im wrong I do apolpgies

    Since we will be looking for a new shirt sponser what if a large company offered us 20 mil a season for shirt sponserhip if we changed our home shirt to reflect their company colours? How would you feel about that? What if the company was coca a cola and wanted to change to red and white?

  46. @Excelsior

    I appreciate it’s good banter but i’ve been there and you will come to the same conclusion in time.

    It’s not worth discussing it with him cos he is clueless!

    But the best of it is, he isn’t bothered about the club. I would never disclose any identities but all our mates are in agreement, he couldn’t give two hoots about the club. He doesn’t go to the games!!

    His whole motive is, he hates the ordinary fan! He sees himself above them yet has no reason to. I wish I could tell you more about him but that would be over stepping the mark.

    You will get sick of replying to him and question your own sanity why you are doing it. I’ve been there!

  47. Johno Toon – my sentiments exactly. I also said we could relocate and rid ourselves of the ‘hate mob’ he continues to pillory. Stardust either missed it or didn’t want to consider just where he would draw the line. My point wasn’t just at Stardust but at anyone who is willing to accept such a fundmental change to the club.

  48. @batty

    Why would Stardust create two characters called Troy and Billy with the same views?

    Believe me Nora, read above and those are the facts.

  49. @Batty

    What benefit would Stardust be getting by Troy encouraging everyone to ignore him?

    Nora, howay son. Get out your hoose and meet people will yi.

  50. troy 1 minute u say you gan the match with him and the next you say he dudent go to the matches your a bad lyer plus you have mentioned things in the past wot i have only told stardust you and stardust are the same person ive aways sed it and i beleive it

  51. bowburnmag says:
    October 28, 2009 at 11:17 am

    “I also said we could relocate and rid ourselves of the ‘hate mob’ he continues to pillory.”

    That would be a good idea, Bowburn. Ashley could move the stadium somewhere more civilised, like London. Preferably, it should be a short walk from my place.

  52. worky – nee chance. It’s coming to Bowburn if it goes anywhere.

    “somewhere more civilised, like London” – no way am I biting at that……. ;)

  53. Where’s Brain W, this morning? He claimed to know me, so I want to make sure I have his address so I can send him a Christmas card.

    Batty – I don’t think they are the same person, that would be the saddest thing I’ve every witnessed on the Internet. Even sadder then that benny loon spurs fan that posted on Ed’s pretending to be a mag. I do believe they are best mates though and that they post crap about each other just to wind the other person up.
    I mean, who would go to both Sunderland and NUFC matches? Only Phil Brown is stupid enough to do that and look where that got him. He’s the Dale Winton of a PL team that are only just behind us in the farce stakes.

  54. Billy Bunter // Aug 18, 2009 at 7:19 PM

    LADS – just been texted off wor Donna – she said that the big press confrence she is doing was not the one today with Hougten – she is still doing it all now, she has had to stay late. But she doesnt know if its tomorro.

    im so exsited,

    LADS will you all do me a faver if this hapens, will you’s back is coz batty and ryan toon have been nasty to me and bullyin is all summer, they try and be the bigwigs of this blig and bully poeple who come on to be nice and have a bit of crack. thanks lads

    Donna doesnt know what the confrence is about yet tho – hope she finds out and i will tell yous – cheers lads

  55. Ah, but what about the rest of the spelling? A cunning ruse or…..was he just thick?

    Batty: I did wonder what eveyone was cracking on about saying “You killed Billy Bunter”, I thought it best not to ask….in case you are, in fact, a hitman or something…..erm….no offence Hitman!

  56. Troy Stavers // Aug 18, 2009 at 5:53 PM

    @Tel
    @Sohato

    The deal is complete man. Listen in!

    You heard it here first.

    Anyway, I must dash, I’ve got to speak to my sauce! sores! saws! source!!Whateva

  57. excelsor beleive me iam not very good at typing and spelling but a know a wind up wen i see 1 theres 100s of quotes on ed harrisons blog just google them and take a look like i say i know when to stop winding people stardust_troy dusent

  58. @nora

    What was the point in showing that post?

    Whats that got to do with me?

    I’ve asked you what benefit would i gain encouraging others to ignore my other character?

    Did Bunter encourage that?

    Nora, i know Stardust. I’ve explained the truth about him in order to discredit him. Why would stardust do that?

  59. Billy Bunter // Aug 17, 2009 at 2:52 PM

    Aye I aagree ericles, sorry but i am not the most celver bloke, but I have a job and I have enough to get buy and by a few beers – sorry.

    toon toon

  60. @Excelsior

    Stardust’s other character was Billy Bunter the bin man. He used him during the large speculation over who was the next manager. He deliberately made spelling mistakes to come across as thick.

    Nora couldn’t spot the spelling mistakes and was therefore taken in.

  61. Troy Stavers says:
    October 28, 2009 at 11:58 am
    @Excelsior

    Stardust’s other character was Billy Bunter the bin man. He used him during the large speculation over who was the next manager. He deliberately made spelling mistakes to come across as thick.

    Nora couldn’t spot the spelling mistakes and was therefore taken in.
    <<<< well how come i grassed if i was taken in startroy

  62. @Nora

    i’ll take that as a bite!!

    Nora, answer the question. What benefit would I get by encouraging others to ignore Stardust if I was Stardust.?

    What kind of wind up is that?

    You really must get out more.

  63. startroy read post 69 and as for i take that as a bite how many times has stardust wrote that on this blog

  64. Troy Stavers says:
    October 28, 2009 at 12:10 pm
    @Nora

    i’ll take that as a bite!!
    <<<<it not stardy vs batty now oh you do forget yourself some times dont you funny how stardust has gone missing he must be busy i suppose :lol:

  65. workyticket says:
    October 28, 2009 at 12:14 pm
    If I were Mike Ashley, I would probably try to open talks with someone like ‘Anusol’ or ‘Vagisil’ over the stadium naming rights
    <<<< aye and put a big piture of mike ashley next to it :lol:

  66. Seems like we’re not the only “Pain in the A**e” Big Mike has to suffer. Here’s a little nugget from The Independent:

    “Sports Direct, the retailer owned by Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley, will go to court to fight for its 28.5 per cent stake in outdoor goods company Blacks Leisure, continuing an ongoing dispute with administrators Ernst & Young.

    Ashley announced yesterday that Newcastle United, the English Premier League soccer club he owns, is off the market, and plans to sell the naming rights to the club’s famous St James’ Park stadium. However, the furore over that is just one of the situations currently on the businessman’s plate.

    ‘The row has been rumbling since KSF – the UK arm of failed Icelandic bank Kaupthing – collapsed last October, taking Sports Direct’s holdings of 28.5 per cent of the voting rights in Blacks and 11.9 per cent of JD Sports with it,’ reports The Independent newspaper, adding: ‘Because the purchases were financed and held by KSF, Ernst & Young maintains that they belong to it, as administrator, and the company said yesterday it is seeking a court ruling on ownership of the shares.’

    Ashley puts Newcastle United stadium naming rights up for sale
    “Sports Direct is in the process of taking an action against Kaupthing Singer & Friedlander and its administrators, Ernst & Young,” said a statement from Sports Direct. “Those parties are aware of our determination to protect and vindicate our legal rights and the situation remains ongoing.”

    ‘Sports Direct, which is 71 per cent owned by Mr Ashley, has already written off £53m in relation to the holdings, taking its profits for the year to April down to just £11m, from £119m the year before,’ notes The Independent.”

    What with this and the Serious Fraud Office, Mikes dance card is going to be chock-a-bloc for a while. Altogether now…..aaaaawwwwwwwwww!

  67. Hmm, would it be too much of a stretch to surmise that money raised from NUFC may go to support Ashleys other business interests?

  68. MT, it isn’t something he can do on a whim. There are accounts that need to be in order and audits to pass.

    The easiest way he would have of taking money out of the club would probably be for the club to make a payment on the £110m he loaned it, although of course he wouldn’t be ‘profiting’ as such from that.

  69. Stardust deliberately made spelling mistakes to [make Billy Bunter] come across as thick. There’s no need to make spelling mistakes for Stardust to look thick!

  70. Whatever happens with the renaming of stands, stadiums or even the Tyne Bridge, if we get promoted and want to stay even mid table next season, Ashley will have to spend a hell of a lot more money than £20m. Our current squad would make last seasons look good and we risk serious embarrassment if we go up and do not spend big time – and I don’t mean trophy signings. I’d say we will need about 10 £5m+ players brought in if we go up.

