Mike Ashley interview in the official club magazine

[LeazesMag 0]

Well worth reading, some interesting stuff

 

is it any better than the Beano

I have to be honest Steve, I reckon if we had someone with the kindness and personality of Desmond Tutu, the spending tendancies of Roman Abramovic, and the charisma of Elvis, you would still pick fault with them. You're an ABA, and there's a lot of them about.

 

hesitate to say you're talking shite Stevie because I usually have a lot of time for you

 

But you're talking bollocks

 

[LeazesMag 0]

ABA?

Anyone But Ashley

 

I'd say he's the opposite myself, given the support he had for Shepherd I don't think it matters who is in charge, if they're not Shepherd he'll go out of his way to find a reason to have a pop at them.

 

Edit: Which I suppose is what you're saying in your previous post.

 

more bollocks.

 

Quite amazing all this shite, especially from someone was an anybody but Shepherd person for years ..... even when we were in the CL too I would imagine, if not then you have a short memory

 

Can't get my head around the fact that I've paid for the next 3 years [ie £1334] and cretins are saying I'm anti Ashley and want him to fail etc etc blah blah....how old are you ?

Edited August 12, 2008 by LeazesMag

[Wavey Davey 0]

ABA?

Anyone But Ashley

 

I'd say he's the opposite myself, given the support he had for Shepherd I don't think it matters who is in charge, if they're not Shepherd he'll go out of his way to find a reason to have a pop at them.

 

Edit: Which I suppose is what you're saying in your previous post.

 

more bollocks.

 

Quite amazing all this shite, especially from someone was an anybody but Shepherd person for years ..... even when we were in the CL too I would imagine, if not then you have a short memory

 

Can't get my head around the fact that I've paid for the next 3 years [ie £1334] and cretins are saying I'm anti Ashley and want him to fail etc etc blah blah....how old are you ?

 

So you'd swallow FFS's spewings but not FMA's? It's still spew, Leazes.

Edited August 12, 2008 by Zebra

[ewerk 30219]

ABA?

Anyone But Ashley

 

I'd say he's the opposite myself, given the support he had for Shepherd I don't think it matters who is in charge, if they're not Shepherd he'll go out of his way to find a reason to have a pop at them.

 

Edit: Which I suppose is what you're saying in your previous post.

 

more bollocks.

 

Quite amazing all this shite, especially from someone was an anybody but Shepherd person for years ..... even when we were in the CL too I would imagine, if not then you have a short memory

 

Can't get my head around the fact that I've paid for the next 3 years [ie £1334] and cretins are saying I'm anti Ashley and want him to fail etc etc blah blah....how old are you ?

 

I certainly wasn't 'anyone but Shepherd' and have repeatedly given him credit where it was due. And buying a season ticket means that you support the club, not necessarily the chairman. I just think that you are being as overly critical of Ashley as you were overly supportive of Shepherd, just seems like you have a largely baseless dislike of the new regime.

[LeazesMag 0]

ABA?

Anyone But Ashley

 

I'd say he's the opposite myself, given the support he had for Shepherd I don't think it matters who is in charge, if they're not Shepherd he'll go out of his way to find a reason to have a pop at them.

 

Edit: Which I suppose is what you're saying in your previous post.

 

more bollocks.

 

Quite amazing all this shite, especially from someone was an anybody but Shepherd person for years ..... even when we were in the CL too I would imagine, if not then you have a short memory

 

Can't get my head around the fact that I've paid for the next 3 years [ie £1334] and cretins are saying I'm anti Ashley and want him to fail etc etc blah blah....how old are you ?

 

I certainly wasn't 'anyone but Shepherd' and have repeatedly given him credit where it was due. And buying a season ticket means that you support the club, not necessarily the chairman. I just think that you are being as overly critical of Ashley as you were overly supportive of Shepherd, just seems like you have a largely baseless dislike of the new regime.

 

I've also gave Ashley the credit where its due, except there hasn't been too much yet.

 

I'm also not really arsed just now to debate this, so bollocks.

[LeazesMag 0]

ABA?

