Fan ownership campaign startsThe Newcastle United Supporters Trust (NUST) has launched its ‘Yes We Can’ campaign, which aims to raise enough funds to finance a fan buy out of the club.
The NUST’s plan, which has been dubbed ‘Barcelona on the Tyne’ by the financial community, aims to democratise the club and ensure that the ‘current situation at Newcastle United does not repeat itself’ (NUST’s words).
Fans will be able to invest in the club via a number of ‘financial opportunities’ and the money will be held in Escrow by local solicitors to provide proof of funds to Mike Ashley.
Fan ownership is of course popular on the continent, perhaps most notably at places like Barcelona and Real Madrid. At Barcelona fans pay £139/year to acquire ‘socio status’ and for that you get the right to buy the best season tickets and take part in the club’s decision-making process. There are about 172,000 ‘socios’ whose fees raise approximately £24m/year before selling any season tickets, television rights, merchandise etc. (more…)
Barcelona-style Toon.Remember Graham Roberts and his plan to put Newcastle United in the hands of the fans?
I thought that had faded into oblivion. In fact I thought it was a complete non-starter and imposed a reporting embargo on myself about it, but I’ve lifted it in the interests of amusement.
It seems this bid is still simmering away and Sky Sports are reporting that Graham Roberts thinks his chances of turning the Toon into a Barcelona-style club are 75%. Things didn’t get off to a good start though. Roberts said:
“There’s a few people who have put some money together, we went to meet the Newcastle board but they didn’t turn up. [Derek] Llambias didn’t show up, we had the financial director and the club secretary.”
That doesn’t sound too promising, although I suppose they could have sent the tea lady. (more…)
Sitting prettyI’m all flustered this morning. For some reason my dog took to ferocious barking sessions last night, which had me twice out of bed and searching the premises, cricket bat in hand, ready to cover drive any burglars I found.
However no burglars nor any obvious reason for my dog’s frantic barking was found. Consequently I overslept and I’m now considering which room would look best with a border collie shaped rug on the floor.
Anyway, enough of my problems – what about Newcastle’s? Today is supposed to be D-Day number 147 isn’t it? I wouldn’t bet on it but by a lucky coincidence – given my disturbed night’s sleep – my colleague has covered a lot of the club’s political options so I don’t need to bother. Instead I’ll move swiftly on to other news. (more…)