  71. Do the accounts of St. James Park Holdings (a private company) have to be made public, to anyone other than Companies House? I wouldn’t put ANYTHING past Ashley and his mob.

    He may well see the club as a four legged, bovine item to be milked in order to substantiate his, rapidly dwindling, business empire? Erm…allegedly!

    Will “St. James Park Holdings” now become “Aldi Holdings” or “Liddel Holdings” or “Iceland Holdings”….can’t do that last one as backing Iceland got him in trouble in the first place.

    Doesn’t your heart just bleed for him….in between the laughs, of course.

  72. “Do the accounts of St. James Park Holdings (a private company) have to be made public, to anyone other than Companies House? I wouldn’t put ANYTHING past Ashley and his mob.”

    Excelsior – LTD CO’s accounts are public documents that can be bought for £1 online.

  73. Excelsior,

    It’s called ‘St James Holdings Limited’. The accounts are published annually and are available from Companies House. As Stardust says, they cost a pound.

  74. IF you want Ashley to compromise by making the investments you want into our club then we as fans should also be prepared and willing to make a compromise too.

    We sit in the comfort of our homes while Ashley makes the big financial risks, we demand he makes greater risks and yet we do not give him the liberty to engineer the means by which to raise the finances for which we call.

    We should support it not denigrate it. We should propose means by which to raise finance and not simply oppose.

  75. Michael12 – can I ask you this? Pragmatism aside for a moment. At what point do you become emotionally involved with NUFC? And when in your eyes will Ashley have crossed the line?

    When we’re wearing red and white and going by the name of WhateverYouWantToBeCalledAsLongAsYouSHowUsTheMoney United FC?

  76. BBM – the very same people complaining at this were the ones wanting more signings – cant you see their position is fanciful and duplicitous?

    Both Michael and I were advocating a long term plan, yet when the ability is there to generate free cash from an owned asset for investment – you take it.

    The counter side said Ashley should grow quickly, sign players and pay for everything from his own pocket.

    Yes pragmatic we are, these are easy decisions, as many have said, the gallowgate is still the Gallowgate, the Leazes the Leazes etc, St James will be no different to us – its simply an easy practical solution that changes very little but creates huge benefit.

  77. im pretty sure michael 12 is stardust coz if i remember correctly (thouh i could be wrong) stardust has stated a few timeshow much he rates rvn

  78. “And Hill’s make Tesco the most likely sponsor’s name to be added to the ground name, quoting the supermarket chain at 16/1, and also offering:
    Northern Rock 20/1
    Sports Direct 25/1
    Greggs 33/1
    Newcastle Brown 33/1
    NE Tourist 50/1
    Newcastle Building Society 50/1
    Compare The Meerkat/Market 66/1
    Tony Blair 100/1
    Cheryl Cole 100/1
    UK Coal 100/1
    Paul Gascoigne Stadium 500/1
    Ant & Dec 1000/1
    (others on request)”

    http://www.williamhillmedia.com/index_template.asp?file=13350

  79. Just new to this site.

    Seems a bit heated.

    I have inside knowledge that Ashley intends to put everything up for sponsor including changing the colours of the home strip.

    He is in talks with “Orange Communications”.

    He is seeking legal advice regarding it at the moment as Newcastle Council are aware of it and are arguing that they will contest it if he goes ahead, as it is now starting to affect the status of the city and Orange strips would be the last straw.

  80. Troy @41

    You used the phrase “hissy fit” when describing Stardust…

    Apart from shirtlifters – the only other peron I’ve come across who uses this phrase is Stardust …..

    Maybe Batty is right!!

  81. summerof69 says:
    October 28, 2009 at 2:04 pm

    “im pretty sure michael 12 is stardust coz if i remember correctly (thouh i could be wrong) stardust has stated a few timeshow much he rates rvn”

    69, he isn’t. UTD111 does that alot in an effort to discredit people he disagrees with.

  82. Stardust Michael12

    I do agree that the club needs to be run in a sesible way and within its mean and I think 20 mil from ashley plus the revenue the club makes ( more so when we were in the top flight ) and ashleys policy of improving our youth system would be perfect for making us succesful long term. Ashleys problem was he listened to the wrong people but what he wanted to do sounds perfect to me.

    But selling the name of the staduim is a bad idea, as I asked before what if cocacola offered us a shed load of money to chnage from black and white to red and white how would you feel about that?

  83. Stardust – why do you continue to lump everyone in together? I treat you and Michael12 as two very different posters, despite my suspicions ;)

    Even if we dislike and distrust the board, we are not by virtue all advocates of ‘trophy signings and over-spending’. And I mean many more than just myself. I’m talking more learned and articulate people than myself as good representatives of non-Ashley sympathisers.

    However, again I ask (both of you), at what point do you draw the line? When does Newcastle United stop being the Newcastle United we love? Could you not just as obtusely suggest that we’ll always play in black and white at heart, in spite of those lads running around in the yellow home strip on the park, just because the price was right?

  84. Er, how is Mike Ashley compromising by making investments into NUFC?
    Ashley doesn’t seem to be the type of person who even knows what compromise means. He compromises over nothing, it’s always been his way or the highway. Have we all forgotten the statement made that he will control all the players coming in and leaving SJP (how much longer will I be able to type that I wonder?)
    Ashley is in way over his head and he knows it, he just won’t admit it. He is trying to dig his way out, but everything he tries just fails at every step. He is clueless.

    I’m off up to SJP now with a van load of bedsheets and some tins of paint. If I sell a sheet at £10 a pop and some paint and a brush at £5 a pop I should make some decent pocket money over the weekend. ;-)

  85. workyticket says:
    October 28, 2009 at 2:08 pm
    summerof69 says:
    October 28, 2009 at 2:04 pm

    “im pretty sure michael 12 is stardust coz if i remember correctly (thouh i could be wrong) stardust has stated a few timeshow much he rates rvn”

    69, he isn’t. UTD111 does that all the time in an effort to discredit people he disagrees with.
    ———————————————-

    “all the time” Worky?? Do I really??
    Rubbish!! and you know it……

  86. “And Hill’s make Tesco the most likely sponsor’s name to be added to the ground name, quoting the supermarket chain at 16/1, and also offering:
    Northern Rock 20/1
    Sports Direct 25/1
    Greggs 33/1
    Newcastle Brown 33/1
    NE Tourist 50/1
    Newcastle Building Society 50/1
    Compare The Meerkat/Market 66/1
    Tony Blair 100/1
    Cheryl Cole 100/1
    UK Coal 100/1
    Paul Gascoigne Stadium 500/1
    Ant & Dec 1000/1
    (others on request)”

    has any one ever noticed that when ever there is betting for our new manager or what ever ant and dec always seem to be 1000-1 in the runnings

  87. UTD111 says:
    October 28, 2009 at 1:59 pm
    Michael12 has all the markings of another Stardust creation. Hmmm…..
    <<<< AND THATS GONE TROUGH MY MIND M8

  88. @UTD 111

    I’ve told you you chimp. I know Stardust and he uses that word all the time. He uses it in his posts. He uses it everyday language.

    I’m getting back at him by using his “sayings”.

  89. Troy Stavers says:
    October 28, 2009 at 12:10 pm
    @Nora

    i’ll take that as a bite!!
    <<< one of stars sayings

  90. Hugh, what business person would try as a ‘last resort’ to drum up business & sell rights by telling all & sundry that ‘we need the cash’-that’s a dumb plan if ever i heard one.
    No-one in their right mind would enter into such a scenario, let alone invest in a dying biz.
    Good write up other than that though.

  91. I wonder if he’ll get any interest? I might e-mail him with an offer of £50 to name it after my daughter. If he can agree by tomorrow morning it would make a canny 1st birthday present for her. :-)

  92. Bobby Shinton number 9 says:
    October 28, 2009 at 2:14 pm
    @UTD 111

    I’ve told you you chimp. I know Stardust and he uses that word all the time. He uses it in his posts. He uses it everyday language.

    I’m getting back at him by using his “sayings”.
    <<<<< stardust disapears and in comes bobbbyyyy

  93. No i’m Stardust.

    I come under many guises.

    woo hooo hoo hooo hooo hoo

    I could be Michael 12

    keep guessing gooses

  94. UTD111 says:
    October 28, 2009 at 2:15 pm
    Bobby Shinton…..is that you Troy LOL
    <<<< no its billytroystar

  95. UTD111 says:
    October 28, 2009 at 2:11 pm

    “all the time” Worky?? Do I really??
    Rubbish!! and you know it……”

    UTD111, batty and Stardust have been playing you like a violin for quite a while now.