Anyone But Ashley

 

I'd say he's the opposite myself, given the support he had for Shepherd I don't think it matters who is in charge, if they're not Shepherd he'll go out of his way to find a reason to have a pop at them.

 

Edit: Which I suppose is what you're saying in your previous post.

 

more bollocks.

 

Quite amazing all this shite, especially from someone was an anybody but Shepherd person for years ..... even when we were in the CL too I would imagine, if not then you have a short memory

 

Can't get my head around the fact that I've paid for the next 3 years [ie £1334] and cretins are saying I'm anti Ashley and want him to fail etc etc blah blah....how old are you ?

 

So you'd swallow FFS's spewings but not FMA's? It's still spew, Leazes.

 

no, I just said he's talking bollocks, and so are you

[Guest alex]

I don't know why it has to be a contest between the two whereby if Ashley does shite it proves how good Shepherd was and vice-versa should the opposite happen.

[LeazesMag 0]

I don't know why it has to be a contest between the two whereby if Ashley does shite it proves how good Shepherd was and vice-versa should the opposite happen.

 

yes, and pointing out where Ashley hasn't seemed to have the right idea doesn't necessarily say that Shepherd and the Halls did everything perfectly, because I'm as aware as any other fucker that that wasn't the case.

 

Edit : conversely, there a lot of people only too happy to reject the good things that the old board did, just because its the old board and suggest Ashley is doing it better just because its not fat fred , and that's also true .

Edited August 12, 2008 by LeazesMag

[Guest Stevie]

I don't know why it has to be a contest between the two whereby if Ashley does shite it proves how good Shepherd was and vice-versa should the opposite happen.

 

yes, and pointing out where Ashley hasn't seemed to have the right idea doesn't necessarily say that Shepherd and the Halls did everything perfectly, because I'm as aware as any other fucker that that wasn't the case.

What are your suggestions for a Utopian running of Newcastle United at boardroom level Steve.....and what can Ashley do better?

[Guest alex]

I don't know why it has to be a contest between the two whereby if Ashley does shite it proves how good Shepherd was and vice-versa should the opposite happen.

 

yes, and pointing out where Ashley hasn't seemed to have the right idea doesn't necessarily say that Shepherd and the Halls did everything perfectly, because I'm as aware as any other fucker that that wasn't the case.

I don't recall you having given Ashley credit for anything though. Bringing KK back, paying off the debt, financing deals or anything.

Edited August 12, 2008 by alex

[Wavey Davey 0]

ABA?

Anyone But Ashley

 

I'd say he's the opposite myself, given the support he had for Shepherd I don't think it matters who is in charge, if they're not Shepherd he'll go out of his way to find a reason to have a pop at them.

 

Edit: Which I suppose is what you're saying in your previous post.

 

more bollocks.

 

Quite amazing all this shite, especially from someone was an anybody but Shepherd person for years ..... even when we were in the CL too I would imagine, if not then you have a short memory

 

Can't get my head around the fact that I've paid for the next 3 years [ie £1334] and cretins are saying I'm anti Ashley and want him to fail etc etc blah blah....how old are you ?

 

So you'd swallow FFS's spewings but not FMA's? It's still spew, Leazes.

 

no, I just said he's talking bollocks, and so are you

 

I may talk bollocks but I know you're just being a stubborn arse. Shepherd fucked and was fucking the club until he left.

 

But there's no budging an inch with you, is there?

 

"Ashley is evil, Ashley is bad..."

 

Just repeat with fingers in ears, eh?

[LeazesMag 0]

I don't know why it has to be a contest between the two whereby if Ashley does shite it proves how good Shepherd was and vice-versa should the opposite happen.

 

yes, and pointing out where Ashley hasn't seemed to have the right idea doesn't necessarily say that Shepherd and the Halls did everything perfectly, because I'm as aware as any other fucker that that wasn't the case.

What are your suggestions for a Utopian running of Newcastle United at boardroom level Steve.....and what can Ashley do better?

 

There's no such thing as a perfect board is there Stevie ? The board and the manager both have different roles and responsibilities ?

