Scouse hitmen at work. Even though I live in London, usually, I’d rather be flayed alive than travel to South Norwood, the home of Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park. It’s an absolute mare to get to, either struggling though all the worst that London traffic has to offer, or making around 73 changes on the train. Even so, there seemed to be a good crowd of Geordies in the away end, around three and a half thousand apparently. They were in good voice, with a little bit of rather predictable anti Ashley chanting, but some great support for the team
It seems that Crystal Palace are still in denial about being relegated in 2005, as the Premier League theme started blaring out of the PA before the game commenced, the old 2005 one too, which added a stuck in limbo feel to the proceedings.
Ameobi and Nolan got the game underway, and just while I was settling in, the custard boys go and bang one in. The ball was passed around nicely for a minute or so, then Gutierrez made an beautiful chipped pass back to Nolan, who proceeded to thread it very skillfully through the legs of the Palace keeper (Flavahan) for the best possible start to the game. (more…)
One of these will own the club.There are rumours that Newcastle United will make an announcement about the sale of the club on Monday, although I can’t find a direct quote from anyone at the club about this announcement. Other rumours suggest it may be late next week before we find out anything.
Sky Sports claims that talks are continuing with Barry Moat and two other consortia, as does The Guardian, and both claim some sort of announcement is set for Monday.
The Telegraph claims that negotiations between Moat and Ashley are at an advanced stage and some sort of deal could be closed next week. They also mention that Barclays would like to see a reduction in the £40m loan the club uses to operate before they’ll stamp their authority on any deal for Barry Moat. (more…)
Jonas: Wants to stay and fight.Argentina coach, Diego Maradona has reassured Jonas Gutierrez that staying with Newcastle United will not affect his place in the Argentina squad.
Speaking of his chat with Maradona, Gutierrez reports:
“I’ve spoken to the national team coach and he says there is no problem for me being in the second division of English football. He said to take care, to do the things in my team, it’s no problem if I have to play in the second division, I’m going to be in the squad for qualification.
“And that was very important to hear. The words from the manager were encouraging. Now I am very happy about that because for me to play in the national team is a dream.
“If he had said ‘no you need to play in a top division’, it was going to be a difficult situation because I am very happy at Newcastle, but I want to play to with my national team, so it was going to be a difficult situation. But he told me it that no problems for me, it was important.” (more…)
Off to Spain perhapsAs far as the sale saga goes, this week really must be it.
I can’t believe Ashley would let it run into the last week of the transfer window to sell the club, leaving mere days to strengthen the extremely threadbare squad. According to press articles of late, ‘D-Day’ is either today, tomorrow or Friday. Thursday is reported to be upset about being overlooked.
So what’s the latest? Well there’s nothing much new. Yesterday’s Journal claims that Barclays Bank will make a decision about Moat’s loan by Wednesday and claims that Shearer will be manager in time for the Crystal Palace match on Saturday if Barclays gives it the thumbs-up.
Meanwhile it seems that Joe Kinnear has been telling ‘friends in football’ that he will be manager by the end of this week if the sale falls through.
Personally I have no faith in Barclays. When I was 18 I applied for a loan from them myself in order to buy a MkI 3-litre Capri and they turned me down. If they couldn’t afford to lend me £700 I can’t see how they can lend Barry Moat £20m. (more…)
Enrique: Want's Guti in front of him.Newcastle United’s post Reading love-in continued today, when full-back, Jose Enrique spoke passionately of his “understanding” with gangly Argentinian wing wizard, Jonas Gutierrez.
Speaking to Sand-dancer’s daily, The Shields Gazette, He declared that Guti is the man he would most like to have in front of him as Toon’s Championship season unfolds. Gutierrez has recently been linked with a return to the Premiership with Portsmouth.
However, Toon’s Spanish speaking dynamic duo have formed a very close bond since Guti joined the team at the beginning of last season, and Enrique certainly doesn’t seem to be very keen on losing his left sided partner to the Posh. He also expressed a personal wish for some additions to the much depleted Newcastle squad, after the recent player exodus. He said:
“When Jonas plays, I understand very well how to play with him, I want him to stay because he is very good for the team.
“I play on the left like him, and we play similar football. He has played in Spain, so he understands my game. (more…)
