Giraffidae

O’Leary a yes man — never had been so before, I think one of the main things that has stopped him from getting another job was that he couldn’t keep his mouth shut. He was forever chastising his chairmen for not backing him enough and that he couldn’t progress the club until they bought him new players. His ridiculous amount of TV interviews and continual whinging about not being supported was tedious.

I get the feeling Ashley is ‘shaking the tree’ to see whose money is behind the bid and if a Shepherd falls out then the deals off.

it’s not when he signed, its when the FA registration goes through.

I bet the Greeks can’t afford his wages. Isn’t he on a big wedge as we got him on that ‘free’ deal?

Jonas Gutierrez has admitted he would love the chance to move to Greek champions Olympiakos. The Argentina international's representatives have been approached by Olympiakos about a possible move. Gutierrez, who has failed to live up to expectations on Tyneside since his move from Real Mallorca last summer, is keen to quit relegated Newcastle in the hope of maintaining his international ambitions with Argentina. "On Thursday my agent called me and told me about the interest of Olympiakos," he told Greek-based Sportday. "He told me that he received a call from Olympiakos' people, who asked him if I wanted to play for them. "I told my agent that I wouldn't say no to Olympiakos if they are going to make a good offer to me. "Of course, everything depends on Newcastle. I have four more years contract with the English club and Olympiakos must agree with them first of all. "My agent told me that the upcoming week is going to be crucial. He is expecting a new contact with Olympiakos on Monday. "I know about Olympiakos and that they are a huge club. They are the Boca Juniors or the River Plate of Greece. "For me is a big challenge to play the Champions League. I have a lot of energy in me and I want to make a fantastic season in order to be with my national team in South Africa for the World Cup. "I want to leave Newcastle and go to a club which will give me the chance to fight for this place in my national team. "I believe if I play well in the Champions League then Maradona is going to take a look at me." even though he’s in the Argie squad on thursday anyway!

they’re in the shop window, if they’re still here when it shuts, judge them then.

if it’s true, O’Leary the gobshite, has Ashley not learnt anything from Kinnear? Ashley & Co. clearly know nothing about football and running a football club, why oh why doesn’t he employ someone who does. I could just about stomach a mediocre manager if there was someone at the club who knew what they were doing. The thing that worries me the most is that the day to day running of the club is still left to a casino manager — madness beyond belief.

Mates with Ashley apparently... All the exec box crew are probably friendly with each other to some degree. just had a thought that Moat was a front for Shepherd.

is Moat mates with Shepherd?

awesome ‘that’ tackle like. Is there a clip of it anywhere?

can Spuds drag this out until after the WBA match to use up his suspension? It would be hilarious if they tried that and got gazzumped!

if MA stays then I hope he’s at last clicked that he needs people in (and NOW!) who know how to run a football club – not just his mates from his favourite casino. Highly doubtful though.

RIP Sir Bob, thanks for a lifetime of great memories you’ve given to me and the world of football.

Actually, I'd take that back: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9nQNUD3iTM...&playnext=1 I could only take a minute of that! aaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh nnnooooooooooo!

1. Scarface (the 1983 Brian De Palma version) 2. Bill & Teds Excellent Adventure 3. Cool Hand Luke

excellent pics, cheers.

a lot of kids don’t play out now because of all the peado hysteria. The one thing I’ve noticed is that a lot of kids (including girls) get good quality coaching these days, sadly unheard of when I was a lad except from a crap PE teacher or if your lucky a knowledgeable parent who organised a team. I know there were a few good boys clubs etc, but the thought of all those football obsessed kids without access to any decent coaching was a disgrace. But then again football was a dirty word in those days to many.

I hope so, I can't help thinking that there's the feel of truth in the 'Axe to grind' idea though Where's that from btw? I.e. the stuff you quoted over the page? Not a very trustworthy source but still worth a thought perhaps just on the idea, it was on www.newcastleunited-mad.co.uk I’m not sure Ashley would stoop that low as it would cost him a fortune to destroy the club any further, but if he does sell-up, I do think he’ll throw a few spanners in the works on his way out of the door. Although if there are deals for repayments being due on any future promotion then it would make the ‘spanner’ option counter productive. If he wanted to destroy the hearts of NUFC fans then he’s already succeeded. But whether by design or incompetence, he’s already shown that he’s capable of anything.

Of course it’s a big worry that Shearer is inexperienced and doesn’t know the league. From his 8 weeks previous as manager he knew before he started he needed help (Dowie, et al), so I can’t see it happening any differently now. Even experienced managers cock up (don’t we know it!) so there is always an element of risk. Look at Barca they took the risk with Papa Guardiola. The reality is that we’re not going to get the calibre of a Roy Hodgson etc, these days.

I think they will be up for it (for a change) motivated by being on TV, desperate to get their agents to find new clubs as they’re in the shop window. Mind, most of them could be gone before then anyway.

no, worse than that, he wanted Phil Collins — his all time favourite! hanging is too good for him.

if it’s true, no buyers then, so a fire sale of players towards the end of August – what a mess.

how has Downing passed a medical? He’s on crutches at the mo’!

it’s all lies, no one can leave yet: link Agent: No toon exodus until embargo is lifted Author: Nigel Brown Posted on: 16 July 2009 - 12:17 Newcastle United are not allowing any member of their squad to leave St.James' Park until the future of the club and management is concluded. Speaking exclusively to Sport.co.uk, Alex Black, the agent of Toon forward Alan Smith, revealed there is an embargo on transfer dealings at the North East giants until the crisis at the boardroom level is resolved. Speaking to Sport.co.uk Editor Nigel Brown, Black said: “Nothing has changed at this moment in time regarding Alan Smith. It is exactly as it was. To be honest there is no point even worrying about it. Newcastle United have put a sort of embargo on any players moving in or out of the club until the situation is resolved in terms of ownership. “So, what can you do until that is sorted out? There is no point worrying about it as it is in Newcastle's hands.” Alan Smith has been previously linked with Stoke City, Portsmouth and Balckburn Rovers this summer.