 

Leazes

[Guest alex]

I don't know why it has to be a contest between the two whereby if Ashley does shite it proves how good Shepherd was and vice-versa should the opposite happen.

 

yes, and pointing out where Ashley hasn't seemed to have the right idea doesn't necessarily say that Shepherd and the Halls did everything perfectly, because I'm as aware as any other fucker that that wasn't the case.

 

Edit : conversely, there a lot of people only too happy to reject the good things that the old board did, just because its the old board and suggest Ashley is doing it better just because its not fat fred , and that's also true .

Just seen the edit and iyam it's best just to generally address things when people say them at the time. That way you don't get the ridiculously entrenched arguments on this subject whereby people are accused of saying stuff they've never even said.

I don't want another Shepherd argument btw. FFS.

[LeazesMag 0]

ABA?

Anyone But Ashley

 

I'd say he's the opposite myself, given the support he had for Shepherd I don't think it matters who is in charge, if they're not Shepherd he'll go out of his way to find a reason to have a pop at them.

 

Edit: Which I suppose is what you're saying in your previous post.

 

more bollocks.

 

Quite amazing all this shite, especially from someone was an anybody but Shepherd person for years ..... even when we were in the CL too I would imagine, if not then you have a short memory

 

Can't get my head around the fact that I've paid for the next 3 years [ie £1334] and cretins are saying I'm anti Ashley and want him to fail etc etc blah blah....how old are you ?

 

So you'd swallow FFS's spewings but not FMA's? It's still spew, Leazes.

 

no, I just said he's talking bollocks, and so are you

 

I may talk bollocks but I know you're just being a stubborn arse. Shepherd fucked and was fucking the club until he left.

 

But there's no budging an inch with you, is there?

 

"Ashley is evil, Ashley is bad..."

 

Just repeat with fingers in ears, eh?

 

you say I don't budge an inch, then proclaim that everything Shepherd did was shite [with no mention of the major shareholders?]

 

Look at yourself man

[Park Life 71]

Put a donk on it.

[LeazesMag 0]

I don't know why it has to be a contest between the two whereby if Ashley does shite it proves how good Shepherd was and vice-versa should the opposite happen.

 

yes, and pointing out where Ashley hasn't seemed to have the right idea doesn't necessarily say that Shepherd and the Halls did everything perfectly, because I'm as aware as any other fucker that that wasn't the case.

 

Edit : conversely, there a lot of people only too happy to reject the good things that the old board did, just because its the old board and suggest Ashley is doing it better just because its not fat fred , and that's also true .

Just seen the edit and iyam it's best just to generally address things when people say them at the time. That way you don't get the ridiculously entrenched arguments on this subject whereby people are accused of saying stuff they've never even said.

I don't want another Shepherd argument btw. FFS.

Neither do I Alex

 

At the end of the day, I'm not half so entrenhed into set ideas as people who say everything Shepherd did was shite just because he's a fat bastard.

 

And paying £1334 quid up front shows committment no matter how anybody looks at it ........

[Happy Face 29]

Anyway, has anyone posted the full quotes?

 

NEWCASTLE United owner Mike Ashley has given more fascinating details of his Toon takeover.

 

Ashley has revealed how he ended up buying Sir John Hall’s stake in the club and why he believes the Magpies are the one of “the Premier League’s jewels”.

 

The billionaire tycoon says he was shocked by the state of the club’s finances when he took the helm and tells how more than £25m is still owed to other clubs for past transfer deals.

 

Ashley has hit back at claims he only wears his black and white shirt and sits with the Toon Army as a gimmick, saying he feels the same frustrations they do.

 

And he denies ever having showdown talks with Kevin Keegan, as he explains how the manager’s relationship with Dennis Wise works.

 

Ashley’s full interview is published in Newcastle United’s new official magazine, which is available in shops now.

 

---------------------------------------------------------

 

How I bought United

 

ASHLEY has revealed the mechanics of his Toon takeover.

 

“It was the quickest I’ve ever done a deal of that size – we’re talking only a few days. I was told there was an opportunity to acquire Sir John Hall’s stake in Newcastle United, that he may be a seller but only if somebody acted without any delay because he didn’t want to cause any form of disruption for the club.

