Keegan and Ashley row over Everton move for Smith

[Park Life 71]

What more can the club say about transfer activity, other than what they are saying? They can hardly give us a daily bulletin of who they are in negotiations with, how much they've offered and what the response is. Nobody else does that either. Under the previous regime we were fed a constant stream of lies and half truths via Alan Oliver and his cronies but we were no better informed as to what was really going on, we were just subjected to more propaganda from the club and disaffected elements within it.

 

As an exile, I've noticed the difference in press coverage. Before the national press used to rip off whatever the Chron was peddling....now they just make it up. I don't feel any less or more informed than before, there's just as many stories but it's apparent the club isn't stirring the pot anymore. I suppose if anything disappoints me regarding the media, it's that the club doesn't feel any need to manage its press relations actively, but I guess that Ashley see it as a waste of money.

 

Having said all that, I'm not happy with the transfer window so far and I doubt anyone is. I'm reserving judgement until it shuts, although it's disappointing that the season's nearly upon us, we've only made 3 average-ish signings so far and a lot of the first team squad have had no pre-season whatsoever. However I reckon if Keegan was truly unhappy with the set-up, he would have been off by now.

 

A football club is a living breathing thing and the press can easily be brought onside with careful and articulate management. Ashley has been poor with the press imo.

[Park Life 71]

Amazing, Why do people disbelieve things that doesn't suit them ?

 

This is highly likely.

 

The Keegan mark 1 of 15 years ago would have walked out at least 3 times by now, he can't be happy with the summer, so why are you choosing to disbelieve it ?

 

lack of quotes and the fact that the press have had generally fuck all idea whats been going on inside the club this summer

 

if the press have had generally fuck all idea whats been going on inside the club this summer, thats because it appears that fuck all has been going on inside the club this summer.

 

Thats the clubs fault for poor communication to the supporters. Very important, ignore it at their peril.

 

The only hard factual information we have, and the press have, is a shit small squad and a huge failure so far to get the managers transfer targets and appear to make an effort to compete and get back to competing with other clubs of our standing.

 

So what do you want the press to say ? That we've signed players we haven't ?

 

LM you're wrong

 

Poor communication? How many times have they got to come out and say stuff? They have said the club is not being sold but are looking for investment, they have said they are not looking for "Trophy" signings, Im not sure what else you want them to come out and say?

 

How had there been a huge failure to get the managers targets? I know you are not nieive enough to think we will land each one we target? If the failure was that huge surely we wouldn't have signed anyone? The signings he has made so far, Im pretty happy with. Certainly more so than in recent times. Fine, they are not £15M+ players, but is that was KK is like? Is KK not one to bring on lesser known players as well as putting an arm around the bigger names? I know Im looking forward to seeing how Guthrie develops, how Bassong develops and if Jonas can pick up the pace of the Premiership quickly. Then we know we have Coloccini on his way in. And the window isnt closed yet?

 

Look at the players we have let go? Carr, Ramage, Rozenhal, to name a few. Would you have kept any of these? Smith? would you really keep him?

 

Personally, while I do think our squad is thread bare (and was before KK came along), Im happy with the additions and my perceived quality of them.

 

You might look back at us getting in to Europe but consider this. We made Champions league a couple of times. That rocketted the clubs income. That meant we could go out and spend bigger on players and wages. Then the Partizan game happened. We were out on our ear and the income fell. Yet, we maintained our spending and the wages ratio increased to an unhealthy level. Yet, we continue to bring in big wage players. Now do you think this was good business? I think FS gambled, I think he thought by making sure we spent the money we would get into europe and it would pay off. The problem? his managers. Roeder, Souness and Allardyce. Look at what they spent and the money that was wasted.

 

Im no apologist for MA, but from a business perspective and the long term vision for the club I can understand the reasoning behind what he is doing and while it may be painful short term, I think its up to supporters to bare with the new set up, certainly this season, and just get behind the team.

 

Of course I'd like to see more players coming in, Id like to see us competing for the best. But is it realistic? Not if we want a sensible wage structure. Step 1, push up the table, this season make sure we finish top half and maybe 8+. Getting into Europe would be a bonus. Then if so, look to improve the squad again.

