ChezGiven 0 Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 The club can issue a set of accounts whenever they want, should they be looking a quick sale they could reduced wages and show our outgoings as being heavily reduced. It's impossible to say whether it is indeed cost cutting or preparation for a sale though my hunch is that it is the former. If you cut Own's wages in half and then issued the accounts tomorrow, that wouldnt help much. You mean you're hunch is its long term and we agree then? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ewerk 30166 Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 Yes I agree with you but all I'm saying is that I'm not ruling out a sale, though I believe the chances of one are slim. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChezGiven 0 Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 Yes I agree with you but all I'm saying is that I'm not ruling out a sale, though I believe the chances of one are slim. Fair enough, i'd go with that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeazesMag 0 Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 The club can issue a set of accounts whenever they want, should they be looking a quick sale they could reduced wages and show our outgoings as being heavily reduced. It's impossible to say whether it is indeed cost cutting or preparation for a sale though my hunch is that it is the former. If you cut Own's wages in half and then issued the accounts tomorrow, that wouldnt help much. You mean you're hunch is its long term and we agree then? I agree, it seems to be more of a long term strategy to me. Not good, shit in fact. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snake 0 Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 I'm a lot happier now we've elbowed the shit board, good times ahead Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fop 1 Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 I'll go for relegation (before the hysteria starts), then anything better than that I can be pleased with. Although seriously at the moment it's had to make a judgement, until we see what is what. What's your gut feeling about KK, is he happy? Again it's very hard to say, there's just so much speculation and so little fact about. I just hope he is on board with some of the supposed changes though, because it's a lot different to what he was supposedly promised when he was brought here, and if he's not then not only may he walk, but even if he doesn't if he's not enthusiastic about it all then every area may suffer even more. What's a bit worrying is Keegan's public comments have continually downgraded the number of players he "needs", and that's before losing players from last years squad. Losing Viduka to injury at the end showed that Keegan's cobbled together formation (whilst pretty decent when all fit) had almost no strength in depth last season, so even running with that is going to require some investment, playing in maybe a more traditional Keegan way even more so. Can there be any more mad sight in football than Wisey grinning at ya with a pen and contract in hand? Let Wise and the others find them but let KK do the negotiations ffs!!! Aye although he's maybe not quite the absolute draw he once was, he still is a significant factor (for European players anyway), and his ability to convince and enthuse players has still got to be there. All things being equal if they can get Keegan in a room with a player I'd put my money on him signing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChezGiven 0 Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 The club can issue a set of accounts whenever they want, should they be looking a quick sale they could reduced wages and show our outgoings as being heavily reduced. It's impossible to say whether it is indeed cost cutting or preparation for a sale though my hunch is that it is the former. If you cut Own's wages in half and then issued the accounts tomorrow, that wouldnt help much. You mean you're hunch is its long term and we agree then? I agree, it seems to be more of a long term strategy to me. Not good, shit in fact. Certainly nothing i've seen so far backs up their early PR about their ambition for the club. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest alex Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 And lets face it, we need a few new faces through the door who can walk into the starting XI. All this buying kids is fine but only if it's in addition to buying proven players too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fop 1 Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 And lets face it, we need a few new faces through the door who can walk into the starting XI. All this buying kids is fine but only if it's in addition to buying proven players too. If we lose a couple that there's speculation about, we won't even have an effective starting XI, and of course there's still a couple of position that we've desperately needed filling or better quality in for 2-3 seasons now. I'm still thinking Keegan's 4-5 is a minimum and then whatever younger/developmental players we can get. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Face 29 Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 (edited) Transfers Arsenal Aaron Ramsey Birmingham Lee Carsley Bolton Fabrice Muamba Chelsea Jose Bosingwa Fulham Mark Schwarzer David Stockdale Zoltan Gera Andranik Teymourian Spuds Luka Modric Giovani WBA Luke Moore Kim Do-Heon Roman Bednar So only 7 clubs have had any activity and only 3 clubs have brought in more than 1 player (the majority of which are free transfers that would undoubtedly have Newcastle fans mumbling about a lack of ambition). I'm not worried at all. I'm certain talented players will be coming in before the season starts. Edited June 18, 2008 by Happy Face Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimbo 172 Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 I'm expecting a finish between 6th and 10th, a few ups, a few downs, but more ups than last season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hadrian 0 Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 There has been far to many mixed messages from both sides to even get an idea of where we are heading . im of the belief that keegans 'add two or three quality players to set the place alight' , was exactly what he had intended , and all the talk of ashley could be the best owner in the world , was keegan looking for a gung-ho approach . at the same time im not sure he had an idea of the extent of the wage budget , which imo was really fucked up last summer with allerdyce and mort . so you would now think some comprimise has been set , and if it is all about value for money , you cant help think that an overhaul is underway , if the likes of duff , shola , emre are being moved on , surely geremi, viduka, smith should be following them . after that we are really left with a bare bone squad . as long as keegan is there im not to worried , cant see him not having a pull around newcastle tbh , so im pretty sure he's gonna be able to work within whatever boundaries have been set , when you consider the likes of robinho at real madrid is on 40kpw and many other examples like him in the premiership, it kinda puts our old wage spending into light . as long as keegan is allowed to persue his own targets this summer and wise sticks to the academy , and ashley backs keegan ( which i think he will if its a good investment) , then i cant see any reason we could push for europe again , once this clubs rolling were off ! and keegan of all people knows how to get it rolling , once he's got his squad settled , he will start winding the fan's up and we'll be off !!! i think ashley is gonna be alright , and he will put his hand in his pocket , but only if he's comfortable with it , with the wage trimmed he's got no reason not to, unless he really is flogging us on . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NobbySol 7 Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 We need to get some players in the midfield and throw a couple of decent defenders and squad players then 6th-9th looks likely. Il reserve my full opinion until new players come in if any. Might I add arshavin would be a great signing, hes been amazing in the sweden game and pretty decent every other time ive seen him Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fop 1 Posted June 19, 2008 Share Posted June 19, 2008 I'm expecting a finish between 6th and 10th, a few ups, a few downs, but more ups than last season. If things stayed the same as last season. What's worrying me is losing players (some in an ideal world we want to lose, admittedly), but then either not, or not adequately replacing them. In that case injuries may well turn a first XI capable of that sort of finish, into a squad that's looking over its shoulder at relegation. Of course a handful of good signings and it's a completely different picture. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JawD 99 Posted June 19, 2008 Share Posted June 19, 2008 Im up and down all the time. See plenty of players being shipped out, mostly Im glad we're pruning the dead wood. I think Ashley seems to be putting a much stronger foundation in place and a better business model. However, the lack of signings is a concern ( I know its early), our small squad is a concern, and te players we get linked to usually end up elsewhere. So, at the moment I think top half. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Torres 0 Posted June 19, 2008 Share Posted June 19, 2008 I'm expecting a finish between 6th and 10th, a few ups, a few downs, but more ups than last season. I agree. I do fancy you guys to have a fairly good season. 6th would not surprise me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Kelly 1217 Posted June 20, 2008 Author Share Posted June 20, 2008 Mike Ashley unveils his blueprint for NewcastleGeorge Caulkin Newcastle United may not have been active participants during the transfer window, but impatience is yet to set in at St James’ Park. In fact, impetuousness is something they are determined to avoid. At a club where there have been panic buys in abundance and marquee signings galore, where no meaningful trophies have been spotted for 39 years, there is a firm desire to do things differently. The Times has been given an insight into the vision which Mike Ashley, the club’s billionaire owner, is gradually implementing on Tyneside. It is not what some supporters will have expected. Towards the end of last season, Terry McDermott, Kevin Keegan’s lieutenant, spoke of a “big re-launch” being planned for this summer, but Ashley’s chequebook will not be the primary weapon. Ashley spent his first 12 months at Newcastle finding his feet and, on occasion, finding more than he bargained for. He discovered and paid off a debt which had spiralled to more than £70 million. Under Chris Mort, the outgoing chairman, a strategic review of all club affairs was undertaken. Bridges were built with fans and community leaders, the Academy was re-stocked and taken seriously, the training ground is being updated and, of course, Keegan was appointed. Under the previous, discredited regime, transfers had been planned and negotiated by directors, their family-members, agents and hangers-on. When Freddy Shepherd left, they followed. The arrival of Dennis Wise, Tony Jimenez and Jeff Vetere to lead Newcastle’s recruitment department was perceived as a