  96. Thats the 2nd time you’ve said something about me then edited it when challenged Worky…..

    Still, credit where credit’s due…..although an apology would have been canny as well….:)

  97. Utd111, you don’t seem like the type to ‘come across’ shirtlifters & Stardust mate. Please tell us that was a typo, slip of the ‘proverbial’.
    ;)

  98. workyticket says:
    October 28, 2009 at 2:18 pm
    UTD111 says:
    October 28, 2009 at 2:11 pm

    “all the time” Worky?? Do I really??
    Rubbish!! and you know it……”

    UTD111, batty and Stardust have been playing you like a violin for quite a while now
    ———————————–

    Doubt it Worky – I largely ignore anything Stardust (in his many guises) spouts….

    So he’d have a hard job mate

  99. Oh dear, Troy, Stardust, which ever one of you is bobby shinton, you’ve really messed up there. I never understand why so called grown ups want to pretend to be someone else? More cod psychology.

    Yes, you really had everyone going with the Ashley is in talks with Orange communications bull.

  100. NUFC.com pretty much summed it up nicely;

    Statement III:
    The final insult

    The statement concludes:

    Newcastle United now aims to move forward on and off the pitch. The Club aims to maximise its commercial revenues; this includes renegotiating its Club sponsor and kit deal, which expire at the end of this season, as well as welcoming offers for the stadium naming rights for next season.

    The NUFC.com guide to “maximising commercial revenues”:

    Don’t get involved in ludicrous ego-driven court cases or listen to wise men who advise spending large sums on unwanted players given outrageous contracts, or loaning crocks as favours to agents.

    Don’t treat fans like idiots by alternating between a) ignoring them, b) lying to them, c) patronising them.

    Don’t attempt to run a football club on the old boy network by bringing in cheap and cheerful yes men.

    Don’t attempt to run a football club removing competent and loyal staff, running it on a shoestring and giving others the power to make decisions outside their expertise.

    Do appoint credible staff to key off-field roles, with a proven track record in running top-flight football clubs.

    Do put a product on the pitch capable of remaining in the top flight domestically and challenging for European qualification. See upsurge in corporate/season/ matchday ticket sales and merchandise sales. Sell club for profit

  101. Who the **** is Bobby Shinton number 9!!

    I don’t appreciate anyone trying to impersonate me.

  102. CLiNT FLiCK says:
    October 28, 2009 at 2:23 pm
    Wasn’t bobby shinton a big no. 2?

    What a big turd or a right back?

  103. Bobby Shinton was a forward – we signed him from Wrexham, as I recall. He was like a muscular Alan Shoulder with a big nose.

    Wasn’t much good though……

  104. UTD111 says:
    October 28, 2009 at 2:18 pm

    “Thats the 2nd time you’ve said something about me then edited it when challenged Worky”

    Nice try.

  105. It’s probably just as well we have someone like Ashley in charge, doing what he does best or should that be worst? Otherwise we’d have nothing to talk about on here!

    Perhaps MA has some kind of deal where he gets a quid for every time his name is mentioned or something?

  106. workyticket says:
    October 28, 2009 at 2:24 pm
    batty and Stardust are Ant ‘n’ Dec really.
    <<<< and ur simon cowell but come on worky even u have thought troystar are the same person

  107. Worky – can you not verify for me that I am the only one posting from my computer?

    I have only ever used BB as a laugh – Troy is a wind up merchant and my friend.

    He will say anything to discredit me and he has done on this thread to the point now no one knows whats going on – its like Eds blog!

  108. “a lot” “all the time”

    “potatoes” “patartos”

    Let’s call the whole thing off. :)

    Sorry, forgot the smiley face.

  109. Even after this latest momentous announcement, we’re still left with the huge problem that was there before….

    ie Ashley hasn’t a clue how to run a football club, and has not put any measures in place to address the weaknesses that have been there throughout his tenure. A good start would be to appoint an experienced football administrator as chairman – with the freedom to make the decisions which are necessary. Another good move would be to employ communications/PR professionals to handle the interface with externals – primarily the media and the fans.

  110. bowburnmag says:
    October 28, 2009 at 2:35 pm
    “a lot” “all the time”

    “potatoes” “patartos”

    Let’s call the whole thing off.

    —————————-

    No prob BBM.
    My point was – it was edited/altered when I challenged it. Why do so?

    Never mind………..

  111. Stardust says:
    October 28, 2009 at 2:35 pm
    Worky – can you not verify for me that I am the only one posting from my computer?
    <<< so u only have 1 computer

  112. batty says:
    October 28, 2009 at 2:29 pm

    “worky post 112 is that u”

    Nope, I know who it is though.

    Stardust says:
    October 28, 2009 at 2:35 pm

    “Worky – can you not verify for me that I am the only one posting from my computer?”

    Stardust, I’ve seen no evidence whatsoever to suggest that you’ve been involved in any subterfuge on this site.

    The people who have are… :-)

  113. UTD111 – I was sort of sticking up for you whilst trying not to incur the wrath of worky. I’ve now probably failed miserably ;)

  114. Seriously, That video was taken in cypress 3 year ago. thats me on the right and Stardust on the left.

    We used to sit and wait for her coming past every morning and my mate realised how much Stardust sucked his gut in .

    He sat on the other table reading a paper and we never saw him. He took this video, probably one of the greatest moments of all time but shows the stamp of Dusty.

  115. UTD111 – dont think I have ever agreed with you before – but I agree with 141 in its entirety

  116. Thanks you Stardust @ 155

    Well if Troy can show videos in here….I think we should be able to tell jokes too….

    An Asian man walks into a New York Currency Exchange with 2000 yen. He receives $72.00 in American currency. The following week, the same Asian man walks into the same currency exchange. He again exchanges 2000 yen. This time, he receives $66.00 in American currency. The Asian man doesn’t understand why he received less money, so he asks the clerk, “Why less money when same 2000 yen”

    The clerk replies, “Fluctuations.”

    As the Asian man prepares to leave, he turns, looks at the clerk and angrily says, “Fluck you Amelicans, too!”

  117. The, much vaunted, £20m investment is exactly the same amount as this seasons projected losses….coincidence? Probably not.

    People have NOT been clamoring for massive investment, trophy signings or luxury toilet paper in the loos. Merely for common sense, a long-term plan and a future in our future. Any attempt to say otherwise is just mischief-making.

    However many alter-ego’s, ghost-posters or Mackem’s (unlikely, I know) there are skulking around on here it does not deflect from the fact that:

    (A) We are in bother!

    (B) Ashley put us there!

    (C) The only thing Mike Ashley has a long term commitment to is….MIke Ashley.

    To celebrate Ashley for doing what he promised he’d do anyway (way back when) is a indicator of just how far we’ve fallen.

    Anyone care to put a figure on how much renaming the stadium would generate?

    I found this on Business Wire: “Wasserman Media Group’s WMG Marketing has secured nearly $2 billion in revenue through the representation of the most renowned sports and entertainment properties in the world. Recently, the group secured $180 million for London-based Arsenal FC through the Emirates Stadium and shirt sponsorship.”

    That was over a 10 year period for a hugely successful Premiership football team in the Capital city. $18m per year (£12m approx.)…..not bad! No wonder chubby is rubbing his hands! It’s worth bearing in mind that this deal was negotiated pre-Credit Crunch.

    How much do you think we’d get per year, on a sliding scale? Remember the sponsors in question would have to commit to both shirts and stadia for the figures to compare. Should anyone be interested, I reckon £5m per year all in. Enough for one half decent player or Mike Ashley’s annual Pie bill.

    Something worth considering: for teams outside the Premier League more than one shirt sponsor is permissible (citation needed), so we could see a Crystal Palace situation where every spare inch of shirt is festooned with logo’s. Just an idea, Mike!

  118. UTD111 says:
    October 28, 2009 at 2:39 pm

    “My point was – it was edited/altered when I challenged it. Why do so?”

    No I didn’t UTD111. I made a couple of alterations a few seconds after I wrote it as I noticed a mistake. The whole thing took around 40 seconds in total. You didn’t challange me until after that. Also, I haven’t done it twice as you write.

  119. I really don’t see the major issue with re-naming the stadium, providing the money generated goes on buying better players. We all want a good team.

    It does appear tough that Ashley still hasn’t grasped the idea of good PR. He seems to have a monoploy on PR cock up’s!

    If I had any advice for him it would be:

    1, Relief Derek Llambias of his duties

    2, Do a article in the local press and matchday programme outlining his vision for the club.