 

Really, Id like to know exactly what your big issues are?

 

 

What are out long term goals, does anybody know?

[Douggy B 0]

What more can the club say about transfer activity, other than what they are saying? They can hardly give us a daily bulletin of who they are in negotiations with, how much they've offered and what the response is. Nobody else does that either. Under the previous regime we were fed a constant stream of lies and half truths via Alan Oliver and his cronies but we were no better informed as to what was really going on, we were just subjected to more propaganda from the club and disaffected elements within it.

 

As an exile, I've noticed the difference in press coverage. Before the national press used to rip off whatever the Chron was peddling....now they just make it up. I don't feel any less or more informed than before, there's just as many stories but it's apparent the club isn't stirring the pot anymore. I suppose if anything disappoints me regarding the media, it's that the club doesn't feel any need to manage its press relations actively, but I guess that Ashley see it as a waste of money.

 

Having said all that, I'm not happy with the transfer window so far and I doubt anyone is. I'm reserving judgement until it shuts, although it's disappointing that the season's nearly upon us, we've only made 3 average-ish signings so far and a lot of the first team squad have had no pre-season whatsoever. However I reckon if Keegan was truly unhappy with the set-up, he would have been off by now.

 

A football club is a living breathing thing and the press can easily be brought onside with careful and articulate management. Ashley has been poor with the press imo.

 

Before coming to NUFC, Ashley didnt even give interviews. He was always referred to in the press as "the reclusive Mike Ashley". It seems he needs to get some decent PR people in.

[Park Life 71]

What more can the club say about transfer activity, other than what they are saying? They can hardly give us a daily bulletin of who they are in negotiations with, how much they've offered and what the response is. Nobody else does that either. Under the previous regime we were fed a constant stream of lies and half truths via Alan Oliver and his cronies but we were no better informed as to what was really going on, we were just subjected to more propaganda from the club and disaffected elements within it.

 

As an exile, I've noticed the difference in press coverage. Before the national press used to rip off whatever the Chron was peddling....now they just make it up. I don't feel any less or more informed than before, there's just as many stories but it's apparent the club isn't stirring the pot anymore. I suppose if anything disappoints me regarding the media, it's that the club doesn't feel any need to manage its press relations actively, but I guess that Ashley see it as a waste of money.

 

Having said all that, I'm not happy with the transfer window so far and I doubt anyone is. I'm reserving judgement until it shuts, although it's disappointing that the season's nearly upon us, we've only made 3 average-ish signings so far and a lot of the first team squad have had no pre-season whatsoever. However I reckon if Keegan was truly unhappy with the set-up, he would have been off by now.

 

A football club is a living breathing thing and the press can easily be brought onside with careful and articulate management. Ashley has been poor with the press imo.

 

Before coming to NUFC, Ashley didnt even give interviews. He was always referred to in the press as "the reclusive Mike Ashley". It seems he needs to get some decent PR people in.

 

Strange thing is he's the type of maverick (going to meetings with plastic bags full of folders) that I normally like.

[Douggy B 0]

What more can the club say about transfer activity, other than what they are saying? They can hardly give us a daily bulletin of who they are in negotiations with, how much they've offered and what the response is. Nobody else does that either. Under the previous regime we were fed a constant stream of lies and half truths via Alan Oliver and his cronies but we were no better informed as to what was really going on, we were just subjected to more propaganda from the club and disaffected elements within it.

 

As an exile, I've noticed the difference in press coverage. Before the national press used to rip off whatever the Chron was peddling....now they just make it up. I don't feel any less or more informed than before, there's just as many stories but it's apparent the club isn't stirring the pot anymore. I suppose if anything disappoints me regarding the media, it's that the club doesn't feel any need to manage its press relations actively, but I guess that Ashley see it as a waste of money.

 

Having said all that, I'm not happy with the transfer window so far and I doubt anyone is. I'm reserving judgement until it shuts, although it's disappointing that the season's nearly upon us, we've only made 3 average-ish signings so far and a lot of the first team squad have had no pre-season whatsoever. However I reckon if Keegan was truly unhappy with the set-up, he would have been off by now.

 

A football club is a living breathing thing and the press can easily be brought onside with careful and articulate management. Ashley has been poor with the press imo.

