Shepherd In?

[Tom 14013]

[Park Life 71]

From Nufc.com:

 

The BBC reported that a consortium were in "advanced talks over a £60m takeover" of the club via TV & online news updates on Monday, naming Freddy Shepherd as the lead figure and Alan Shearer as preferred manager.

 

Informed sources on Tyneside are now giving credence to the story and suggesting that this Friday could finally see something solid break, bringing an end to the weeks of claims, whispers and half-truths over United's future.

 

The price quoted seems ridiculous - has our stock really fallen that far? - but the story seems to have gathered pace after reported sightings of Shepherd and Shearer at the old La Sagesse school in Jesmond, recently bought by the former Chairman.

 

The return of FS would surely be another backwards step if we're treated to more embarrassing "Geordie Nation" utterances, exclusive Sky interviews with Jim White, family members on the board, dubious agent involvement and local car dealer hangers-on back in the Director's Box.

 

Mike Ashley & Co have been an unmitigated disaster but have we really been beaten into submission to the extent that the man who bought Albert Luque and Michael Owen (Graeme Souness insists he was a bystander in both deals) can walk straight back in?

 

And we haven't even mentioned Toongate....

 

This club has been without competent management at all levels for decades and that needs to change. Now.

 

what particular golden era are you talking about here - the 1960's, 70's, 80's, 90's or current era ?

 

Or when we qualified regularly for europe........with one of the best teams in the country and bought top quality footballers and filled the stadium every week. Doesn't sound like a badly run club to me.

 

If you mean the 1950's, we may have won 3 FA Cups but we still got relegated and the club was run by a bunch of twats who creamed off as much as they could.

 

Further than that, you are looking at when we last won the league....

 

Fire at will etc...

[LeazesMag 0]

keep it serious boys

[ewerk 31195]

From Nufc.com:

 

The BBC reported that a consortium were in "advanced talks over a £60m takeover" of the club via TV & online news updates on Monday, naming Freddy Shepherd as the lead figure and Alan Shearer as preferred manager.

 

Informed sources on Tyneside are now giving credence to the story and suggesting that this Friday could finally see something solid break, bringing an end to the weeks of claims, whispers and half-truths over United's future.

 

The price quoted seems ridiculous - has our stock really fallen that far? - but the story seems to have gathered pace after reported sightings of Shepherd and Shearer at the old La Sagesse school in Jesmond, recently bought by the former Chairman.

 

The return of FS would surely be another backwards step if we're treated to more embarrassing "Geordie Nation" utterances, exclusive Sky interviews with Jim White, family members on the board, dubious agent involvement and local car dealer hangers-on back in the Director's Box.

 

Mike Ashley & Co have been an unmitigated disaster but have we really been beaten into submission to the extent that the man who bought Albert Luque and Michael Owen (Graeme Souness insists he was a bystander in both deals) can walk straight back in?

 

And we haven't even mentioned Toongate....

 

This club has been without competent management at all levels for decades and that needs to change. Now.

 

what particular golden era are you talking about here - the 1960's, 70's, 80's, 90's or current era ?

 

Or when we qualified regularly for europe........with one of the best teams in the country and bought top quality footballers and filled the stadium every week. Doesn't sound like a badly run club to me.

 

If you mean the 1950's, we may have won 3 FA Cups but we still got relegated and the club was run by a bunch of twats who creamed off as much as they could.

 

Further than that, you are looking at when we last won the league....

 

A castle built on sand.

[PaddockLad 17646]

From Nufc.com:

 

The BBC reported that a consortium were in "advanced talks over a £60m takeover" of the club via TV & online news updates on Monday, naming Freddy Shepherd as the lead figure and Alan Shearer as preferred manager.

 

Informed sources on Tyneside are now giving credence to the story and suggesting that this Friday could finally see something solid break, bringing an end to the weeks of claims, whispers and half-truths over United's future.

 

The price quoted seems ridiculous - has our stock really fallen that far? - but the story seems to have gathered pace after reported sightings of Shepherd and Shearer at the old La Sagesse school in Jesmond, recently bought by the former Chairman.

 

The return of FS would surely be another backwards step if we're treated to more embarrassing "Geordie Nation" utterances, exclusive Sky interviews with Jim White, family members on the board, dubious agent involvement and local car dealer hangers-on back in the Director's Box.

 

Mike Ashley & Co have been an unmitigated disaster but have we really been beaten into submission to the extent that the man who bought Albert Luque and Michael Owen (Graeme Souness insists he was a bystander in both deals) can walk straight back in?

 

And we haven't even mentioned Toongate....

 

This club has been without competent management at all levels for decades and that needs to change. Now.

 

what particular golden era are you talking about here - the 1960's, 70's, 80's, 90's or current era ?

