Coloccini, try this mop on for size. You’ve got to laugh, haven’t you? Or else you’d probably cry and have some sort of emotional breakdown. How much is it to ask for a little normality in our NUFC lives? Why aren’t we only concerning ourselves with potential transfer targets and travel arrangements for pre-season friendlies?
I find it hard to see when we can get back to being what we’re supposed to be. A well-supported club, with fans who have a modicum of decency, humility, self-deprecating humour and expectations at a manageable level. Oh yes, and owners who are capable and care about the club and about us. Or maybe we’ve never had that and I really am deluded but for reasons different to those we’re normally criticised for? Either way, that’s all I’m asking for, honestly.
I’m an only-child so perhaps I’m a little selfish but I don’t think I’m asking for the world. (more…)
Bed-sheets oot for wor Al this time?So; the NUSC (Newcastle United Supporter’s Club) have issued a call to arms, calling for Mike Ashley to immediately appoint Alan Shearer as manager.
Speaking on the planned wor Al insurgency, NUSC spokesman Colin Whittle said:
“The time has come to show the outside world that the supporters of Newcastle United are ready to move on and get behind the club.
“We believe that the appointment of Alan Shearer would send out a massive signal to potential buyers and, most importantly, the fans, who have so far been ignored.”
Hmm, what signal would that be exactly? That they want to scare off all potential bidders with their bellicose demands and threats, and keep Ashley as the owner of the club, perhaps?
Speaking of a potential future takeover bid of the new owners (whoever they may be), Whittle goes on to add: (more…)
The scales of justice A few minutes from the Seymour Pierce offices at Old Bailey in London is the highest court in the land. Until a few hundred years ago, those found guilty of high treason were sentenced to be ‘hanged, drawn and quartered’, and the subsequent executions took place close by either in Smithfield market or the Tower of London. This most violent and terrible of all executions saw the poor souls hung by the neck, taken down before they lost consciousness, sliced open, disemboweled, then beheaded and the body quartered and left in various locations throughout the city, on display as a deterent to anyone else who felt like committing treason.
It’s therefore quite ironic that the last vestiges of what many people believe to be a treacherous reign by Mike Ashley is likely to be carried out in this location. For many Mike Ashley should be facing the same punishment for bringing our club into disrepute. But before he is finally cast as a complete and unadulterated villain hell bent on destroying the club and the embodiement of all things evil, lets take a quick look back at some of the Newcastle times of Mike Ashley. (more…)
No, not that sort of model! As I was sat at my breakfasting table this morning, fending off a dog and two cats who had designs on my bacon sandwich, my thoughts turned to the subject of models. Not the size zeros that act as clothes pegs on the catwalk though – I’m talking about football club models.
In Mike Ashley’s statement following the Keegan departure, he tried to defend what he called his ‘Arsenal Model’ for the club but, as the last bit of my bacon sandwich disappeared into a grateful dog, I realised I was a bit bemused by what the Arsenal Model actually is.
In terms of finances, I can only see two models for a football club. Either you look to make a profit (or at least break-even) or you have an owner with deep pockets who doesn’t mind funding things at a loss. If you’re going to try and make a profit then it makes sense to look for young up and coming players you can get at a decent price who either give you good value for money as your future stars or you sell them on at a profit. There are ‘in between’ scenarios where for example you might borrow some money against future success but ultimately you either make a profit or have a rich owner who doesn’t care. I am not sure how clubs like Liverpool, who reputedly owe many millions, are going to achieve financial balance. (more…)
Kwai Chang NUFC I was quite upset a few weeks ago when David Carradine died. I was an avid fan of the ‘Kung Fu’ TV series in the 70’s, so it was a shock to read that Kwai Chang Caine is no more. I particularly liked the way he used to preach pacifism, tranquility and peace but always ended up kicking ten bells out of someone before the end of the programme.
Kwai Chang Caine was a Shaolin Monk of the Zen Buddhist persuasion and such people believe that all suffering in life is caused by craving and expectations. If you don’t crave anything you won’t suffer when you don’t get it, if you see what I mean.
Bear with me, I’m getting on-topic now.
It is fair to say that Newcastle United supporters could teach Zen Monks a thing or two about suffering. Since the era of Sir Bobby Robson – and possibly even before that – things have been steadily getting worse for our club, mainly, I’d venture to suggest, because it has been run by clowns. First it was Freddie Shepherd rigging up the bucket of water to fall on our heads and then it was Mike Ashley ensuring we were never short of a custard pie in the face. Oh how we laughed, and so on and so forth.
But you know all that. What I’m wondering is what constitutes a realistic set of expectations from here on? (more…)
