Fat Freddy: Still looming over the club. Reports coming through from questionable sources that Ashley has received his first bid for the club. It’s not clear yet what that bid is or indeed which of the alleged parties in the consortia have lodged it and obviously whether or not it’s a legitimate bid.
It’s implied that it could well be The Profitable Group, who were thought to have ungrounded optimism in recent weeks but who have now been associated with Freddy Shepherd, probably a link made by journalists to the ‘local people’ involved with their company.
As with all speculation about this club and particularly under this regime, it’s always healthy to have a huge bag of salt to throw on rumours. However, there’s generally no smoke without fire so even if the details are wide of the mark, there’s a good chance that something is happening. (more…)
Dave Whelan: Pooh-poohing Owen. Wigan Athletic chairman, Dave Whelan, a man who is seldom short for words (especially on “supergrass” Mike Ashley), has once again thrown his two’pennorth in; this time on the Michael Owen ‘I’m relegated, get me out of here’ saga.
Speaking yesterday, he said:
“We’ve not had the brochure,” adding;
“Would we be interested? No. One, his wages are too expensive. Two, has he got the urge, the bottle and the drive to do what the Premier League wants? It’s a big question.(more…)
Alan Shearer: Tempted in the wilderness by Fat Freddy? As inevitable as it used to be to see broken teeth outside The Rocket in Longbenton on a Friday neet, Mr Freddy Sheperd chucked his hat into the ring as soon our sale was announced.
Local papers recently reported that Shepherd met with Shearer in Jesmond to discuss the present situation and what his plans are. It’s also claimed those plans heavily involve Big Al.
However as reported in several newspaper and particularly in The Guardian, this is the general consensus –
“Although Shepherd’s interest is known by Ashley, sources have indicated he is not sure who is providing the money needed to meet the £100m asking price. (more…)
Fat Fred return? If rumours are to be believed that devil incarnate, FFS is trying to get his grubby paws back on NUFC again, surprise surprise. Not content with making over £45m from NUFC during his last tenure – £37m for his 28% stake in the club when it was sold to Mike Ashley, adding to the £8m in wages and dividends earned before then; It is alleged that he wants to pick up the club on the cheap with his eye firmly on making some dosh.
Freddie constantly quotes how NUFC thrived under his chairmanship and he left the club in great shape. In fact he worked as a lesser known director while Sir John Hall was running the show during the golden era when the club was transformed. He took over the chairmanship from Sir John Hall when the club was second in the premiership, competing in the Champions league, we were most people’s second club, and we were making money. By the time he left, the club had just finished the season lying in 13th position in the league, controversy and unrest was rife, Shepherd had been widely ridiculed and we were significantly in debt. Think he may be looking back with rose tinted glasses… (more…)
Mike Ashley considering the future, yesterday. The Daily Telegraph is today reporting that a meeting on Sunday (tomorrow) may determine the future ownership of our godforsaken club. Telegraph newshound, Duncan White reports that Ashley’s advisers are set to meet with a group of local businessmen interested in buying Newcastle United. He goes on to write that Ashley is looking for an offer in the region of £100 million, a figure already widely reported. Another report however, has suggested that the figure in this case may be closer to £80 million. As to whether any of the “local businessmen” were fan favourites, “Fat” Freddy Shepherd or Douglas “weaselface” Hall, it didn’t say. (more…)