 

Or when we qualified regularly for europe........with one of the best teams in the country and bought top quality footballers and filled the stadium every week. Doesn't sound like a badly run club to me.

If you mean the 1950's, we may have won 3 FA Cups but we still got relegated and the club was run by a bunch of twats who creamed off as much as they could.

 

Further than that, you are looking at when we last won the league....

 

 

Sadly we weren't living within ours means by doing it, and Shepherd comitted footballing hari kari around that time by listening to the boo boys and subsequently undermining then sacking Sir Bob. Fair enough, reach for the stars you say, but sadly we're still seeing them whilst we are here lying in the gutter. Perhaps some prudence around 04-05 may have been in order, after all one of Shep's chief public criticisms of Sir Bob was bad value for money in transfer dealings (Bassedas and Cort were mentioned, but there were others.) So why entrust a manager who was variously anywhere between 4th to 10th choice for the job the funds buy the likes of Boumsong, leaving aside the chairmans own vanity signings of Owen and Luque? What about a bit of throttling back, taking a longer view, a bit of consolidation,see how Souness was panning out? Then maybe kick on a bit if Shep felt he was doing an ok job?

 

 

You can be sure that this was the turning point for many of Shepherds more vocal detracors, and this is where a lot of the debt that Ashley wouldnt and couldnt handle come from. He caused the present mess, Ashley didnt look at the books and is now personally paying the price for the Shepherd years. I feel since the credit crunch kicked in we would be in a similar mess whether the Halls had seen this coming and forced Shepherds hand or not. If Shep does come back he should thank his lucky stars for the Halls having the good business sense to get their loot out of the club at just the right time and selling to the worlds only lucky billionaire.

Edited June 30, 2009 by PaddockLad

[The Fish 10963]

keep it serious boys

 

You started it.

[Happy Face 29]

I'd lick Shepherd's balls if it meant his consortium would buy the club right now.

[Park Life 71]

keep it serious boys

 

Just to keep you updated the vote on N.O. is too close to call on the FS issue.

 

For 69

Against 81

[Park Life 71]

 

The mischief in that mans eyes...

[Tom 14013]

I'd lick Shepherd's balls if it meant his consortium would buy the club right now.

 

I would probably shake his hand.

[LeazesMag 0]

From Nufc.com:

 

The BBC reported that a consortium were in "advanced talks over a £60m takeover" of the club via TV & online news updates on Monday, naming Freddy Shepherd as the lead figure and Alan Shearer as preferred manager.

 

Informed sources on Tyneside are now giving credence to the story and suggesting that this Friday could finally see something solid break, bringing an end to the weeks of claims, whispers and half-truths over United's future.

 

The price quoted seems ridiculous - has our stock really fallen that far? - but the story seems to have gathered pace after reported sightings of Shepherd and Shearer at the old La Sagesse school in Jesmond, recently bought by the former Chairman.

 

The return of FS would surely be another backwards step if we're treated to more embarrassing "Geordie Nation" utterances, exclusive Sky interviews with Jim White, family members on the board, dubious agent involvement and local car dealer hangers-on back in the Director's Box.

 

Mike Ashley & Co have been an unmitigated disaster but have we really been beaten into submission to the extent that the man who bought Albert Luque and Michael Owen (Graeme Souness insists he was a bystander in both deals) can walk straight back in?

 

And we haven't even mentioned Toongate....

 

This club has been without competent management at all levels for decades and that needs to change. Now.

 

what particular golden era are you talking about here - the 1960's, 70's, 80's, 90's or current era ?

 

Or when we qualified regularly for europe........with one of the best teams in the country and bought top quality footballers and filled the stadium every week. Doesn't sound like a badly run club to me.

If you mean the 1950's, we may have won 3 FA Cups but we still got relegated and the club was run by a bunch of twats who creamed off as much as they could.

 

Further than that, you are looking at when we last won the league....

 

 

Sadly we weren't living within ours means by doing it, and Shepherd comitted footballing hari kari around that time by listening to the boo boys and subsequently undermining then sacking Sir Bob. Fair enough, reach for the stars you say, but sadly we're still seeing them whilst we are here lying in the gutter. Perhaps some prudence around 04-05 may have been in order, after all one of Shep's chief public criticisms of Sir Bob was bad value for money in transfer dealings (Bassedas and Cort were mentioned, but there were others.) So why entrust a manager who was variously anywhere between 4th to 10th choice for the job the funds buy the likes of Boumsong, leaving aside the chairmans own vanity signings of Owen and Luque? What about a bit of throttling back, taking a longer view, a bit of consolidation,see how Souness was panning out? Then maybe kick on a bit if Shep felt he was doing an ok job?