 

Before coming to NUFC, Ashley didnt even give interviews. He was always referred to in the press as "the reclusive Mike Ashley". It seems he needs to get some decent PR people in.

 

Strange thing is he's the type of maverick (going to meetings with plastic bags full of folders) that I normally like.

 

He has always come across as an odd ball to me but there is no doubting his acumen. He has a set of rules that he sticks to: low overheads, economies of scale and vertical integration (Buying out his suppliers).

[Guest alex]

I reckon he portrayed himself as a recluse well upon his arrival. Then it was all ' the previously reclusive Mike Ashley drinking with the Toon fans' etc. I mean, he wouldn't be in the papers much (beyond the odd bit in the business pages) before he bought the club / the takeover bid, would he? I reckon the 'reclusive' thing was a nice bit of propaganda on his part so it would seem his mixing with the locals was out of character and a sign of how he'd taken the club to his heart and all that shite.

[Douggy B 0]

I reckon he portrayed himself as a recluse well upon his arrival. Then it was all ' the previously reclusive Mike Ashley drinking with the Toon fans' etc. I mean, he wouldn't be in the papers much (beyond the odd bit in the business pages) before he bought the club / the takeover bid, would he? I reckon the 'reclusive' thing was a nice bit of propaganda on his part so it would seem his mixing with the locals was out of character and a sign of how he'd taken the club to his heart and all that shite.

 

Do you credit him with that kind of media savvy?

[Guest alex]

I reckon he portrayed himself as a recluse well upon his arrival. Then it was all ' the previously reclusive Mike Ashley drinking with the Toon fans' etc. I mean, he wouldn't be in the papers much (beyond the odd bit in the business pages) before he bought the club / the takeover bid, would he? I reckon the 'reclusive' thing was a nice bit of propaganda on his part so it would seem his mixing with the locals was out of character and a sign of how he'd taken the club to his heart and all that shite.

 

Do you credit him with that kind of media savvy?

I just have, haven't I?

[Douggy B 0]

I reckon he portrayed himself as a recluse well upon his arrival. Then it was all ' the previously reclusive Mike Ashley drinking with the Toon fans' etc. I mean, he wouldn't be in the papers much (beyond the odd bit in the business pages) before he bought the club / the takeover bid, would he? I reckon the 'reclusive' thing was a nice bit of propaganda on his part so it would seem his mixing with the locals was out of character and a sign of how he'd taken the club to his heart and all that shite.

 

Do you credit him with that kind of media savvy?

I just have, haven't I?

 

Indeed but my question was really asking you to reconsider what you had just wrote.

[Guest alex]

I reckon he portrayed himself as a recluse well upon his arrival. Then it was all ' the previously reclusive Mike Ashley drinking with the Toon fans' etc. I mean, he wouldn't be in the papers much (beyond the odd bit in the business pages) before he bought the club / the takeover bid, would he? I reckon the 'reclusive' thing was a nice bit of propaganda on his part so it would seem his mixing with the locals was out of character and a sign of how he'd taken the club to his heart and all that shite.

 

Do you credit him with that kind of media savvy?

I just have, haven't I?

 

Indeed but my question was really asking you to reconsider what you had just wrote.

I got that thanks.

[Douggy B 0]

I reckon he portrayed himself as a recluse well upon his arrival. Then it was all ' the previously reclusive Mike Ashley drinking with the Toon fans' etc. I mean, he wouldn't be in the papers much (beyond the odd bit in the business pages) before he bought the club / the takeover bid, would he? I reckon the 'reclusive' thing was a nice bit of propaganda on his part so it would seem his mixing with the locals was out of character and a sign of how he'd taken the club to his heart and all that shite.

 

Do you credit him with that kind of media savvy?

I just have, haven't I?

 

Indeed but my question was really asking you to reconsider what you had just wrote.

I got that thanks.

 

And?

[Asprilla 96]

I reckon he portrayed himself as a recluse well upon his arrival. Then it was all ' the previously reclusive Mike Ashley drinking with the Toon fans' etc. I mean, he wouldn't be in the papers much (beyond the odd bit in the business pages) before he bought the club / the takeover bid, would he? I reckon the 'reclusive' thing was a nice bit of propaganda on his part so it would seem his mixing with the locals was out of character and a sign of how he'd taken the club to his heart and all that shite.