    3, Show his committment to getting promoted and future success by investing on the transfer market in January.

    He must improve the communication and try and repair the severed ties between club and fans.

  120. Recently, the group secured $180 million for London-based Arsenal FC through the Emirates Stadium and shirt sponsorship.”

    “That was over a 10 year period for a hugely successful Premiership football team in the Capital city. $18m per year (£12m approx.)…..not bad! No wonder chubby is rubbing his hands! It’s worth bearing in mind that this deal was negotiated pre-Credit Crunch.”

    Excelsior, Emirates have naming rights on Ashburton Grove for fifteen years, not ten as you state, and the figure was approximately £100 million. This equates to roughly £6.66 million recurring per annum, not £12 million.

  121. workyticket says:
    October 28, 2009 at 3:22 pm
    UTD111 says:
    October 28, 2009 at 2:39 pm

    “My point was – it was edited/altered when I challenged it. Why do so?”

    No I didn’t UTD111. I made a couple of alterations a few seconds after I wrote it as I noticed a mistake. The whole thing took around 40 seconds in total. You didn’t challange me until after that. Also, I haven’t done it twice as you write.

    ——————————————–

    Worky – you did the same thing a week or two ago, but really, I’m not going to trawl back through the postings on here to prove it. It really isn’t a major issue for me – you must run your blog as you see fit.

  122. Right now I completely don’t care about the debt he paid off.

    I never thought it was possible to want Shepherd and the Halls back this much. :|

  123. Stu79 – I’m a bit surprised by your stance, I’d honestly be devastated if they changed the name.

    Four things make the club what is to me – the name Newcastle United, the black and white stripes, St James’ Park and my memories.

    Without any of that, it wouldn’t mean the same to me anymore. Cliched or not, that’s how it is for me.

    It may be inevitable one day for practical or safety reasons to relocate and rename a stadium, but just to make money? No thanks.

  124. UTD111 says:
    October 28, 2009 at 3:35 pm

    “Worky – you did the same thing a week or two ago, but really, I’m not going to trawl back through the postings on here to prove it.”

    UTD111, of course you aren’t, because it was just rhetoric.

  125. Worky – An imposter is on the site – Someone MUST be posting at 160 as Stuart 79 – as I agree wholeheartedly with him.(and a few of his recent posts have been balanced too)

    Off to the doctors for a check up – this cant be right.

  126. “Excelsior, Emirates have naming rights on Ashburton Grove for fifteen years, not ten as you state, and the figure was approximately £100 million. This equates to roughly £6.66 million recurring per annum, not £12 million.”

    Yes, M’lud!

    Thanks Worky, I was working from figures posted on Business Line that were obviously inaccurate. I didn’t cross check them, sorry. Although the site said $180m for both naming rights and SHIRT SPONSORSHIP, still I bow to your intelligence gathering skills, such as they are.

    So, if Arsenal are getting £6.66m (per annum) for naming rights….what might we expect? £1.5m, £2m? Hardly a kings ransom is it? How much is enough to make us a bigger laughing stock than we already are? Even if it’s £3m, who’s going to pay that sort of money to be associated with a clown like Ashley? Who’s going to want to be associated with someone currently under investigation by The Serious Fraud Office?

    What company would put it’s name to a stadium, belonging to a club, the running of which, has become a byword for incompetence?

    Answers on a postcard please to: Mike Ashley c/o Poundstretcher Park, Barrack Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne!

  127. Stardust @ 166 or maybe you’re just recognising that ‘your opposition’ aren’t, in fact, stupid or mob-like but are just more indignant about events at St James’??

    Howay, you still haven’t answered the question, when would you say enough is enough, we don’t need the money that badly? I want to see if you have more than a heart of stone ‘dusty old pal?

  128. bowburnmag says:
    October 28, 2009 at 3:42 pm

    “Stu79 – I’m a bit surprised by your stance, I’d honestly be devastated if they changed the name.”

    Aye Bowburn, but would you still go if they renamed it the ‘Anusol Stadium’, and relocated it somewhere like Houghton le Spring?

    Stardust, you agreed with UTD111 as well. I couldn’t beleive what I was reading!

  129. If Arsenal or getting 6.6 for theres think you could be right excelsior that the most we would get be 3 mil a year , think ashley will need to ask himself is that jucie worth the squeeze?

  130. BBM – thats too ambiguous – I would have to weigh each opportunity up and decide acordingly.

  131. Please tell me no one is buying into that “Mike Ashley is totally committed to the future success of Newcastle United and will be focused on gaining promotion back to the Premier League.” line? As Hugh correctly said in his article:

    “The rhetoric sounds familiar because it’s pretty much what he said the last time he took the club off the market. He stressed his commitment to the future of Newcastle United then too and he put some money into the club, but then we were relegated and the club was up for sale once again.”

    The part about promotion will be accurate, perhaps, as it would allow him to come up with some other, ludicrous, figure to charge prospective buyers at the end of the season.

  132. Good point Johno. Enough reactionary fans could easily cost the club £3m/year – I suppose it depends on his assessment of how the fans will ultimately react to it.

  133. Stardust agrees with me? I change my stance! lol

    Look, all I want it someone to invest in the players. That is why we all go to watch. I don’t change my stance on Ashley’s record in the transfer windows – It’s been p1ss poor and a major reason we are were we are.

    For instance this £20m he’s putting in. I don’t think much will go on players when we need it too.

    I will reserve judgment on Ashley until Febuary 1st 2010. We will know by then if he is committed to us getting back in the PL.

    Although I do doubt his long term commitment.

  134. Excelsior says:
    October 28, 2009 at 4:04 pm
    Please tell me no one is buying into that “Mike Ashley is totally committed to the future success of Newcastle United and will be focused on gaining promotion back to the Premier League.” line? As Hugh correctly said in his article:

    “The rhetoric sounds familiar because it’s pretty much what he said the last time he took the club off the market. He stressed his commitment to the future of Newcastle United then too and he put some money into the club, but then we were relegated and the club was up for sale once again.”

    The part about promotion will be accurate, perhaps, as it would allow him to come up with some other, ludicrous, figure to charge prospective buyers at the end of the season.

    That had crossed my mind. He said he was going to work hard to help Kinnear bring players in during the window. We sold Given and Nzogbia and got Taylor and Nolan.

    We shall see 01/02/10 – My judgment day

  135. Stu79 – we all be resigned to this ultimately –

    “I will reserve judgment on Ashley until Febuary 1st 2010. We will know by then if he is committed to us getting back in the PL.”

    But how many times have you heard yourself say this or seen yourself type this? Save for the specific dates and the quest in hand, i.e. ‘take us forward’, ‘save us from the drop’, ‘take us back up’?

    It’s hard to be optimistic? I thought you of all people would recognise where that £20m is likely to go in reality?

  136. “Aye Bowburn, but would you still go if they renamed it the ‘Anusol Stadium’, and relocated it somewhere like Houghton le Spring?”

    Nah, that’s where S********d reserves play isn’t it? They give out free samples to all the ar*eholes who go to watch?

  137. Excelsior says:
    October 28, 2009 at 3:51 pm

    “Thanks Worky, I was working from figures posted on Business Line that were obviously inaccurate. I didn’t cross check them, sorry. Although the site said $180m for both naming rights and SHIRT SPONSORSHIP, still I bow to your intelligence gathering skills, such as they are.”

    That’s correct Excelsior. The shirt sponsorship deal only lasts for eight years though, not fifteen.

  138. bowburnmag says:
    October 28, 2009 at 4:10 pm

    BBM,

    You mis-understand me.

    I am NOT optimistic at all. I have heard it all before, my feeling is that the £20m will go to the running costs of the club plus the overdraft.

    I just think there’s nothing else we can do. I don’t see a future with him but what’s the alternative?

  139. But no of course you’re right, which is what I was saying, we’ll all be resigned to it eventually.

    I just thought you would kick up more of a fuss than that? ;)

  140. “That’s correct Excelsior. The shirt sponsorship deal only lasts for eight years though, not fifteen.”

    You wouldn’t care to share your source with me would you, Worky?

  141. “You wouldn’t care to share your source with me would you, Worky?”

    It’s a bit early for drinking?

    Ah feckit, pour me one too. It’s been a hard 24 hrs.

  142. So, really it’s a case of same old crap as last season, just a different league and a different blog to moan on.

    I don’t have any deadline dates for Ashley to prove himself. I’ve learned by my mistake.

  143. Excelsior says:
    October 28, 2009 at 4:27 pm

    “You wouldn’t care to share your source with me would you, Worky?”