 

 

You can be sure that this was the turning point for many of Shepherds more vocal detracors, and this is where a lot of the debt that Ashley wouldnt and couldnt handle come from. He caused the present mess, Ashley didnt look at the books and is now personally paying the price for the Shepherd years. I feel since the credit crunch kicked in we would be in a similar mess whether the Halls had seen this coming and forced Shepherds hand or not. If Shep does come back he should thank his lucky stars for the Halls having the good business sense to get their loot out of the club at just the right time and selling to the worlds only lucky billionaire.

 

nobody doubts that Souness was a turning point in fortunes, but the previous years weren't so bad were they ? When do you think they will be repeated ?

 

I don't care about PR gaffes. Quite interesting though that lots of people were wanking themselves about Ashley buying pints for people in pubs [blatantly courting good grace and feeling when he knew he didn't have the footballing ambition which I posted at the time] and tangoing around the boardroom when we beat the mackems, among other things.

 

They had to back Souness, he was their appointment. What is the point in not backing your appointment ? Do you think that alternatively, they shouldn't have appointed anybody ?

 

Also, if you look around you, you will see that

 

Being in the premiership with a desire to succeed = debts.

 

Unless of course you want to run the club like the Charltons etc of this world, which appeared to be Ashleys "plan".

Edited June 30, 2009 by LeazesMag

[Park Life 71]

From Nufc.com:

 

The BBC reported that a consortium were in "advanced talks over a £60m takeover" of the club via TV & online news updates on Monday, naming Freddy Shepherd as the lead figure and Alan Shearer as preferred manager.

 

Informed sources on Tyneside are now giving credence to the story and suggesting that this Friday could finally see something solid break, bringing an end to the weeks of claims, whispers and half-truths over United's future.

 

The price quoted seems ridiculous - has our stock really fallen that far? - but the story seems to have gathered pace after reported sightings of Shepherd and Shearer at the old La Sagesse school in Jesmond, recently bought by the former Chairman.

 

The return of FS would surely be another backwards step if we're treated to more embarrassing "Geordie Nation" utterances, exclusive Sky interviews with Jim White, family members on the board, dubious agent involvement and local car dealer hangers-on back in the Director's Box.

 

Mike Ashley & Co have been an unmitigated disaster but have we really been beaten into submission to the extent that the man who bought Albert Luque and Michael Owen (Graeme Souness insists he was a bystander in both deals) can walk straight back in?

 

And we haven't even mentioned Toongate....

 

This club has been without competent management at all levels for decades and that needs to change. Now.

 

what particular golden era are you talking about here - the 1960's, 70's, 80's, 90's or current era ?

 

Or when we qualified regularly for europe........with one of the best teams in the country and bought top quality footballers and filled the stadium every week. Doesn't sound like a badly run club to me.

If you mean the 1950's, we may have won 3 FA Cups but we still got relegated and the club was run by a bunch of twats who creamed off as much as they could.

 

Further than that, you are looking at when we last won the league....

 

 

Sadly we weren't living within ours means by doing it, and Shepherd comitted footballing hari kari around that time by listening to the boo boys and subsequently undermining then sacking Sir Bob. Fair enough, reach for the stars you say, but sadly we're still seeing them whilst we are here lying in the gutter. Perhaps some prudence around 04-05 may have been in order, after all one of Shep's chief public criticisms of Sir Bob was bad value for money in transfer dealings (Bassedas and Cort were mentioned, but there were others.) So why entrust a manager who was variously anywhere between 4th to 10th choice for the job the funds buy the likes of Boumsong, leaving aside the chairmans own vanity signings of Owen and Luque? What about a bit of throttling back, taking a longer view, a bit of consolidation,see how Souness was panning out? Then maybe kick on a bit if Shep felt he was doing an ok job?

 

 

You can be sure that this was the turning point for many of Shepherds more vocal detracors, and this is where a lot of the debt that Ashley wouldnt and couldnt handle come from. He caused the present mess, Ashley didnt look at the books and is now personally paying the price for the Shepherd years. I feel since the credit crunch kicked in we would be in a similar mess whether the Halls had seen this coming and forced Shepherds hand or not. If Shep does come back he should thank his lucky stars for the Halls having the good business sense to get their loot out of the club at just the right time and selling to the worlds only lucky billionaire.

 

nobody doubts that Souness was a turning point in fortunes, but the previous years weren't so bad were they ? When do you think they will be repeated ?

 

I don't care about PR gaffes. Quite interesting though that lots of people were wanking themselves about Ashley buying pints for people in pubs [blatantly courting good grace and feeling when he knew he didn't have the footballing ambition which I posted at the time] and tangoing around the boardroom when we beat the mackems, among other things.

 

They had to back Souness, he was their appointment. What is the point in not backing your appointment ? Do you think that alternatively, they shouldn't have appointed anybody ?

 

Also, if you look around you, you will see that

 

Being in the premiership with a desire to succeed = debts.

