Tight-lipped or slack-jawed?Some people have suggested that Newcastle fans are never happy at the club’s communication policies, complaining that we didn’t hear enough from the club under Chris Hughton but now complaining that we hear too much from the club under Alan Pardew.
But I think that’s an oversimplification.
Recently we had some snow down here in the South West of England where I live and – coming from the North East myself – I find it astonishing that the merest icing sugar-like coating of snow can bring the South West to a complete halt.
People spend hours looking up at the sky wondering what this white stuff is and, when told it is something called snow, they dash inside to look it up on the Internet.
No traffic moves of course – mainly because people have confused the phrase “can’t get the car out because of the snow” with “can’t be bothered to get out of bed” – which ultimately led to me getting no post for a week just before Christmas.
When Health & Safety had finally decided that there was no longer any danger of him tripping over a snowflake, the postman eventually resumed his rounds and I managed to have a chat with him.
He explained that they had loads of post to catch up on and that we’d be getting two deliveries a day for a while in order to allow them to do that. This was information I wanted. (more…)
Ashley arrives by helicopterMike Ashley and Derek Llambias arrived at Newcastle’s training ground by helicopter yesterday to discuss the club’s transfer priorities with manager Alan Pardew.
Pardew’s main targets were allegedly Seb Larsson and David Bentley but both of these players seem destined to play their football elsewhere.
The humiliating defeat at the hands of Stevenage might have emphasised the club’s need for a bit more quality in depth, so hopefully the pow-wow will have been fruitful and some new transfer targets will have been identified.
Apparently Ashley and Llambias also took in yesterday’s reserve game against Hibs in which Dan Gosling made a return from injury while they were at the club.
Kevin Nolan reiterated the need for new blood, saying:
“If you are fresh, it always makes that bit of difference and it just shows we do need probably a couple more players and hopefully we will get them in January to help us out and get us over that finishing line at the end of the season.(more…)
Wax on, wax offAston Villa’s attempts to lure Newcastle’s Joey Barton to the midlands club looked doomed to failure.
Villa are in Premier League freefall at the moment and Gerard Houllier has had his eye on Joey Barton as one who might pull the emeregency ‘chute and help them avoid a relegation battle.
Rumour has it that Houllier was trying to tempt Newcastle to let go of Barton with some cash, Nigel Reo Coker and an old motorbike.
Today’s reports suggest that rumour was wrong though (particularly about the old motorbike) and that Barton’s £6m fee and £67k/week wages just proved to be too much for Aston Stinky, who already have a £71m wage bill that they’re desperate to reduce.
Barton himself has allegedly expressed a desire to remain at Newcastle but I wonder, though, if we should try to sell him.
Now, before you all tar and feather me and run me out of toon, I’m well aware of the fantastic contribution Barton has made to the team this season. At his best he can pass the ball the width of the pitch and land it on a sixpence and he’s a genuine play-maker. He’s not too shabby in the tackling department either. (more…)
Mike Ashley - Staying or selling?Just what is it with these new contracts at Newcastle? Since the summer we have seen Andy Carroll, Nile Ranger, Mike Williamson, Tim Krul and now Steven Taylor all tied down to long-term deals with the club.
This is, of course, good news for Newcastle United and gives us a bit of stability with regard to the playing staff going forward, but does it signal that there could be more going on behind the scenes? Could Mike Ashley be making the business more saleable?
There is no doubt that the offering of new, long-term contracts is good for the club, but it would also be good for Mike Ashley’s bank balance in the event of a sale. After all, a stable club with it’s best potential assets tied down to long-term deals would be worth a lot more money compared to a club that was floundering along with no forward planning. I mean, even the manager has a contract that could last over five years, although there is a rather cunning clause put in by Ashley that will allow Pardew to be disposed of for minimal compensation, something that would appeal to both Ashley and any new owner who will more than likely want to install their own man in the event of a change of ownership. (more…)
Hughton speaks.Chris Hughton has spoke publicly today for the first time since his sacking from Newcastle.
In an interview with Sky Sports News, Hughton spoke of the disappointment upon hearing the news that both he and Paul Barron were to be axed, his thoughts on the sacking, and his plans for the future after what was an unexpected sacking that caused an uproar from many quarters.
I’m trying to transcript what was said, so be warned that it may not be exactly word for word, but I’ll try and get it as spot on as I can. First off, Chris was asked about what happened on the day he got sacked and how the meeting with Derek Llambias was called.
“I got a phone call in the morning from the managing director, Derek Llambias, it was for myself and Paul Barron to meet him at the stadium after training, and of course I was told then.
“It was a surprise, and I think the fact that Paul Barron was with me made it more of a surprise. If it was a meeting on my own then perhaps I would have had a thought that perhaps something could happen, but it was a complete surprise”(more…)
