Al-Kazemi: Has a few bob.A report has come into my eyeline from the Kuwait Times (via site user, Stephen C.) saying that the chairman of Kuwait’s al Arabi Football Club, Jamal Al-Kazemi, is:
“Seriously thinking of buying the British Newcastle United football club.”
The report goes on to say that:
“He has finalized all conditions that enable him to acquire the club by next week. The actual negotiations with Newcastle owner Mike Ashley will be clear.”
Next week! Oooh er! Sounds a bit more positive than Ashley’s player negotiations!
However the story then takes a slightly absurd turn when the writer of the piece then added something of his own, writing:
“Ashley has wanted to sell the club since 2009. He bought the club known as “Magpies” in 2007 for £134.4 million and it is said that he is willing to sell it for less than £80 million.”(more…)
Cheap and nasty.There has been something of a rehabiltation of the reputation of Mike Ashley at Newcastle United recently.
This, of course, has been due largely to the club’s generally upward trajectory in terms of it’s League position in recent seasons under Chris Hughton and Alan Pardew, as well as some successes in the transfer market since Ashley and Llambias cast their their three casino aquaintances adrift and let Chris Hughton bring in a proper chief scout, a move which has been highly beneficial for the club so far.
Less obviously, perhaps, there has also been a relentless PR campaign run through the media on all levels. Like the current coalition government, much has been said to demonise the previous administration, presenting Ashley as some kind of messiah type figure who made tough choices to save the club from certain liquidation as a great benevolent gesture to the people of Tyneside. But, according to the narrative, this has been a thankless task, with Geordie ingrates not showing the suitable appreciation of his selfless largesse. Admittedly, this isn’t the most difficult thing to do when the targets are the likes of Freddy Shepherd and Douglas Hall. According to a peculiar logic, much has also been made of what Ashley’s alleged financial “backing” of the club in terms of making a £140 million loan to himself, which is repayable on demand by the club, to save himself from paying high interest rates on his own Newcastle United debts. The term “clearing” the club’s debts has been used so often that many fans are still oblivious to the fact that the club is now actually far more in debt than it was when Ashley assumed control of the club in 2007. (more…)
Old codger Steve - Feeling the strain.The forgotten man of Newcastle United, Steve Harper, has spoken out on his thoughts for next season at Newcastle United, claiming that as many as half a dozen players might be leaving, and making an heartfelt appeal for more players in the squad for our upcoming season in European competition.
As to whether this should include any younger, more sprightly goalkeepers to rival him him in the goalkeeper’s pecking order, he didn’t say, though he did have a good old moan about how pre-pre season training is getting ever harder as he gets older. In other goalkeeping news, it seems that Frankenstein’s monster Fraser Forster may well be coming back to Newcastle after all to report for pre season, with a much mooted deal for Celtic still unsigned. But I digress…
Getting back to the Easington shot stopper though, he was speaking to North East news website, “News Guardian” in a video interview on launching a charity “swimathon” called “Reason to Swim” for the Percy Hedley Foundation at Northern Counties School in Jesmond.
Firstly, on his preparations for the season so far, the old codger grumbled:(more…)
Vernon Anita: Pocket battleship.It has been reported by various organs that the agent of pint sized Ajax defender / midfielder, Vurnon Anita has “confirmed” that Ajax have received an offer from Newcastle United.
The agent, Harry Lulofs, allegedly told Newcastle United website, “NUFC Fans”
“Newcastle have made an offer between £5-10 million. I cannot give you the accurate figure, but Ajax have received a written offer.”
“They are very satisfied with the guy [Anita] and want to keep him. Newcastle have been watching him for a long time and really want to sign him.”
“This is the first offer Ajax have received for Vurnon and we’ll soon see how they react.”
“After next week, he [Anita] will be back from holiday and I will meet people at Ajax with him and his dad.”
When quizzed on whether there had been interest from other clubs, Lulofs supposedly confirmed that there were no other offers as yet, but that ex Norwich manager, Paul Lambert expressed an interest before he packed his bags for the Midlands, adding: (more…)
Onwards And Upwards?Imagine you’re 67 years old, and the Club you’ve supported all of your life, your home town club, offers you bucket loads of cash, plus expenses, to travel abroad and watch football – lots of football. Stay in nice hotels, eat at the finest restaurants – but best of all, watch loads and loads of football. A dream for most fans, but it just came true for arguably one of the biggest United fans of them all – Graham Carr, superscout!
And of course when you’re not away on United business, you can watch the mighty Magpies – without having to buy a seasons ticket!
Graham Carr has just signed a new contract with Newcastle United for the next 8 years! This is excellent news for Newcastle United fans everywhere. Graham, of course, has been digging up diamonds for the Toon ever since he came here. Apparently, he got a phone call from Derek Llambias asking if he could pop in and chat to Mike Ashley about transfer targets. This invitation turned into numerous chats over a few days, then Graham was hit with the contract offer! According to the NUFC Official website, he signed on the spot! (more…)