Unless of course you want to run the club like the Charltons etc of this world, which appeared to be Ashleys "plan".

 

 

Agreed.

[JUICE690 0]

There's no way he's asking for the £100m back. That would be insanity. Ashley may be a fool but his advisors should have some grasp on reality.

 

They're probably talking about liabilities arising from players contracts which could take some time to calculate.

 

What will really be holding the process up is Ashley desperately hoping someone makes a sentimental offer for the club, rather than one based on the real value of what they are buying.

 

Still, now potential investors have seen the books, they know how long they have to wait before they pick the club up for £1.

£50m free of non-footballing liabilities would be a very reasonable offer.

 

Yup. Ashley can't afford the keep bluffing as he's fast running out of chips.

 

Sauce...?

 

 

His net worth is around 700m now and that inc most of his assets. Rule of thumb is that these guys have about 20% liquid....I'd say he can't lay his hands on more than 150m if he really needed it.

I was doing a crappy play on words joke but thanks anyway

[Tooj 17]

From Nufc.com:

 

The BBC reported that a consortium were in "advanced talks over a £60m takeover" of the club via TV & online news updates on Monday, naming Freddy Shepherd as the lead figure and Alan Shearer as preferred manager.

 

Informed sources on Tyneside are now giving credence to the story and suggesting that this Friday could finally see something solid break, bringing an end to the weeks of claims, whispers and half-truths over United's future.

 

The price quoted seems ridiculous - has our stock really fallen that far? - but the story seems to have gathered pace after reported sightings of Shepherd and Shearer at the old La Sagesse school in Jesmond, recently bought by the former Chairman.

 

The return of FS would surely be another backwards step if we're treated to more embarrassing "Geordie Nation" utterances, exclusive Sky interviews with Jim White, family members on the board, dubious agent involvement and local car dealer hangers-on back in the Director's Box.

 

Mike Ashley & Co have been an unmitigated disaster but have we really been beaten into submission to the extent that the man who bought Albert Luque and Michael Owen (Graeme Souness insists he was a bystander in both deals) can walk straight back in?

 

And we haven't even mentioned Toongate....

 

This club has been without competent management at all levels for decades and that needs to change. Now.

 

what particular golden era are you talking about here - the 1960's, 70's, 80's, 90's or current era ?

 

Or when we qualified regularly for europe........with one of the best teams in the country and bought top quality footballers and filled the stadium every week. Doesn't sound like a badly run club to me.

If you mean the 1950's, we may have won 3 FA Cups but we still got relegated and the club was run by a bunch of twats who creamed off as much as they could.

 

Further than that, you are looking at when we last won the league....

 

 

Sadly we weren't living within ours means by doing it, and Shepherd comitted footballing hari kari around that time by listening to the boo boys and subsequently undermining then sacking Sir Bob. Fair enough, reach for the stars you say, but sadly we're still seeing them whilst we are here lying in the gutter. Perhaps some prudence around 04-05 may have been in order, after all one of Shep's chief public criticisms of Sir Bob was bad value for money in transfer dealings (Bassedas and Cort were mentioned, but there were others.) So why entrust a manager who was variously anywhere between 4th to 10th choice for the job the funds buy the likes of Boumsong, leaving aside the chairmans own vanity signings of Owen and Luque? What about a bit of throttling back, taking a longer view, a bit of consolidation,see how Souness was panning out? Then maybe kick on a bit if Shep felt he was doing an ok job?

 

 

You can be sure that this was the turning point for many of Shepherds more vocal detracors, and this is where a lot of the debt that Ashley wouldnt and couldnt handle come from. He caused the present mess, Ashley didnt look at the books and is now personally paying the price for the Shepherd years. I feel since the credit crunch kicked in we would be in a similar mess whether the Halls had seen this coming and forced Shepherds hand or not. If Shep does come back he should thank his lucky stars for the Halls having the good business sense to get their loot out of the club at just the right time and selling to the worlds only lucky billionaire.

 

nobody doubts that Souness was a turning point in fortunes, but the previous years weren't so bad were they ? When do you think they will be repeated ?

 

I don't care about PR gaffes. Quite interesting though that lots of people were wanking themselves about Ashley buying pints for people in pubs [blatantly courting good grace and feeling when he knew he didn't have the footballing ambition which I posted at the time] and tangoing around the boardroom when we beat the mackems, among other things.

 

They had to back Souness, he was their appointment. What is the point in not backing your appointment ? Do you think that alternatively, they shouldn't have appointed anybody ?

 

Also, if you look around you, you will see that

 

Being in the premiership with a desire to succeed = debts.

 

Unless of course you want to run the club like the Charltons etc of this world, which appeared to be Ashleys "plan".

Personally mate I feel Souness should have went after the Chelsea game at the end of the season.