 

“The last thing Sir John wanted was a long drawn-out affair because he feared that wouldn’t be good for Newcastle United.

 

“The deal was put to me on a Saturday. By the Monday, in advance of speaking to Sir John, I’d deposited the equivalent of money we hoped he would accept for his shares at the lawyers and on the Tuesday the deal was effectively done.

 

“By Wednesday (May 23, 2007) the announcement was public and that was the first anyone, including the media, knew about it. Once I was told about it, it was done very quickly. Sir John was ready to act if I was and it was a very straightforward process.

 

He adds: “Maybe I could have bought a smaller club, but it just wouldn’t have been the same challenge. It’s like settling for the high jump when really you want to do the pole vault – you want more excitement so you go higher.

 

“I was being offered the chance to own one of the jewels, one of the diamonds of the Premier League. There was no hesitation, why would there be?”

---------------------------------------------------------

 

The state of the finances

 

ASHLEY says he was surprised by the state of Newcastle United’s finances when he took over.

 

“Financially, the club was in a difficult position because I really do think that it had over-extended itself.

 

“We first heard about the potential sale on a Saturday and had done the deal by the Wednesday, so if you are asking if we did due diligence before buying then the answer has to be no.

 

“But would I change anything about that process? No. Do I regret anything? Absolutely not. What I will add is that one of the most unfortunate things about Newcastle United finances at the time was the amount of money still owed on players signed in comparison to the amount of income that was due off players who had gone.

 

“There is still £27m net to pay on transfers that were done before I came. So probably in the latter years before we came in could you argue that the club was beginning to lose its way. It has also already taken upfront payments from commercial deals and sponsorships which didn’t help us at all.

 

“It seemed as though the club was in a very downward spiral, one it would have found very hard to come out of.

 

“Apart from the purchase of the club and the associated costs that come with that, I’ve put in a further £100m to reduce debts and expect no interest is paid on that. Yet still we have the outstanding debt of the monies still owed on player transfers.”

---------------------------------------------------------

 

Why I sit with the fans

 

ASHLEY has told why he loves sitting with the Toon Army in his black and white shirt.

 

“I wear my strip and I go in with the fans because that’s how I’ve always gone to football and I enjoy it.

 

“Nothing beats the atmosphere of being in with the fans.

 

“The fans who make the away trips are so fanatical every game feels like a cup game and it’s tremendous to be part of it.”

 

Asked how he feels when the supporters react negatively to the team’s performance, he added: “Honest answer? There were times last season when the fans were singing certain things at certain games and I wanted to join in, I really did.

 

“I feel like they do. I’m in with the fans, and if we are not playing well I take this side because I’m thinking to myself: ‘How can this be? We are Newcastle United and we should be doing better than this’.”

---------------------------------------------------------

 

How I get on with KK

 

ASHLEY has revealed how he came to recruit Kevin Keegan as manager and gives his view on the club’s structure.

 

“Again, it all happens so quickly. And it was another no-brainer. I took a call from someone who said ‘do you realise Kevin Keegan may be interested in the Newcastle United job again?’

 

“At first I thought it couldn’t be true. I was out of the country but my reply was ‘if he is interested then tell him I’ll meet him anywhere as soon as I get back’.

 

“It couldn’t have been an easier choice.”

 

Asked about how Keegan’s role fits in with that of Dennis Wise, he said: “Kevin is a great manager and he is happiest working with the players.

 

“But there’s so much involved in running a club that you must make sure people aren’t spread too thinly. How could Kevin devote all his time to the first team if he also had to look after the Academy? That’s where Dennis Wise comes in.”

 

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/nufc/newcas...72703-21516411/

[Guest alex]

I don't know why it has to be a contest between the two whereby if Ashley does shite it proves how good Shepherd was and vice-versa should the opposite happen.

 

yes, and pointing out where Ashley hasn't seemed to have the right idea doesn't necessarily say that Shepherd and the Halls did everything perfectly, because I'm as aware as any other fucker that that wasn't the case.

