Isegrim

It’s on par with his explanations why progressing in cup competitions is bad for a football team and similar nonsensical claims in the past. I have said it a couple of times but the fact that Charnley was at the club before Ashley took over and knows what it used to be makes him a serious traitor in my eyes.

As long as there are these numpties around they will always get away with everything and will be able to successfully run the club just as it pleases them.

Don’t worry he’ll eventually get the hang of this football lark...

They didn’t care because it was in the second tier and therefore rather good considering what happened in the year before. A drop in attendances in the top flight in the upcoming weeks would be something totally different.

A couple of poor results will probably result in attendances dropping further and to make a statement and increase public pressure I don’t think it is important if those staying away are occasional math day goers or season ticket holders. If results are being positive the protests will likely fade out though ... again ...

Rafa‘s reaction: People in Newcastle have been talking about my decision to move to China without knowing what happened behind the scenes during my three years at St James’ Park. I haven’t wanted to say too much about that — I’ve encouraged supporters to get behind Steve Bruce and his new team — but I’ve been made aware of what Lee Charnley, Newcastle’s managing director, claimed in the club’s match programme last weekend and I think it’s important I address that. Newcastle’s board had a year to sort out my contract but, when we met after the end of last season, they didn’t make me an offer I could accept. They told me they didn’t want to invest in the academy or the training ground — if they like, I can explain the reason why Mike Ashley refused to do that. Their idea of a project was a policy of signing players under 24 and, in my opinion, the budget available was not enough to compete for the top 10. After that meeting, I knew they would not come back with a serious offer and, when it arrived, 19 days later, it was for the same salary as three years earlier and with less control over signings. Charnley’s comments in the programme about having a deal agreed for Joelinton in February explains a lot that I couldn’t understand at that time. After three years of unfulfilled promises, I didn’t trust them. When we finished 10th in the Premier League in our first season back, all players and staff were paid a bonus — aside from my coaching team. That felt like a punishment for me not signing an extension. I couldn’t explain that in public because I was not allowed to talk to the press without their permission, so I was waiting until late June, like every fan, hoping there would be good news about Newcastle’s prospective takeover. The time was passing and we were losing job opportunities in Europe. I couldn’t wait forever. I’m a family man and I have a responsibility to them, my staff, Paco, Antonio and Mikel, and their families, too. I don’t like to gamble with the future of my people. In front of us we had three options: nothing serious from Newcastle, the hope of a possible takeover or a different project. Yes, it was a big offer in China — I have never denied that — but it was also another continent and another league, from a club giving us a lot of recognition and respect. That decision wasn’t easy, but it was clear. On Sunday morning, I switched on my television in Dalian and there was a documentary about Alan Shearer being shown. Can you believe that? It’s true. I saw joy in the faces of Newcastle fans after every goal. I didn’t need the reminder, because I was there so recently, there with all my heart, but it made me think again about that history and potential. And it made me consider something else: what would an 18-year-old Newcastle supporter think about his club now?’

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/aug/12/mike-ashley-newcastle-united-steve-bruce-sentiment-results Charnley should just fuck off tbh. Ritchie can fuck off too.

I am not sure. I think the deadline for renewals did play a part. There probably were people who reluctantly did renew as they were hoping for a takeover and couldn’t know about Bruce getting the job. They were lured into renewing by the PR tactics of the club, meaning not giving any clue about what’s happening for a long time during the close season.

Meh

They did their job and watched his suicide...

Fuck off.

My season predictions: League table: Don’t care Scorers: Don’t care Anything football related: Don’t care Time of next takeover rumour: Approximately October or November Final profit: 25m