[PaddockLad 17646]

From Nufc.com:

 

The BBC reported that a consortium were in "advanced talks over a £60m takeover" of the club via TV & online news updates on Monday, naming Freddy Shepherd as the lead figure and Alan Shearer as preferred manager.

 

Informed sources on Tyneside are now giving credence to the story and suggesting that this Friday could finally see something solid break, bringing an end to the weeks of claims, whispers and half-truths over United's future.

 

The price quoted seems ridiculous - has our stock really fallen that far? - but the story seems to have gathered pace after reported sightings of Shepherd and Shearer at the old La Sagesse school in Jesmond, recently bought by the former Chairman.

 

The return of FS would surely be another backwards step if we're treated to more embarrassing "Geordie Nation" utterances, exclusive Sky interviews with Jim White, family members on the board, dubious agent involvement and local car dealer hangers-on back in the Director's Box.

 

Mike Ashley & Co have been an unmitigated disaster but have we really been beaten into submission to the extent that the man who bought Albert Luque and Michael Owen (Graeme Souness insists he was a bystander in both deals) can walk straight back in?

 

And we haven't even mentioned Toongate....

 

This club has been without competent management at all levels for decades and that needs to change. Now.

 

what particular golden era are you talking about here - the 1960's, 70's, 80's, 90's or current era ?

 

Or when we qualified regularly for europe........with one of the best teams in the country and bought top quality footballers and filled the stadium every week. Doesn't sound like a badly run club to me.

If you mean the 1950's, we may have won 3 FA Cups but we still got relegated and the club was run by a bunch of twats who creamed off as much as they could.

 

Further than that, you are looking at when we last won the league....

 

 

Sadly we weren't living within ours means by doing it, and Shepherd comitted footballing hari kari around that time by listening to the boo boys and subsequently undermining then sacking Sir Bob. Fair enough, reach for the stars you say, but sadly we're still seeing them whilst we are here lying in the gutter. Perhaps some prudence around 04-05 may have been in order, after all one of Shep's chief public criticisms of Sir Bob was bad value for money in transfer dealings (Bassedas and Cort were mentioned, but there were others.) So why entrust a manager who was variously anywhere between 4th to 10th choice for the job the funds buy the likes of Boumsong, leaving aside the chairmans own vanity signings of Owen and Luque? What about a bit of throttling back, taking a longer view, a bit of consolidation,see how Souness was panning out? Then maybe kick on a bit if Shep felt he was doing an ok job?

 

 

You can be sure that this was the turning point for many of Shepherds more vocal detracors, and this is where a lot of the debt that Ashley wouldnt and couldnt handle come from. He caused the present mess, Ashley didnt look at the books and is now personally paying the price for the Shepherd years. I feel since the credit crunch kicked in we would be in a similar mess whether the Halls had seen this coming and forced Shepherds hand or not. If Shep does come back he should thank his lucky stars for the Halls having the good business sense to get their loot out of the club at just the right time and selling to the worlds only lucky billionaire.

 

nobody doubts that Souness was a turning point in fortunes, but the previous years weren't so bad were they ? When do you think they will be repeated ?

 

I don't care about PR gaffes. Quite interesting though that lots of people were wanking themselves about Ashley buying pints for people in pubs [blatantly courting good grace and feeling when he knew he didn't have the footballing ambition which I posted at the time] and tangoing around the boardroom when we beat the mackems, among other things.

 

They had to back Souness, he was their appointment. What is the point in not backing your appointment ? Do you think that alternatively, they shouldn't have appointed anybody ?

 

Also, if you look around you, you will see that

 

Being in the premiership with a desire to succeed = debts.

 

Unless of course you want to run the club like the Charltons etc of this world, which appeared to be Ashleys "plan".

a

We're a decade away from challenging for the champs lge, minimum, and thats if all miraculously goes well from now on.

 

Ashley should never have been anywhere near the Bigg Market, similarly he shouldve been in the directors box in a suit.

 

Shepherd proved himself to be as clueless as Ashley in the managerial department when he sacked Sir Bob with no one lined up. I was plaesed when KK was appointed, but that doesnt alter the fact that Allardyce shouldve been given the season. I've already posted how I think Souness shouldve been handled, they couldve backed him or nsacked him after his first full season,not after he was brought in after others had turned us down in a season where he appeard to be taking Blacburn under.Just an eye on the longterm rather than appeasing the gobshites among us, lest they turned on Shepherd himself. It is weakness in leadership in things like this that causes me to think very little of his time at the club.