 

Edit : conversely, there a lot of people only too happy to reject the good things that the old board did, just because its the old board and suggest Ashley is doing it better just because its not fat fred , and that's also true .

Just seen the edit and iyam it's best just to generally address things when people say them at the time. That way you don't get the ridiculously entrenched arguments on this subject whereby people are accused of saying stuff they've never even said.

I don't want another Shepherd argument btw. FFS.

Neither do I Alex

 

At the end of the day, I'm not half so entrenhed into set ideas as people who say everything Shepherd did was shite just because he's a fat bastard.

 

And paying £1334 quid up front shows committment no matter how anybody looks at it ........

You've had your credit card bill too then, eh?

[LeazesMag 0]

I don't know why it has to be a contest between the two whereby if Ashley does shite it proves how good Shepherd was and vice-versa should the opposite happen.

 

yes, and pointing out where Ashley hasn't seemed to have the right idea doesn't necessarily say that Shepherd and the Halls did everything perfectly, because I'm as aware as any other fucker that that wasn't the case.

 

Edit : conversely, there a lot of people only too happy to reject the good things that the old board did, just because its the old board and suggest Ashley is doing it better just because its not fat fred , and that's also true .

Just seen the edit and iyam it's best just to generally address things when people say them at the time. That way you don't get the ridiculously entrenched arguments on this subject whereby people are accused of saying stuff they've never even said.

I don't want another Shepherd argument btw. FFS.

Neither do I Alex

 

At the end of the day, I'm not half so entrenhed into set ideas as people who say everything Shepherd did was shite just because he's a fat bastard.

 

And paying £1334 quid up front shows committment no matter how anybody looks at it ........

You've had your credit card bill too then, eh?

 

never use them mate.

 

Evil things, evil

[Wavey Davey 0]

ABA?

Anyone But Ashley

 

I'd say he's the opposite myself, given the support he had for Shepherd I don't think it matters who is in charge, if they're not Shepherd he'll go out of his way to find a reason to have a pop at them.

 

Edit: Which I suppose is what you're saying in your previous post.

 

more bollocks.

 

Quite amazing all this shite, especially from someone was an anybody but Shepherd person for years ..... even when we were in the CL too I would imagine, if not then you have a short memory

 

Can't get my head around the fact that I've paid for the next 3 years [ie £1334] and cretins are saying I'm anti Ashley and want him to fail etc etc blah blah....how old are you ?

 

So you'd swallow FFS's spewings but not FMA's? It's still spew, Leazes.

 

no, I just said he's talking bollocks, and so are you

 

I may talk bollocks but I know you're just being a stubborn arse. Shepherd fucked and was fucking the club until he left.

 

But there's no budging an inch with you, is there?

 

"Ashley is evil, Ashley is bad..."

 

Just repeat with fingers in ears, eh?

 

you say I don't budge an inch, then proclaim that everything Shepherd did was shite [with no mention of the major shareholders?]

 

Look at yourself man

 

I didn't say that.

 

And I'm sure Freddie did wonders with the club but I'm having a hard time remembering what the hell they were because I couldn't see any end result of it on the pitch. Where it matters. He had over 10 years, man.

 

The club was gonna go under, Leazes. It was fucked.

 

 

Now look at yourself.

[Guest alex]

I don't know why it has to be a contest between the two whereby if Ashley does shite it proves how good Shepherd was and vice-versa should the opposite happen.

 

yes, and pointing out where Ashley hasn't seemed to have the right idea doesn't necessarily say that Shepherd and the Halls did everything perfectly, because I'm as aware as any other fucker that that wasn't the case.

 

Edit : conversely, there a lot of people only too happy to reject the good things that the old board did, just because its the old board and suggest Ashley is doing it better just because its not fat fred , and that's also true .

Just seen the edit and iyam it's best just to generally address things when people say them at the time. That way you don't get the ridiculously entrenched arguments on this subject whereby people are accused of saying stuff they've never even said.

I don't want another Shepherd argument btw. FFS.

Neither do I Alex

 

At the end of the day, I'm not half so entrenhed into set ideas as people who say everything Shepherd did was shite just because he's a fat bastard.