 

Do you credit him with that kind of media savvy?

I just have, haven't I?

 

Indeed but my question was really asking you to reconsider what you had just wrote.

I got that thanks.

[Guest alex]

I reckon he portrayed himself as a recluse well upon his arrival. Then it was all ' the previously reclusive Mike Ashley drinking with the Toon fans' etc. I mean, he wouldn't be in the papers much (beyond the odd bit in the business pages) before he bought the club / the takeover bid, would he? I reckon the 'reclusive' thing was a nice bit of propaganda on his part so it would seem his mixing with the locals was out of character and a sign of how he'd taken the club to his heart and all that shite.

 

Do you credit him with that kind of media savvy?

I just have, haven't I?

 

Indeed but my question was really asking you to reconsider what you had just wrote.

I got that thanks.

 

And?

And what? I haven't changed my mind.

[Douggy B 0]

I reckon he portrayed himself as a recluse well upon his arrival. Then it was all ' the previously reclusive Mike Ashley drinking with the Toon fans' etc. I mean, he wouldn't be in the papers much (beyond the odd bit in the business pages) before he bought the club / the takeover bid, would he? I reckon the 'reclusive' thing was a nice bit of propaganda on his part so it would seem his mixing with the locals was out of character and a sign of how he'd taken the club to his heart and all that shite.

 

Do you credit him with that kind of media savvy?

I just have, haven't I?

 

Indeed but my question was really asking you to reconsider what you had just wrote.

I got that thanks.

 

And?

And what? I haven't changed my mind.

Oh dear.

[Guest alex]

I reckon he portrayed himself as a recluse well upon his arrival. Then it was all ' the previously reclusive Mike Ashley drinking with the Toon fans' etc. I mean, he wouldn't be in the papers much (beyond the odd bit in the business pages) before he bought the club / the takeover bid, would he? I reckon the 'reclusive' thing was a nice bit of propaganda on his part so it would seem his mixing with the locals was out of character and a sign of how he'd taken the club to his heart and all that shite.

 

Do you credit him with that kind of media savvy?

I just have, haven't I?

 

Indeed but my question was really asking you to reconsider what you had just wrote.

I got that thanks.

 

And?

And what? I haven't changed my mind.

Oh dear.

It's just a theory I have. I don't know that it's true but it would hardly have required a masterstroke of PR would it? He's a bit of a recluse in the eyes of the majority of the sports media because they don't know much about him, yes? Beyond his involvement in Sports Direct that is. He then does a few PR stunts like buying drinks in Blu Bambo and going in the away end and all of a sudden he's carried away by the enthusiasm of the Geordie fans? I don't quite buy it myself. I fully accept I may be being overly cynical.

[Douggy B 0]

I think he realised that you cant hide away if your a football club owner. I dont think he was trying to con anyone just show his enthusiasm for the club.

 

Ashley is NOT a newcastle fan, he doesn't even have a football club.

 

But having a fan in charge is not always the best way to run one.

[Guest alex]

I think he realised that you cant hide away if your a football club owner. I dont think he was trying to con anyone just show his enthusiasm for the club.

 

Ashley is NOT a newcastle fan, he doesn't even have a football club.

 

But having a fan in charge is not always the best way to run one.

Where did I say it was? Honestly you miss the fucking point every time I make a post. Even when I explain and clarify what I meant.

[Douggy B 0]

I think he realised that you cant hide away if your a football club owner. I dont think he was trying to con anyone just show his enthusiasm for the club.

Ashley is NOT a newcastle fan, he doesn't even have a football club.

 

But having a fan in charge is not always the best way to run one.

Where did I say it was? Honestly you miss the fucking point every time I make a post. Even when I explain and clarify what I meant.

 

Where did I say that you said it was

 

The whole Ashley being a fan was an add on to my original point (highlighted).

 

Jeez this is hard work.

[Guest alex]

I think he realised that you cant hide away if your a football club owner. I dont think he was trying to con anyone just show his enthusiasm for the club.

Ashley is NOT a newcastle fan, he doesn't even have a football club.