 

I actually agree with a lot of what you say in a way, it wasn't all bad under Shepherd and visiting Turin,Milan and Barcelona in the space of a few months and watching the lads playing there was something I'm as chuffed as nuts to have had the oppurtunity to do. But getting the big decisions wrong after this period of relative success is why we're in divi 2 now imo and coupled with the various disasters he presided over before Sir Bob fell into his lap then I'm very dubious about his motivation and intentions this time around. I'm sure he does have feelings for the club but in a way thats the last thing we need at the moment. A couple of seasons here and there where we did act like Charlton and not Man Utd may have done us well in the long run, as we are finding to our cost now.

[LeazesMag 0]

keep it serious boys

 

Just to keep you updated the vote on N.O. is too close to call on the FS issue.

 

For 69

Against 81

 

now why am I surprised ?

 

Wonder if Tough guy Dave will wonder about banning NE5 from behind his keyboard for being right all that time

 

Incidentally, his inbox on here is closed to EVERYBODY.

[LeazesMag 0]

From Nufc.com:

 

The BBC reported that a consortium were in "advanced talks over a £60m takeover" of the club via TV & online news updates on Monday, naming Freddy Shepherd as the lead figure and Alan Shearer as preferred manager.

 

Informed sources on Tyneside are now giving credence to the story and suggesting that this Friday could finally see something solid break, bringing an end to the weeks of claims, whispers and half-truths over United's future.

 

The price quoted seems ridiculous - has our stock really fallen that far? - but the story seems to have gathered pace after reported sightings of Shepherd and Shearer at the old La Sagesse school in Jesmond, recently bought by the former Chairman.

 

The return of FS would surely be another backwards step if we're treated to more embarrassing "Geordie Nation" utterances, exclusive Sky interviews with Jim White, family members on the board, dubious agent involvement and local car dealer hangers-on back in the Director's Box.

 

Mike Ashley & Co have been an unmitigated disaster but have we really been beaten into submission to the extent that the man who bought Albert Luque and Michael Owen (Graeme Souness insists he was a bystander in both deals) can walk straight back in?

 

And we haven't even mentioned Toongate....

 

This club has been without competent management at all levels for decades and that needs to change. Now.

 

what particular golden era are you talking about here - the 1960's, 70's, 80's, 90's or current era ?

 

Or when we qualified regularly for europe........with one of the best teams in the country and bought top quality footballers and filled the stadium every week. Doesn't sound like a badly run club to me.

If you mean the 1950's, we may have won 3 FA Cups but we still got relegated and the club was run by a bunch of twats who creamed off as much as they could.

 

Further than that, you are looking at when we last won the league....

 

 

Sadly we weren't living within ours means by doing it, and Shepherd comitted footballing hari kari around that time by listening to the boo boys and subsequently undermining then sacking Sir Bob. Fair enough, reach for the stars you say, but sadly we're still seeing them whilst we are here lying in the gutter. Perhaps some prudence around 04-05 may have been in order, after all one of Shep's chief public criticisms of Sir Bob was bad value for money in transfer dealings (Bassedas and Cort were mentioned, but there were others.) So why entrust a manager who was variously anywhere between 4th to 10th choice for the job the funds buy the likes of Boumsong, leaving aside the chairmans own vanity signings of Owen and Luque? What about a bit of throttling back, taking a longer view, a bit of consolidation,see how Souness was panning out? Then maybe kick on a bit if Shep felt he was doing an ok job?

 

 

You can be sure that this was the turning point for many of Shepherds more vocal detracors, and this is where a lot of the debt that Ashley wouldnt and couldnt handle come from. He caused the present mess, Ashley didnt look at the books and is now personally paying the price for the Shepherd years. I feel since the credit crunch kicked in we would be in a similar mess whether the Halls had seen this coming and forced Shepherds hand or not. If Shep does come back he should thank his lucky stars for the Halls having the good business sense to get their loot out of the club at just the right time and selling to the worlds only lucky billionaire.

 

nobody doubts that Souness was a turning point in fortunes, but the previous years weren't so bad were they ? When do you think they will be repeated ?

 

I don't care about PR gaffes. Quite interesting though that lots of people were wanking themselves about Ashley buying pints for people in pubs [blatantly courting good grace and feeling when he knew he didn't have the footballing ambition which I posted at the time] and tangoing around the boardroom when we beat the mackems, among other things.

 

They had to back Souness, he was their appointment. What is the point in not backing your appointment ? Do you think that alternatively, they shouldn't have appointed anybody ?

 

Also, if you look around you, you will see that

 

Being in the premiership with a desire to succeed = debts.

 

Unless of course you want to run the club like the Charltons etc of this world, which appeared to be Ashleys "plan".

a

We're a decade away from challenging for the champs lge, minimum, and thats if all miraculously goes well from now on.

 

Ashley should never have been anywhere near the Bigg Market, similarly he shouldve been in the directors box in a suit.