 

And paying £1334 quid up front shows committment no matter how anybody looks at it ........

You've had your credit card bill too then, eh?

 

never use them mate.

 

Evil things, evil

Mine took a fucking hit I can tell you.

[LeazesMag 0]

ABA?

Anyone But Ashley

 

I'd say he's the opposite myself, given the support he had for Shepherd I don't think it matters who is in charge, if they're not Shepherd he'll go out of his way to find a reason to have a pop at them.

 

Edit: Which I suppose is what you're saying in your previous post.

 

more bollocks.

 

Quite amazing all this shite, especially from someone was an anybody but Shepherd person for years ..... even when we were in the CL too I would imagine, if not then you have a short memory

 

Can't get my head around the fact that I've paid for the next 3 years [ie £1334] and cretins are saying I'm anti Ashley and want him to fail etc etc blah blah....how old are you ?

 

So you'd swallow FFS's spewings but not FMA's? It's still spew, Leazes.

 

no, I just said he's talking bollocks, and so are you

 

I may talk bollocks but I know you're just being a stubborn arse. Shepherd fucked and was fucking the club until he left.

 

But there's no budging an inch with you, is there?

 

"Ashley is evil, Ashley is bad..."

 

Just repeat with fingers in ears, eh?

 

you say I don't budge an inch, then proclaim that everything Shepherd did was shite [with no mention of the major shareholders?]

 

Look at yourself man

 

I didn't say that.

 

And I'm sure Freddie did wonders with the club but I'm having a hard time remembering what the hell they were because I couldn't see any end result of it on the pitch. Where it matters. He had over 10 years, man.

 

The club was gonna go under, Leazes. It was fucked.

 

 

Now look at yourself.

 

it was going to go under in 1991/92.

 

You're talking shite, and proving my point. Because the club was light years better off than it was in 1991.

[Wavey Davey 0]

ABA?

Anyone But Ashley

 

I'd say he's the opposite myself, given the support he had for Shepherd I don't think it matters who is in charge, if they're not Shepherd he'll go out of his way to find a reason to have a pop at them.

 

Edit: Which I suppose is what you're saying in your previous post.

 

more bollocks.

 

Quite amazing all this shite, especially from someone was an anybody but Shepherd person for years ..... even when we were in the CL too I would imagine, if not then you have a short memory

 

Can't get my head around the fact that I've paid for the next 3 years [ie £1334] and cretins are saying I'm anti Ashley and want him to fail etc etc blah blah....how old are you ?

 

So you'd swallow FFS's spewings but not FMA's? It's still spew, Leazes.

 

no, I just said he's talking bollocks, and so are you

 

I may talk bollocks but I know you're just being a stubborn arse. Shepherd fucked and was fucking the club until he left.

 

But there's no budging an inch with you, is there?

 

"Ashley is evil, Ashley is bad..."

 

Just repeat with fingers in ears, eh?

 

you say I don't budge an inch, then proclaim that everything Shepherd did was shite [with no mention of the major shareholders?]

 

Look at yourself man

 

I didn't say that.

 

And I'm sure Freddie did wonders with the club but I'm having a hard time remembering what the hell they were because I couldn't see any end result of it on the pitch. Where it matters. He had over 10 years, man.

 

The club was gonna go under, Leazes. It was fucked.

 

 

Now look at yourself.

 

it was going to go under in 1991/92.

 

You're talking shite, and proving my point. Because the club was light years better off than it was in 1991.

 

1991 was when Sir John took over, wasn't it?

 

As I remember he did an admirable job, then passed it on to Freddie Shepherd. Who in '07 was just about to put us roughly about where we were in '91. No money. Going nowhere fast.

 

but whatever, fella. Fingers still firmly in ears? Then continue your mantra.

[Guest alex]

Tbf though Shepherd was involved and highly influential on the board back then and the Halls were still very much involved and influential once Shepherd took over as chairman.

[Wavey Davey 0]

Tbf though Shepherd was involved and highly influential on the board back then and the Halls were still very much involved and influential once Shepherd took over as chairman.

 

Fair do's.

 

Still doesn't let Freddie off though.