Archive for category: Mike Ashley.

Mike Ashley’s big, fat, St James’ Park lie?

February 18th, 2012 | 91 Comments |

St James' Park sign being removed. — Ashley's ninjas move in.

“All this was inspired by the principle – which is quite true within itself – that in the big lie there is always a certain force of credibility; because the broad masses of a nation are always more easily corrupted in the deeper strata of their emotional nature than consciously or voluntarily; and thus in the primitive simplicity of their minds they more readily fall victims to the big lie than the small lie, since they themselves often tell small lies in little matters but would be ashamed to resort to large-scale falsehoods. It would never come into their heads to fabricate colossal untruths, and they would not believe that others could have the impudence to distort the truth so infamously. Even though the facts which prove this to be so may be brought clearly to their minds, they will still doubt and waver and will continue to think that there may be some other explanation. For the grossly impudent lie always leaves traces behind it, even after it has been nailed down, a fact which is known to all expert liars in this world and to all who conspire together in the art of lying.”

Adolf Hitler – Mein Kampf. (more…)

Howay The Lads – Reasons To Be Cheerful!

February 15th, 2012 | 97 Comments |

It’s probably a demonstration of how far we have come in such a short space of time that some United fans have been decidedly grumpy following the recent setback at Tottenham. That’s understandable. However it’s a very short-term view of a one match blip in what has otherwise been a highly successful season so far. We have a number of reasons to be optimistic about the rest of the season, and perhaps the longer term future of our beloved club. Here are some of those reasons.

First of all, let’s put the Tottenham thing to bed. It was only one game, only 3 points. With their current players and manager not many teams will go there and get anything. We went there without key players like both Taylors, Tiote and Cabaye, and with our relatively small squad, didn’t have anyone as effective to replace them. We’ll no doubt repay the Spuds after “Harry” leaves in the summer. We’ve stuffed them before, we’ll stuff them again, that’s inevitable. (more…)

The BBC’s hypocrisy on St James’ Park rename beggars belief

January 21st, 2012 | 36 Comments |

St James' Park forever! — Sign the petition, complain to the BBC.

“The BBC’s governing principles, closely associated with its first Director-General, Sir John Reith, are to educate, inform and entertain the whole nation, free from political interference and commercial pressure. These ideals continue to underpin an enduring vision of the BBC as the “national” broadcaster. Such a broadcaster should have a remit to provide high (benchmark) quality content, across the full range of broadcast genres (with a particular focus on impartial news and current affairs services), free at the point of use and without advertising. This is what, in the opinion of many, the BBC ought to stand for. The merits and implications of these features, in a changing world, have been at the core of our inquiry.” parliament.uk website.

As some of you may know Newcastle City Council have written to “the media” in that London, asking it to desist from using the name “S_____ D_____ A____” for the home of Newcastle United, and return to referring to it by its correct name, St James’ Park.

This comes after Labour and Liberal Democrat councillors came together to pass a motion opposing Mike Ashley’s decision to rename the stadium after his tacky and disreputable sportswear company, and their subsequent refusal to rename street signs in the area. The council’s letter read:

“Dear Editor, (more…)

Virgin and Newcastle United – Can a Brand be Lucky?

January 16th, 2012 | 30 Comments |

Richard Branson - Newcastle United's newest fan? — Newcastle United's newest fan?

“Twenty years ago, we sponsored Crystal Palace and they got to the FA Cup final. Then last week, we sponsored Newcastle and they beat Manchester United 3-love.”

“So we’re a lucky brand, and may the luck continue throughout the rest of the season.”

The words of Sir Richard Branson, (3-love?? – clearly a tennis fan!) the 4th richest person in the UK and 254th richest in the world. Not bad for a bloke who started with a mail order record business in 1970 and who went on to own Virgin Records, Virgin Megastores and now sees over 400 companies in the Virgin Group, including Virgin Atlantic who have that nice ad on the telly with the bonny air stewardesses and Muse playing the old Nina Simone track “Feeling Good” in the background. Impressive music knowledge there eh? His wealth is estimated at $4.2 billion (£2.75 billion) which makes Mike Ashley look like a Sports Shop Owner. He also has class and charisma so we’d better stop the Ashley comparisons now before it gets too silly.

The bloke has either worked his socks off to make a fortune, or he’s been lucky. Probably a bit of both actually. Now at the age of 62 his Virgin Brand has moved into high street banking by acquiring our very own Northern Rock, transforming it into Virgin Money. By a stroke of luck, this move has linked the Virgin empire with Newcastle United, previously sponsored by Northern Rock. Virgin have agreed a 2 year shirt sponsor deal, hopefully that’s just for starters… (more…)

Conflicting reports on Cissokho Monday medical at Toon

January 14th, 2012 | 13 Comments |

Several reports in the French media, including Lyon’s “Le Progrès” this morning, have claimed that Olympique Lyonnais and their left back, Aly Cissokho, have agreed a deal with Newcastle United, and also that the player will be in Toon on Monday for a medical.

There was nothing definitive on a price, though OL are known to be looking for around €10 million (£8.5 million), or €9 million (£7.5 million) if pushed, which they certainly would be by our pasimonious fat controller, Mike Ashley. This would be a big loss on the €15 million they paid Portuguese F.C.Porto for him in 2009.

My decidedly dodgy translation of Le Progrès’ story (which I had to pay a subscription for) from it’s original French goes thus:

“Yesterday, he was declared withdrawn because of muscular pains, but unofficially it seems to be a “diplomatic” injury. Cissokho is in fact awaited for a medical visit at Newcastle on Monday and it is evident that in the valuation of the selling club (€9 million minimum), no risk was going to be run. Yesterday, Rémi (Garde – OL’s manager) recalled that he was an important player for the team, but that a transfer was possible.” (more…)