 

Shepherd proved himself to be as clueless as Ashley in the managerial department when he sacked Sir Bob with no one lined up. I was plaesed when KK was appointed, but that doesnt alter the fact that Allardyce shouldve been given the season. I've already posted how I think Souness shouldve been handled, they couldve backed him or nsacked him after his first full season,not after he was brought in after others had turned us down in a season where he appeard to be taking Blacburn under.Just an eye on the longterm rather than appeasing the gobshites among us, lest they turned on Shepherd himself. It is weakness in leadership in things like this that causes me to think very little of his time at the club.

 

I actually agree with a lot of what you say in a way, it wasn't all bad under Shepherd and visiting Turin,Milan and Barcelona in the space of a few months and watching the lads playing there was something I'm as chuffed as nuts to have had the oppurtunity to do. But getting the big decisions wrong after this period of relative success is why we're in divi 2 now imo and coupled with the various disasters he presided over before Sir Bob fell into his lap then I'm very dubious about his motivation and intentions this time around. I'm sure he does have feelings for the club but in a way thats the last thing we need at the moment. A couple of seasons here and there where we did act like Charlton and not Man Utd may have done us well in the long run, as we are finding to our cost now.

 

 

1. I agree about the suit

 

2. Most people thought Bobby Robson had to go at the time. I personally have no gripe with "timing" because I think its the person who matters, not the timing.

 

3. They did have someone lined up, but the other manager changed their mind at the last minute.

 

Points 2 and 3 have been posted by me before.

 

Having unfortunately appointed Souness, they ought to have sacked him for his immediate poor man management of our most effective forward, the ideal foil for the greatest goalscorer we've ever had, who has never been replaced.

Edited June 30, 2009 by LeazesMag

[Tom 14013]

 

The mischief in that mans eyes...

 

 

''Alright Lee, Have you heard what Kierons been calling you!?''

[LeazesMag 0]

 

The mischief in that mans eyes...

 

 

''Alright Lee, Have you heard what Kierons been calling you!?''

 

he's a proper player, that Kieron Dyer

[Kitman 2207]

From Nufc.com:

 

The BBC reported that a consortium were in "advanced talks over a £60m takeover" of the club via TV & online news updates on Monday, naming Freddy Shepherd as the lead figure and Alan Shearer as preferred manager.

 

Informed sources on Tyneside are now giving credence to the story and suggesting that this Friday could finally see something solid break, bringing an end to the weeks of claims, whispers and half-truths over United's future.

 

The price quoted seems ridiculous - has our stock really fallen that far? - but the story seems to have gathered pace after reported sightings of Shepherd and Shearer at the old La Sagesse school in Jesmond, recently bought by the former Chairman.

 

The return of FS would surely be another backwards step if we're treated to more embarrassing "Geordie Nation" utterances, exclusive Sky interviews with Jim White, family members on the board, dubious agent involvement and local car dealer hangers-on back in the Director's Box.

 

Mike Ashley & Co have been an unmitigated disaster but have we really been beaten into submission to the extent that the man who bought Albert Luque and Michael Owen (Graeme Souness insists he was a bystander in both deals) can walk straight back in?

 

And we haven't even mentioned Toongate....

 

This club has been without competent management at all levels for decades and that needs to change. Now.

 

what particular golden era are you talking about here - the 1960's, 70's, 80's, 90's or current era ?

 

Or when we qualified regularly for europe........with one of the best teams in the country and bought top quality footballers and filled the stadium every week. Doesn't sound like a badly run club to me.

 

If you mean the 1950's, we may have won 3 FA Cups but we still got relegated and the club was run by a bunch of twats who creamed off as much as they could.

 

Further than that, you are looking at when we last won the league....

 

Who are you talking to, mate ? The entire quote is lifted from nufc.com. The clue is at the top of the post that says "From Nufc.com". Divvy.

[LeazesMag 0]

From Nufc.com:

 

The BBC reported that a consortium were in "advanced talks over a £60m takeover" of the club via TV & online news updates on Monday, naming Freddy Shepherd as the lead figure and Alan Shearer as preferred manager.

 

Informed sources on Tyneside are now giving credence to the story and suggesting that this Friday could finally see something solid break, bringing an end to the weeks of claims, whispers and half-truths over United's future.

 

The price quoted seems ridiculous - has our stock really fallen that far? - but the story seems to have gathered pace after reported sightings of Shepherd and Shearer at the old La Sagesse school in Jesmond, recently bought by the former Chairman.

 

The return of FS would surely be another backwards step if we're treated to more embarrassing "Geordie Nation" utterances, exclusive Sky interviews with Jim White, family members on the board, dubious agent involvement and local car dealer hangers-on back in the Director's Box.

 

Mike Ashley & Co have been an unmitigated disaster but have we really been beaten into submission to the extent that the man who bought Albert Luque and Michael Owen (Graeme Souness insists he was a bystander in both deals) can walk straight back in?