    Several different news sources from 2004, Excelsior. But I’m sure it will still be all over the place.

  144. “BBM – thats too ambiguous – I would have to weigh each opportunity up and decide acordingly.”

    What about if we were given £10m a season to change our name indefinitely to something obscurely sponsorship-related? And the deal could be done immediately?

    What if they’d give us £10m a season to play in yellow stripes and do away entirely with the black and white?

    When do you feel connected to your football club? Is it when you analyse the off-field business shenanigans or when those 11 players run out onto the park at St James’ Park, like they have done for over a century?

  145. Bowburnmag: I’m with you on the “Historic” aspect, by the way. It’s just symptomatic of Ashley’s overall lack of knowledge of, and respect for, the club in general.

    It’s this Laissez-faire attitude that’s left us in the state we’re in now. Ashley seems hell-bent on letting the chips fall where they may, and then reacting to the consequences. Still what can you expect from an inveterate gambler like Mike.

    It’s knuckle-headed ideas like this that fuel those who would brand us a laughing stock.

  146. Sorry should read……

    When do you feel connected to your football club? Is it when you analyse the off-field business shenanigans or when those 11 players run out in black and white onto the park at St James’ Park, like they have done for over a century?

  147. worky – I thought I’d leave them until tomorrow. Let things die down a tad. Everyone’s focus is off the pitch again, understandably so.

  148. workyticket says:
    October 28, 2009 at 3:43 pm
    UTD111 says:
    October 28, 2009 at 3:35 pm

    “Worky – you did the same thing a week or two ago, but really, I’m not going to trawl back through the postings on here to prove it.”

    UTD111, of course you aren’t, because it was just rhetoric.

    ——————————————–

    Sorry Worky – even though this is not a major isuue for me, I can’t let you get away with that…..

    You DID say something pretty nasty about me a week or so ago (3 phrases), then subsequently edited it (down to one phrase) to tone it down. That’s not rhetoric mate, that’s fact. I was there and it was about me!!!!!

    It does raise a question about the blog though – are we all able to edit and amend postings we make on here (most forums allow this) – or is this the premise of the blog owner(s)?

    If we can edit our postings, I’d be grateful for some guidance on how to do this?

  149. “bowburnmag says:
    October 28, 2009 at 4:39 pm”

    Good point BBM! Let’s ask Wimbledon fans how connected they feel to the MK Dons? It’s still their team, right? Only they’ve been hijacked, made over and dumped in Milton Keynes, all in the name of finance. The stadium name could be the thin end of the wedge for us!

    Who knows what malicious nonsense could be perpetrated on our club, in the name of generating revenue?

  150. bowburnmag says:
    October 28, 2009 at 4:50 pm

    “worky – I thought I’d leave them until tomorrow. Let things die down a tad. Everyone’s focus is off the pitch again, understandably so.”

    I give up.

  151. @BBM post 86: There have been many occasions when I have condemned Ashley both on the this and the .com counterpart. He crossed the line by appointing Keegan, Shearer, putting the club up for sale after Keegan walked, listening to the fans too much and drinking that pint so irresponsibly in public.

    Can you agree with me that the Club needs further investment? Consensus would agree. Ashley has not made secret the fact that he has made losses in his other business endeavors and the club has been on sale for months without a concrete bid being made when Portsmouth was sold twice in 3 months.

    Considering our aspirations and keeping in mind our plight we should agree that compromises have to be made. There is no one silver bullet solution from which we can get the finances we need and at the same time make no compromises in doing so. No pain no gain.

    Pragmatism aside, at every stage I have invested my emotions into the club, the difference between myself and the many fans is that I have mine under control.

    As I said in a previous thread, Our aspirations of success and those of Ashley’s goal of ultimate profit are congruent. First we must be successful to be very profitable.

    I will be interested to know what proposals those so quick in condemnation have to raise finances they know we need. What is funny is that these same people wanted Keegan to get his £25m from the club and made no secret of their delight when he won and Newcastle lost money. Did they not know there were consequences for Keegan having won?

  152. UTD111 says:
    October 28, 2009 at 4:52 pm

    “You DID say something pretty nasty about me a week or so ago (3 phrases), then subsequently edited it (down to one phrase) to tone it down. That’s not rhetoric mate, that’s fact. I was there and it was about me!!!!!”

    UTD111, It seems I didn’t make any comments at all about you around a week ago apart from this, posted at 4.39pm on 20th October:

    UTD111 says:
    October 20, 2009 at 4:06 pm

    “I hope you get the opportunity one day to call Sir Kevin or Sir Alan “cowards” to their face….I for one would want a ringside seat…”

    Big Al’s pretty handy with his crafty elbows and his kicks in the heed like. I reckon Kev’d gan doon in one then sue for £100 million though.”

    Is this the one you meant?

  153. Michael12 – Come on???? Ashley fcks up and we have to foot the bill by losing the treasured name of our ground?

    And you think that’s OK?

    I know you’re not necessarily talking about me, but I believe I have my emotions in check. I just feel very strongly about certain things to do with NUFC. And there are certain things we should not lose sight of in our quest to get back into the top flight.

    As I put to Stardust earlier – When do you feel connected to your football club? Is it when you analyse the off-field business shenanigans or when those 11 players run out in black and white onto the park at St James’ Park, like they have done for over a century?

    If you start to take away those things, we will lose everything we have become attached to and grown to love.

  154. BBM 191 – Very good question BBM.

    Without a solid foundation there is nothing, managers, players come and go – but the football club must prevail. For the club to prevail over the decades it has to have a strong financial underpinning (something the Shepherds and Halls removed)

    Without a football team and entertainment there is nothing. I connect with players and the team when I see honest skill and effort, endeavour and a team working together with skill and understanding.

    In short BBM – both are inextricably linked. One can not dissociate itself from the other – both need to be successful for the club to be successful – without being condescending – thats something everyone (players, managers, employees, owners and fans) needs to remember.

  155. At the risk of provoking the wrath of “reasonable posters” (Ashley apologists) on here….I thought I’d share this with you.

    Lot’s of hurt, and anger, here today… understandably so. Ashley dropped the big one last night, and wiped out all our meagre hopes in one “Foul” swoop.

    Every fibre of our being cries out for retribution! Over the last two years we’ve been battered from pillar to post, by one ludicrous story after another. Our loyalty to the team, the club, is despised, and openly ridiculed, by the fat moronic b*****d that owns us….but, here’s the thing. It’s OUR loyalty, OURS…it belongs to us not him! It should be the one thing he cannot pollute and destroy! The one shining beacon around which we can all gather. The LAST thing that he can grind out of us with his relentless stupidity!

    And if it is all that is left to us…then let’s use it wisely. Let us lift up our hearts, souls and voices! Let us tear down the Sun, and blot out the stars, in our efforts to cheer this team to promotion.

    Far from organising boycotts, staging angry protests for the goggling masses at Sky Sports news and weeping/wringing our hands in abject torment: let us instead show the world what it means to be a true Geordie! Stoicism, and courage, in the face of unbearable provocation, against impossible odds.

    Let us carry this team to the Championship title; because that, brothers and sisters is the ONLY thing that will persuade this poisonous T**T to sell up and leave! For that reason alone it will be worth swallowing, what remains of our pride. For that reason alone it will be worth every suffering second, of every blighted minute, in every fretted hour that will comprise the trial that, undoubtedly, lies ahead for all of us.

  156. Stardust – of course I know that, I almost wrote your entire last paragraph myself!!!

    What I’m trying to say, is that how desperate are we to lose everything that we should hold dear for an easy few million? You advocate not rushing things and being patient.

    Surely you can see that most of us agree with this and by virtue, selling our soul is not necessary? A good businessman does not need to sell the soul of this club. It is brimming with ambition and opportunity.

    Just please let’s not lose the essence of the club?

  157. “bowburnmag says:
    October 28, 2009 at 5:31 pm”

    Fear not BBM! Should we attain promotion Ashley will be long gone before any renaming, of anything, hoves into into view.

  158. The soul is still there BBM – its just it is ridden on roughshod from time to time by a blundering board.

    It always comes back to communication, educate the fans and they will understand, act like a bull in a china shop and all you have is smashed plates.

  159. Reet, I’m off for an Amstel at the station and away hyem.

    Not all bad news this week. They’ve made me a ‘permy’ after my 3 month contract.

    That doesn’t mean I look Craig Johnston……..