threat to Keegan’s position, but they were merely replacing Shepherd’s acolytes. Whether they fare any better is another matter, or course. But could they fare much worse? Newcastle have finished the last four seasons 14th, seventh, 13th and 12th in the table. During that spell they have spent millions in transfers and wages on the likes of Michael Owen, Jean Alain Boumsong, Albert Luque, Damien Duff, Scott Parker, Alan Smith, Obafemi Martins, Joey Barton and Emre Belozoglu. Certain individuals have performed better than others, but nobody would argue that the philosophy of buying stellar names has provided value. That philosophy has now been shelved. While some fans have expressed disquiet at the dearth of activity since the end of another disappointing campaign, movement is expected to begin now that Keegan has returned from holiday. A senior figure on Gallowgate has reiterated that every player to have left the club has done so at the manager’s request, aside from Peter Ramage, the defender, who joined Queens Park Rangers is search of regular football. Newcastle, previously perched on quicksand foundations, will now be run far more rigorously. Ashley is eager to get his money’s worth; why pay Rolls-Royce wages for Robin Reliant performances? “The determination is to build a team, rather than simply buy big names,” said the source. “The desire is for a young, hungry squad which will stay together for the good of Newcastle for years to come rather than for just a season or two.” The change in approach is evidenced from Newcastle’s targets in the transfer market. A bid was made for Luka Modric, the 22-year-old Croatia international, who instead joined Tottenham Hotspur. They have also enquired about Galatasaray’s Arda Turan, 21, who has been excelling for Turkey in the European Championship and submitted a bid for Bafetimbi Gomis, 22, the France and St Etienne striker. That is their preferred age range, but beneath that level Wise et al have already brought in several youngsters and are still hoping to lure Aaron Spear from Plymouth Argyle. Naturally, there have been teething problems. Some goodwill was forfeited by delays and price increases for season tickets. And some substantive questions remain. Can Keegan and Wise can draw up different lists of players and work through them harmoniously? He may have played and managed, but does Wise possess the necessary qualities to sit on the board of directors? Shouldn’t Keegan’s reputation and enthusiasm be used in the acquisition process? Will the players they eventually sign settle and prosper? There are no guarantees. The only certainty is that Ashley is to take a more active role in proceedings at Newcastle, working alongside Derek Llambias, the newly-appointed managing director, rather than hovering in the background. The other one is that what has happened previously patently failed. There is a balance to be struck between prudence and adventure – no supporter will ever wear a replica shirt with the phrase ‘healthy bank balance’ emblazoned on the back – but it must be worth a try. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmericanMag 0 Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 Interesting. The reference to "Rolls Royce wages" gave me a FFS flashback though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Fish 10671 Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 I merrily await Leazes rebuttal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Park Life 71 Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 I merrily await Leazes rebuttal Some rebuttal it will be I'm sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sammynb 3342 Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 I merrily await Leazes rebuttal Some rebuttal it will be I'm sure. At least the 5th best rebuttal but I bet it doesn't do 160mph or live south of the tyne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeazesMag 0 Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 I merrily await Leazes rebuttal OK. Who are these "big names". So far as I can see its just an article with the usual shite cliches. He obviously isn't talking about Bramble, Lua LUa, Gavilan, Bellamy, Robert, Jenas, Cort, Viana, Griffin, Solano, Sibierski, Milner, Zoggy, Ambrose, Bernard, O'Brien. Oh aye, the club are trying out a new way of doing things ie look around for young talent which succeeds every time. Its sooper dooper and its brilliant and they should have been doing it all the time. What amazes me is the amount of times these journos spout this stuff, and even more so how long people are taken in by it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeazesMag 0 Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 I merrily await Leazes rebuttal Some rebuttal it will be I'm sure. At least the 5th best rebuttal but I bet it doesn't do 160mph or live south of the tyne we are a long way short of 5th now, sadly. About 2 or 3 trophy signings I'd say. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sammynb 3342 Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 I merrily await Leazes rebuttal Some rebuttal it will be I'm sure. At least the 5th best rebuttal but I bet it doesn't do 160mph or live south of the tyne we are a long way short of 5th now, sadly. About 2 or 3 trophy signings I'd say. Yes but Gateshead United's U15s local league winning players shouldn't count as trophy signings. That being said, I'm waiting before I make any judgments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ayatollah Hermione 13760 Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 We were a long way short when we signed Duff and Luque IIRC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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