Third coming or nonsense?The Sun is reporting (also on Sky) that some gadgie called Sirous Mahjoob might take over Newcastle United and install Kevin Keegan as manager. Again.
In the ‘news’ as scribed by The Sun, Llambias said:
“We are dealing with several people and giving most of our time and attention to the sale.
“You must remember that some parties make offers but when it comes to putting up proof of funds they are a long way from sealing a deal.
“But I can say we are very close to completing a deal and it could happen next week.”
Which is good news I suppose. Llambias then goes on to say why it’s foolhardy to employ a permanent manager at the moment:
“It’s Catch 22 – anyone who signs a deal will want their own choice of manager.
“Look what happened when Mike took over, Sam Allardyce was already in place and he didn’t want him.”
Then there’s a report from someone said to be a spokesman for Sirous Mahjoob: (more…)
Martins gone.Newcastle managed only a goalless draw last night against Leeds United. According to the Club Site, Ryan Taylor had the best opportunities for the home team before the break, with Bassong and Coloccini having the best opportunities in the second half. The Northern Echo contains a better report.
As reported by my colleague, it appears that the transfer embargo – if there ever was one – has been lifted and Obafemi Martins has been sold to Wolfsburg for £9m. There’s a report on Sky Sports but it mentions little beyond what I’ve already told you.
I wonder if this is Ashley facing the prospect of not selling the club before the transfer window closes and deciding he needs to starting getting things done himself. Or maybe it indicates that a new owner has been found who, whilst the legalities of a takeover are completed, has authorised some transfers in the interim.
On the subject of transfers, The Mail is claiming that Spurs will beat Arsenal to the signing of Seb Bassong with an £8m offer for the defender. (more…)
McMahon gobs off A lot of the papers have picked up on The Profitable Group withdrawing their interest in the club. The Telegraph quotes Steve McMahon as follows:
“We have pulled out. How long can you keep hanging on?
“We have put a bid in and we have had no communication, no response – nothing.
“It really is poor form from Newcastle, but if that’s the way they want to run their business, good luck to them.”
There were some suggestions that The Profitable Group had not demonstrated their ability to pay the £100m that Ashley wanted, but McMahon refuted this:
“That is completely inaccurate.
“I just feel sorry for the supporters – they deserve much, much better. They deserve to know what is going on.
“We wanted to come in and turn the club round because it clearly needs something at the minute.” (more…)
Oba fancies a move to Wolfsburg A few of the papers – such as The Telegraph – are going with the story that Oba Martins wants to join Wolfsburg, the Budesliga champions. Martins told the Wolfsburger Allgemeiner Zeitung (which I presume is a newspaper and not an exotic fast food outlet):
“The Bundesliga is on the up and could soon become one of the best leagues in the world. Therefore I am keen on joining a side that has recently become champions of that division.
“I am hoping this transfer is going to be pushed through real soon.”
I suspect Oba will be disappointed on that last issue. Nothing seems to be getting ‘pushed through real soon’ – or indeed at all – at the moment.
The article goes on to suggest that Martins will be hard pressed to get a regular place in the team given that Wolfsburg’s front two – Grafite and Dzeko – scored 53 goals between them last season. Apparently Newcastle have placed a £10m price tag on Martins. (more…)
Shearer scores but still in limbo.Today I can begin with some good news. England beat Germany 3-2 to win the Sir Bobby Robson Trophy with goals coming from Les Ferdinand, Alan Thompson and Alan Shearer. The night, however, belonged to Sir Bobby Robson and his cancer research foundation to which the proceeds of the game were donated. Sir Bobby is, and forever will be, a shining example of the good side of football.
Alas I must now move on to less celebratory news. Shearer has spoken of his frustration about the current situation at Newcastle United, saying:
“I am the same as everyone else, I am in limbo – I don’t know what is going on.
“I know as much as you. I would dearly love it to be sorted out one way or the other then the club can move forward.
“Everyone is telling me there are people in to buy the club. If that is the case, then great.”
He was also keen to dispel rumours that he’s close to walking away from things:
“I don’t know where that’s come from, it’s certainly not from myself. I want it sorted out as quickly as everyone else does.
“I’m a fan like everyone else and I don’t like to see the situation the club is in.” (more…)