  160. More words of wisdom Stardust !
    Are you going to answer the question :-
    “Do you have a season ticket ?”

  161. Excelsior,
    mate, that is worth a read in itself.
    Well said, i, for one, am down with that 101%.

    That got the blood moving.

    Howay the lads.

  162. BBM I agree with most of the points you make. Rearding SJP I think it would be the bottom of the Barrel to rename the ground just for the sake of a couple of £mill FFS look at the amount of money he has allready wasted. I whole heartedly feel that the grounds name and colours should allways remain the same it is part of our history.
    Stardust I am not getting at you I am just throwing a question at you or anyone else, Would you be happy for our ground to be renamed The Sports Direct Arena or The Lonsdale stadium just for money say for talk sake £10Mill ???

  163. bowburnmag says:
    October 28, 2009 at 4:25 pm
    But no of course you’re right, which is what I was saying, we’ll all be resigned to it eventually.

    I just thought you would kick up more of a fuss than that?

    I’m resigned to him being here BBM. I haven’t got the energy to be angry and annoyed anymore. I would rather use my energy on something like washing my hair.

    It has to be said though – Just whn we though he couldn’t commit any more PR faux pas he drops a massive bomb on the majority of the fans.

    Like I said it doesn’t bother me if were successful but I notice every expert known to man has been on the tv and radio saying there’s no chance it will bring in any serious investment – So is it worth the hassle for him?

  164. Maybe ashley’ll change the kit to a pink top & a tu-tu & suspenders & stockings & hi-heeled football boots?
    :)

  165. Geordie Lander – I answered last night – is this a game you like toplay every day?

    With every post you look more foolish. The wind up is on you. Loud mouth Foghorn Leghorn gets the info from the ultimate wind up merchant – if that isn’t graphic enough for you I give up..

  166. Dave – the name isnt changed permanently – its just naming rights for a year – a bit like sponsorship.

  167. Stardust, why does geordielander want your season ticket, doesn’t he know you can get in on the door. There’s 7/8000 spare tickets per game GL. ;)

  168. Not sure Clint – I think he is being wound up by a lad I know.

    He appears on every thread saying the same. Foghorn Leghorn is a loud mouth and a bit thick (I was told by the WUM he had set him up) – GL could actually be Foghorn himself – I am not sure. Its weird lol.

  169. CLiNT FLiCK I know alot of people that would pay you to take thier Bairns lol oh and I know a few that have changed there Name aswell but they didnt get paid for it ;)

  170. Stardust its like pawning your Granny mate and I know I wouldnt do it and I dont want the grounds name to be changed. and I noticed you never answered the question ;).

  171. Maybe they could just call it: Fat Mike’s, St. James’s Park Or something?
    So long as it had SJP in the title.

  172. Ah! My pathetic attempts to make light seem to be falling on stoney ground. Ok, i get it, i’ll shut up & get me coat.
    Soz if i’ve offended.

  173. Dave – Pawing your granny – yuk!

    To answer your question, I haven’t got a problem with it, I would take the 10mill yes, just watched Bob Moncur on the regional news, he hasn’t either – he thought the fans would see the greater good for it (providing its spent on players!)

    I know I will get slammed but I am giving an honest answer to a direct question

  174. Personally I think this whole things been a bit of a nightmare – I expect to turn up at the next game and see “Titty Twister” Stadium as from “From Dusk Till Dawn” emblazoned and flashing out from the Gallowgate lol.

  175. Anyone remember the outcry when greenals took over shirt sponsorship from S&N?

    Dave-‘Divvy dez doubledecks dirty disco’? :)

  176. Stardust cheers I wasnt trying to be sneaky by asking that I was genuinely interested in what you thought. ;) Dont want you to think im trying to give others ammo I wouldn’t steal Batty’s job lol

  177. Stardust says:
    October 28, 2009 at 7:11 pm

    Unfortunately I agree with you.

    I would want the money spent on players as that’s what we pay to watch.

    Although listening to the experts they don’t fancy his chances of getting anything substantial so I don’t really think it’s worth the hassle for him.

  178. CLiNT my fav was the oval Broon ale with the Granda collar.
    Stardust > Personally I think this whole things been a bit of a nightmare.
    The sad thing is it could all have been so different, I think with good PR and communication 90% of the sh1te could have been avoided imo

  179. Dave – totally agree with 231 – and on the oval Granda collar. Ginola could pull any lass in the world wearing that top lol.

  180. Dave, my fave too.

    Hey, gotta say, we all knew ashley was kinda recluse
    when he came along. So it comes as no surprise that ain’t that good in the PR dept. really.
    It’s what i expected, obviously, a lot didn’t get that.
    To be fair, i was pig sick of the divvy crap that fell out of FFS’s gob constantly.
    One of the main things i like about Hughton, for instance, is the way he handles the mongy press’s stupid, cliched questions, giving nothing away, except what he wants out.

  181. Big Dave says:
    October 28, 2009 at 7:32 pm

    “The sad thing is it could all have been so different, I think with good PR and communication 90% of the sh1te could have been avoided imo”

    And not bringing back a certain gadgie. :-)

  182. I was resisting mentioning him in my previous post about ‘keeping one’s gob shut’ to the press.

  183. I think his 1st and biggest mistake was getting shot off BSA without having a good Manager lined up. 2nd was getting Lambs arse instead of someone with a lot of football knowledge, its all snowballed from there. I am 100% sure he had the best intentions for the club and I do think he Loved being one off the boys at the games. the rest his history

  184. Stardust says:
    October 28, 2009 at 7:49 pm

    “We talking about Keegan the Coward again lol”

    Stardust, did you know that Adolf Hitler, Josef Stalin and Kevin Keegan were/are all exactly the same height?

    Coincidence? I think not. ;-)

  185. Big Dave,

    Replacing Llambias with a new, vibrant, experienced football administrator who is a good communicator could well save him further millions.

    That in my opinion is the biggest and first decision that should be made.

  186. Yea, nice parting shot from FFS, lumping us with that lump that likes to lump, what a lump.

  187. Stuart – Whats Happened?

    Every single post I agree with – whats up?

    Ghost of Christmas past, present and future been to visit or something lol

  188. Stuart79 I dont think he will get rid of him, but if he did it could make things a whole lot better for himself and us.
    workyticket > Stardust, did you know that Adolf Hitler, Josef Stalin and Kevin Keegan were/are all exactly the same height?

    LOL but is that including King Kev’s Perm

  189. Stardust says:
    October 28, 2009 at 8:02 pm

    “Stuart – Whats Happened?”

    Stardust, you’re in a parallel universe today. Have you not realised yet?

  190. Big Dave says:
    October 28, 2009 at 8:03 pm

    “LOL but is that including King Kev’s Perm”

    Good question Dave.

    One thing I missed out is that I’m about the same height as well! :-)

  191. If, whoever is advising Ashley knows anything about football (I know don’t laugh) they would be advising him to go on the biggest charm offensive known to man.

    Representitives of the board meeting supporters clubs, sponsors, corperate ect… Or even the man himself could turn up to a few supporters meetings.

    Now that would be a statement of intent.

    Although I think a piece in the local paper might be all we get (Although that would be an improvement).

  192. CLiNT FLiCK says:
    October 28, 2009 at 8:13 pm
    Digging the new you stu.

    I’m just saying what I would do.

    But I did say I wouldn’t have sacke Alladyce, appoint KK or leave Hughton in charge when Kinnear was ill fo so long.

    He didn’t heed my advice then so I won’t hold my breath now. lol

    Just common sense to us but to him they might be ridiculously outragous suggestions..

  193. Stardust says:
    October 28, 2009 at 8:18 pm
    Medic! Man ill at 248!

    Reasonably funny – For you!

  194. Stardust @ 215.

    You haven’t answered the question….

    “Do you have a season ticket ?”

  195. Stardust says:
    October 28, 2009 at 7:14 pm
    Personally I think this whole things been a bit of a nightmare – I expect to turn up at the next game and see “Titty Twister” Stadium as from “From Dusk Till Dawn” emblazoned and flashing out from the Gallowgate
    <<<<< :lol:

  196. geordiebender seeing that hes not here ile answer for him yes he has 2 season tickets now fck off and leave him alone are you a gay stalker or sumit

  197. Not too bad so far batty. I need to get off the technical stuff so I can throw some blogs in though as we need a few more. It all started too quickly because we all thought Ed’s was closing down. I’m catching up though.

  198. Still hiding Stardust.. How embarrassing !

    Contrary to your post at 215, I can find no trace of you answering my very simple question :

    “Do you own a Newcastle United season ticket?”