 

But having a fan in charge is not always the best way to run one.

Where did I say it was? Honestly you miss the fucking point every time I make a post. Even when I explain and clarify what I meant.

 

Where did I say that you said it was

 

The whole Ashley being a fan was an add on to my original point (highlighted).

 

Jeez this is hard work.

Cheers then. I never actually realised he wasn't a Newcastle fan or indeed a fan of any club. The press haven't mentioned that.

[Douggy B 0]

I think he realised that you cant hide away if your a football club owner. I dont think he was trying to con anyone just show his enthusiasm for the club.

Ashley is NOT a newcastle fan, he doesn't even have a football club.

 

But having a fan in charge is not always the best way to run one.

Where did I say it was? Honestly you miss the fucking point every time I make a post. Even when I explain and clarify what I meant.

 

Where did I say that you said it was

 

The whole Ashley being a fan was an add on to my original point (highlighted).

 

Jeez this is hard work.

Cheers then. I never actually realised he wasn't a Newcastle fan or indeed a fan of any club. The press haven't mentioned that.

 

meh.

[Park Life 71]

I reckon he portrayed himself as a recluse well upon his arrival. Then it was all ' the previously reclusive Mike Ashley drinking with the Toon fans' etc. I mean, he wouldn't be in the papers much (beyond the odd bit in the business pages) before he bought the club / the takeover bid, would he? I reckon the 'reclusive' thing was a nice bit of propaganda on his part so it would seem his mixing with the locals was out of character and a sign of how he'd taken the club to his heart and all that shite.

 

Do you credit him with that kind of media savvy?

I just have, haven't I?

 

Indeed but my question was really asking you to reconsider what you had just wrote.

I got that thanks.

 

And?

And what? I haven't changed my mind.

Oh dear.

It's just a theory I have. I don't know that it's true but it would hardly have required a masterstroke of PR would it? He's a bit of a recluse in the eyes of the majority of the sports media because they don't know much about him, yes? Beyond his involvement in Sports Direct that is. He then does a few PR stunts like buying drinks in Blu Bambo and going in the away end and all of a sudden he's carried away by the enthusiasm of the Geordie fans? I don't quite buy it myself. I fully accept I may be being overly cynical.

 

I for one think you're completely right Alex. I think we discussed this at Christmas iirc.

[Guest alex]

I reckon he portrayed himself as a recluse well upon his arrival. Then it was all ' the previously reclusive Mike Ashley drinking with the Toon fans' etc. I mean, he wouldn't be in the papers much (beyond the odd bit in the business pages) before he bought the club / the takeover bid, would he? I reckon the 'reclusive' thing was a nice bit of propaganda on his part so it would seem his mixing with the locals was out of character and a sign of how he'd taken the club to his heart and all that shite.

 

Do you credit him with that kind of media savvy?

I just have, haven't I?

 

Indeed but my question was really asking you to reconsider what you had just wrote.

I got that thanks.

 

And?

And what? I haven't changed my mind.

Oh dear.

It's just a theory I have. I don't know that it's true but it would hardly have required a masterstroke of PR would it? He's a bit of a recluse in the eyes of the majority of the sports media because they don't know much about him, yes? Beyond his involvement in Sports Direct that is. He then does a few PR stunts like buying drinks in Blu Bambo and going in the away end and all of a sudden he's carried away by the enthusiasm of the Geordie fans? I don't quite buy it myself. I fully accept I may be being overly cynical.

 

I for one think you're completely right Alex. I think we discussed this at Christmas iirc.

Aye, Chez mentioned it and I have to say it makes sense to me. The fact Danny reckons it's bollocks only confirms that really.

[Park Life 71]

No better barometer imo.

[Torres 0]

I think Ashley bought it because he thought it would be fun to own and make some money from but quickly realised that it was an administrative mess and not as much fun as he envisaged. He'll have to be tough and make some really hard decisions if he's gonna turn it around and will nedd the backing of all the staff and the manager ... even then it'll take at least 3 seasons to turn it around.

[Kid Dynamite 7169]

I know we have no strikers but come on!!! Even if we do keep him hes not going to fuckign score, hes completely inept as a footballer and id give him away for free just to get him off the wage bill. I hope its true!