 

And we haven't even mentioned Toongate....

 

This club has been without competent management at all levels for decades and that needs to change. Now.

 

what particular golden era are you talking about here - the 1960's, 70's, 80's, 90's or current era ?

 

Or when we qualified regularly for europe........with one of the best teams in the country and bought top quality footballers and filled the stadium every week. Doesn't sound like a badly run club to me.

 

If you mean the 1950's, we may have won 3 FA Cups but we still got relegated and the club was run by a bunch of twats who creamed off as much as they could.

 

Further than that, you are looking at when we last won the league....

 

Who are you talking to, mate ? The entire quote is lifted from nufc.com. The clue is at the top of the post that says "From Nufc.com". Divvy.

 

must be nufc.com then

 

never look at it tbh........

[Kitman 2207]

From Nufc.com:

 

The BBC reported that a consortium were in "advanced talks over a £60m takeover" of the club via TV & online news updates on Monday, naming Freddy Shepherd as the lead figure and Alan Shearer as preferred manager.

 

Informed sources on Tyneside are now giving credence to the story and suggesting that this Friday could finally see something solid break, bringing an end to the weeks of claims, whispers and half-truths over United's future.

 

The price quoted seems ridiculous - has our stock really fallen that far? - but the story seems to have gathered pace after reported sightings of Shepherd and Shearer at the old La Sagesse school in Jesmond, recently bought by the former Chairman.

 

The return of FS would surely be another backwards step if we're treated to more embarrassing "Geordie Nation" utterances, exclusive Sky interviews with Jim White, family members on the board, dubious agent involvement and local car dealer hangers-on back in the Director's Box.

 

Mike Ashley & Co have been an unmitigated disaster but have we really been beaten into submission to the extent that the man who bought Albert Luque and Michael Owen (Graeme Souness insists he was a bystander in both deals) can walk straight back in?

 

And we haven't even mentioned Toongate....

 

This club has been without competent management at all levels for decades and that needs to change. Now.

 

what particular golden era are you talking about here - the 1960's, 70's, 80's, 90's or current era ?

 

Or when we qualified regularly for europe........with one of the best teams in the country and bought top quality footballers and filled the stadium every week. Doesn't sound like a badly run club to me.

 

If you mean the 1950's, we may have won 3 FA Cups but we still got relegated and the club was run by a bunch of twats who creamed off as much as they could.

 

Further than that, you are looking at when we last won the league....

 

Who are you talking to, mate ? The entire quote is lifted from nufc.com. The clue is at the top of the post that says "From Nufc.com". Divvy.

 

must be nufc.com then

 

never look at it tbh........

 

[LeazesMag 0]

From Nufc.com:

 

The BBC reported that a consortium were in "advanced talks over a £60m takeover" of the club via TV & online news updates on Monday, naming Freddy Shepherd as the lead figure and Alan Shearer as preferred manager.

 

Informed sources on Tyneside are now giving credence to the story and suggesting that this Friday could finally see something solid break, bringing an end to the weeks of claims, whispers and half-truths over United's future.

 

The price quoted seems ridiculous - has our stock really fallen that far? - but the story seems to have gathered pace after reported sightings of Shepherd and Shearer at the old La Sagesse school in Jesmond, recently bought by the former Chairman.

 

The return of FS would surely be another backwards step if we're treated to more embarrassing "Geordie Nation" utterances, exclusive Sky interviews with Jim White, family members on the board, dubious agent involvement and local car dealer hangers-on back in the Director's Box.

 

Mike Ashley & Co have been an unmitigated disaster but have we really been beaten into submission to the extent that the man who bought Albert Luque and Michael Owen (Graeme Souness insists he was a bystander in both deals) can walk straight back in?

 

And we haven't even mentioned Toongate....

 

This club has been without competent management at all levels for decades and that needs to change. Now.

 

what particular golden era are you talking about here - the 1960's, 70's, 80's, 90's or current era ?

 

Or when we qualified regularly for europe........with one of the best teams in the country and bought top quality footballers and filled the stadium every week. Doesn't sound like a badly run club to me.

 

If you mean the 1950's, we may have won 3 FA Cups but we still got relegated and the club was run by a bunch of twats who creamed off as much as they could.

 

Further than that, you are looking at when we last won the league....

 

Who are you talking to, mate ? The entire quote is lifted from nufc.com. The clue is at the top of the post that says "From Nufc.com". Divvy.

 

must be nufc.com then

 

never look at it tbh........

 

 

maybe they ought to have a facility for others to put facts in response to what is only one persons opinion ?

[Kitman 2207]

maybe they ought to have a facility for others to put facts in response to what is only one persons opinion ?

 

Well it's their website I suppose. They do have an email option if you want to dispute their opinions.

[Park Life 71]