  199. batty says:
    October 28, 2009 at 9:46 pm

    “andy nearly half a mill of punches and thats just today”

    batty, do you think I should do one here, only with Stardust n’ me on it instead of Ashley? That might be quite popular! :-)

  200. Batty @ 257.. That’s an aggressive statement !!
    I was addressing my question to Stardust so can you explain why you are answering on his behalf ?

  201. Worky can you put one on here ? It would be good if you could punch there avatar lol im not sure about you, but I think stardust would be quite popular ;)

  202. geordiebender because your like a broken record and hes already answerd you now go and look it up and shut your yap pretty polly pretty polly

  203. worky can u get these knifes oot me back what you put there today plz :lol: and while your at it get the 1s wot big daves been sticking in latley

  204. Batty.. I take it from your silence that you too have logged off. As you claim to know so much about Stardust I’ll take it you’re not called ‘Batty Boy’ by chance…. Now here’s the thing ! I know for a fact that Stardust does NOT have one season ticket, let alone two, which brings me to two conclusions ..
    1/ Stardust is using the promise of imaginary spare season tickets to encourage your sickly Batty Boy brown nosing and lewd acts.
    2/ You don’t have a season ticket either.

    You Balloon !

  205. Ah! that’s better, couldn’t resist giving dick griffin, ronaldo & taggart a few 100 smacks. Thanx AndyNUFC.
    :)

  206. @BBM Ref: post 200: “Michael12 – Come on???? Ashley fcks up and we have to foot the bill by losing the treasured name of our ground”

    I do not dissagree with you in this respect I acknowledge that Ashley has messed up but because it is his fault does not make manifest funds from thin air that he can then use to repair his damage. There is still the problem of not enough funds. Also, is he not investing more money from his own pocket?

  207. Big Dave says:
    October 28, 2009 at 10:05 pm

    “Worky can you put one on here ? It would be good if you could punch there avatar lol im not sure about you, but I think stardust would be quite popular ”

    I suppose I could use a picture of one of the Chuckle Brothers to represent Stardust. :-) I have to crack on with big changes to the back of the site, but I’m going to put alot of things on when that’s done.

  208. twice I have done it on purpose as I thought for sure with in 5 mins you would have hit back but nowt lol. So I thought fuk it its not working. ;)

  209. batty- LOL mate. :)
    funny as FFFFFFFF man.
    Go and give griffin & ronaldo a good beating mate, it’s top fun.
    :)

  210. Just to summarise..

    The two biggest gobshites on this blog do NOT actually go to the NUFC matches !

    FACT

  211. Rumors have it ashley 20 mil is going on the first team and improvng our scouting network, what do people think of that?

  212. batty, you can just move the mouse left to right really quick to rack up the points & destruction mate.
    :)

  213. 279 GeordieLander says:
    October 28, 2009 at 10:19 pm
    Just to summarise..

    The two biggest gobshites on this blog do NOT actually go to the NUFC matches !

    FACT
    <<<< its a shame that like y divent go to to match try buying a ticket instead of spending ur money on smack

  214. Ashley’s got over four times as many ‘hits’ on that thing as Nick Griffin after his Question Time appearence, not that Geordies ever get anything slightly out of proportion like. :-)

  215. Batty Boy.. I have owned a season ticket for over 25 years.. Still do !

    Now answer me this and be honest with yourself..
    “Do you own a NUFC season ticket?”

    If you don’t at least be man enough to admit it.. unlike Stardust.

    WELL ?

  216. Batty Boy.. I’ll take your silence as a NO !

    Exactly the same response as Stardust !

    Two Gobshites and not a Season Ticket between them !

  217. GeordieLander says:
    October 28, 2009 at 10:27 pm
    Batty Boy.. I have owned a season ticket for over 25 years.. Still do
    <<<aye at the stadium of shite

  218. Johno Toon..

    I had a discussion with Stardust about Season Tickets and for some reason I was verbally abused by Batty…

    For this reason I simply want to know if Batty has a season ticket.. I keep asking.. He keeps getting aggressive and abusive.. draw your own conclusions !

  219. GeordieLander Just out of interest in your opinion if you dont have a season ticket does that make you a lessor supporter ?

  220. geordie bender i 1st had a season ticket 31 year ago and yes i have 1 now so go stalk some 1 else y dipshit arse sniffer

  221. Not being funny or trying to get involved here lads but the arguments I hate most are what constitutes to being a “true fan” and how long or if you’ve had a season ticket.

  222. It’s a very interesting question Big Dave and a one which will no doubt cause a bit of controvecy….
    In my opinion, if you do not attend the match then you are not a supporter at all.. You are a fan !
    When you attend the game you support the club both financially and by providing atmosphere which in turn provides confidence in the players and in turn results..

    So to answer your question i’d say a season ticket holder is a greater supporter than the man who does not attend… He has witnessed the very pulse of the game… Do you disagree ?

  223. And for the record.. My point is that I know for a fact that Stardust DOES NOT attend the games and by the fact that BATTY insists he does then I conclude he doesn’t either.

    Now this does not mean that you cannot have an opinion however it does not excuse the two of them abusing the real fans on here who they refer to as the ‘Mob’.

    Look at Batty’s ramblings.. It has clearly touched a nerve !

  224. GeordieLander says:
    October 28, 2009 at 10:56 pm
    It’s a very interesting question Big Dave and a one which will no doubt cause a bit of controvecy….
    In my opinion, if you do not attend the match then you are not a supporter at all.. You are a fan !
    When you attend the game you support the club both financially and by providing atmosphere which in turn provides confidence in the players and in turn results..
    <<<< well we didnt do a very good job last season did we so wot ur doing is agreeing with stardust when he says us fans got the club relagated you arsehole

  225. GeordieLander says:
    October 28, 2009 at 10:59 pm
    And for the record.. My point is that I know for a fact that Stardust DOES NOT attend the games and by the fact that BATTY insists he does then I conclude he doesn’t either.

    Now this does not mean that you cannot have an opinion however it does not excuse the two of them abusing the real fans on here who they refer to as the ‘Mob’
    <<<<mob :lol:

  226. geordielander – batty has’nt got a pot to piss in so he’s hardly going to be in the possesion of a season ticket now is he.

  227. GeordieLander I can understand where your coming from, but living in Northern Ireland I have to disagree as having a season ticket for me would be like an ashtray on a motorbike. But it doesnt dim my passion and love for the Toon. and surely when I do go to the match and when I buy my 2 kids and myself clothing does that not mean im supporting the toon ?

  228. Why are you so abusive Batty ?

    I simply asked you if you had a season ticket !

    Your aggressive response would suggest that you feel threatened by this question.. this in turn would cause fear and in turn aggression..

    Why are you threatened?.. I think there’s a little Batty Boy deep inside you that is ashamed that he does not go to the matches.. that he has to hide behind outrageous opinions and make himself an allie with the only equally twisted gobshite.. Stardust !

    Batty.. Did your Father cuddle you at night ?

  229. batty – i am your mate – you know that , and you also know my membership number of the mob.

  230. GeordieLander says:
    October 28, 2009 at 11:08 pm
    Why are you so abusive Batty ?

    I simply asked you if you had a season ticket !

    Your aggressive response would suggest that you feel threatened by this question.. this in turn would cause fear and in turn aggression..

    Why are you threatened?.. I think there’s a
    <<<< thats your ploblem you think a bet y that hurts

  231. Roy Cropper says:
    October 28, 2009 at 11:14 pm
    batty – i am your mate – you know that , and you also know my membership number of the mob.
    <<< well iam getting acused of being a ashley lover i think :lol:

  232. I can honestly for the life of me not believe even the initially most loyal Ashley supporters still, after this latest statement, follow him.

  233. Geordie Lander – do not even pretend to know me. You dont. If you are who I believe you may be – you know me via a third party – who is being wound up by a friend of mine ( a real friend GL not a pretend one like you claim to be).

    So your fact statements are hollow and spoiling a rather good blog, please feel free to peddle back to .com – youre more suited to there.

    Batty GL isnt Troy.

  234. Cropper and Batty..

    How many people do you think are Troy.. Paranoid is an understatement!

    You may not be an Ashley lover..

    but you are a Stardust brown noser !

  235. andyNUFC – whats wrong with you ?? – mike’s gave the northeast a lift today , stand up and salute the man.

  236. GeordieLander says:
    October 28, 2009 at 11:23 pm
    Cropper and Batty..

    How many people do you think are Troy.. Paranoid is an understatement!

    You may not be an Ashley lover..

    but you are a Stardust brown noser
    <<< you know nowt dipshit i must be the only person on here that stardust didnt speak to for months gay boy

  237. geordiebender and as for stardust he might have diffrent opinons than me so dus that mean ive got to hate him i dont think so and its sir batty boy to you boy

  238. Not sure why you would want banter with me GL.

    Why do you also need to ruin every thread on here and Eds with your nonsense. You have now asked me the same question on countless threads over months – I have answered countless times – suppose its your humour…….:~

  239. 314 Stardust says:
    October 28, 2009 at 11:22 pm
    Geordie Lander – do not even pretend to know me. You dont. If you are who I believe you may be – you know me via a third party – who is being wound up by a friend of mine ( a real friend GL not a pretend one like you claim to be).

    So your fact statements are hollow and spoiling a rather good blog, please feel free to peddle back to .com – youre more suited to there.

    Batty GL isnt Troy.
    *********************************************************

    I KNOW YOU STARDUST !!!!!

    NOW DON’T TELL ME YOU HAVE POSTED THE ABOVE AND THEN RAN OFF … AGAIN.. YOU’RE RUNNING SCARED STARDUST………

  240. stardust ok hes not troy cos thats you :lol: a new week 1 nil to me >>> ive been acused of calling people the mob iam quite hurt :lol:

  241. GL – you do not as you would not even ask the question if I do have, tell me – the initials of the place where I am building a new home?

  242. Quickly GL – lets see your credentials or otherwise – please shut up – youre simply a hanger on.

  243. I will answer that question Stardust if you answer mine first..

    “DO YOU OWN A SEASON TICKET ?”

  244. GL – ? Frantically calling are we? the initials please?

    And on that front what am I building…….. more please … what is different about it?

  245. GL – 2 which I share with my brother.

    330 also proves you dont know me – I ask you for the sake of this blog please stop spoiling threads.

  246. lol Batty.

    Anyway Batty – youre a rat – calling me troy all day were we? lol

    We are 100% different people with opposite views – but he is a great lad.

  247. GL – Silence? What you dont know the answers? Its been planned for 2 years – all my friends talk about it with me? Come on fella – surely knowing me you know what I have spent 2 years making?

    Phone calls and texts been made? You know jack – as I said if you are who I think you are – they are ripping it out of you as they laugh at you. (not with)

  248. CD – where the f is CD?

    Have you gone for County Durham as a fail safe and youre still wrong – and you even ask WOULD I BE RIGHT?

    You should know where – and your guess is a million miles out.

    Youre a liar.

  249. Tut Tut Tut Stardust..

    Two season tickets eh ? How do you sleep at night…
    Ask me another and I will get it right again……..

    I don’t lie unlike you…. The rest of the bloggers are waiting !

  250. Stardust says:
    October 28, 2009 at 12:43 am
    Geordie Lander – No I do not have one – I have two.
    <<<there geordiebender now shut it boy

  251. What am I building – what is different about it then – come on GL? Answer – 2 years – all of my friends have been there?

    How is is made and what is on the left hand edge of the site?

  252. Stardust says:
    October 28, 2009 at 11:38 pm
    GL – Silence? What you dont know the answers? Its been planned for 2 years – all my friends talk about it with me? Come on fella – surely knowing me you know what I have spent 2 years making?
    <<<<fckin 2 years to put a tent up i could of done it in 6 months for y

  253. Ha ha ha ha…. I’m not your friend Stardust !!

    I’m not your bloody house designer either… I know you and I know your business…. And of course I know that you DO NOT have a season ticket !

    ps The view over the fields into the valley looks lovely at sunrise !

  254. Now exposed as a saddo liar who pretend to know folks on a blog, if you dont mind GL – we will use this thread from this day forward as the reason to blank you.

    Lol Batty – signing out fella – just had to show folks this fellas a liar – shame as he is ruining the threads.

  255. GeordieLander says:
    October 28, 2009 at 11:48 pm
    Ha ha ha … even Batty’s laughing at you Stardust
    <<<i always laugh at him hes a great wind up unlike u :lol:

  256. GeordieLander says:
    October 28, 2009 at 11:54 pm
    I rest my case !

    Stardust has no Season Ticket !
    :lol:

  257. batty says:
    October 28, 2009 at 11:43 pm
    Stardust says:
    October 28, 2009 at 12:43 am
    Geordie Lander – No I do not have one – I have two.

  258. theres somthing not reet here,ashley must know that no company will buy the naming rights to the ground,so why has he come up with this crazy idea,is it to have a digg at the fans or is it to flush out buyers.

  259. the name of this blog should change to THE PEOPLE VERSUS STARDUST.
    now ashley,s staying lets get back to the football please,cannot take any more conspiracy stories.

  260. I presume we should still be getting the best young players from South America then?

    Look foward to them coming in this January..

  261. Stuart79 says:
    October 29, 2009 at 3:18 pm

    “I presume we should still be getting the best young players from South America then?

    Look foward to them coming in this January..”

    I think alot of water has passed under the bridge since that time, Stuart. But I suspect that you were being somewhat sarcastic there anyway! :-)

  262. workyticket says:
    October 29, 2009 at 3:43 pm

    It was a serious point tinged with sarcasm.

    The club kept their side of the bargain – Even cost them a manager and a few quid too!

    So I reckon Ashley will be thinking the least he can expect is the next Kaka..?

  263. my god stardust. There appears to have been a dust up last night wi you and geordie lander. I dont know who it is but i know you dont own a season ticket and you dont go to the matches. Gl is right about that isnt he little rat. . Where s your ticket you little thicket, where s your ticket stardy dust. Where s your ticket stardy dust. Woo hoo hoo hoo.

  264. Evening Stardust.. I’ve just been reviewing our conversation.. How embarrassing is it for yourself… You ask me questions to prove I know you and at the moment I answer correctly you say i’m wrong and very quickly LOG OFF…
    You must be foaming that you are exposed as a Gobshite and a liar who does NOT attend the match. A fan if you like. Let’s hope you remember this and dilute your stupid opinions.
    PS Batty Boy.. Were you drinking last night .. you are like a stuttering 12year old on a Lambrini fueled rant!

    STARDUST DOES NOT ATTEND THE MATCHES.. HE’S BEEN EXPOSED AS A LIAR !

  265. I see Troy has also exposed you Stardust, so that’s it over…..

    Now that my work here is done I see no reason to spoil this site with arguements and so will consentrate on the Footy !

    Enjoy

  266. Geordie I don’t go to every game but i’d hate to think that my opinion matter less as a result of it, or people looked down on me, saying I wasn’t a proper supporter or whatever rubbish category people get thrown into. Come on though lads cut out the arguing.

  267. hitman says:
    October 29, 2009 at 6:16 pm

    “no ew threads the day like worky.”

    Bit of a strike on today hitman, and I’ve been very busy. Normal service will be resumed shortly.

  268. andyNUFC….Stardust doesn’t go to any games !

    In my opinion, if you do not attend the match then you are not a supporter at all.. You are a fan !
    When you attend the game you support the club both financially and by providing atmosphere which in turn provides confidence in the players and in turn results..

    So i’d say a season ticket holder or regular match attender is a greater supporter than the man who does not attend… He is the club…Do you disagree ?

  269. hitman says:
    October 29, 2009 at 6:24 pm

    “your not pulling a royal mail are you.”

    I’m the ‘scab’ whose still stuck in the office, hitman. I’ve just managed to get started on reducing the backlog.

  270. Big Dave says:
    October 29, 2009 at 6:28 pm

    “BBM’s part 3 should be up soon”

    Dave, he said he’d be spending the night in his Megane if he was caught anywhere near a computer today, and I think he’s in a bit of a huff too.

  271. Worky why dont you ask batty to do an article on Life as a Toon supporting Big Issue sales man

  272. Big Dave says:
    October 29, 2009 at 6:40 pm

    “Worky why dont you ask batty to do an article on Life as a Toon supporting Big Issue sales man”

    LOL Dave. Or life as completely radged Toon supporting WUM.

  273. workyticket look forward to the blogs, and your right he is a time served WUM and bum. worky on what you said about BBM, Have you got a better half ? with the amount of time you put into the blog. Did you think there would be as much work involved before you’s started the blog

  274. Big Dave says:
    October 29, 2009 at 7:03 pm

    “…worky on what you said about BBM, Have you got a better half ? with the amount of time you put into the blog. Did you think there would be as much work involved before you’s started the blog”

    I’ve been a virtual recluse recently, Dave. As for the ‘blog, it’s taken time getting started, but should get easier as things progress.

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