Christmas Tree

And how does that negate anything I've said? You were saying he's yet to break even and I was just giving you a gentle reminder that they did forecast in March (I think) that they were on course to break even for the season just finished. In case you had forgotten Thought it might cheer you up on your birthday

Some would say the last two were exceptionally good. Last summer brought us Tiote and Ben Arfa while most agreed the January business was very shrewd leaving us in this strong position to rebuild that we are now in. I think the majority agreed that the Carroll money was to good to refuse. Theres a poll by Stevie on it. That deal has left us in a very strong position this window. But it didn't leave us in a strong position last window, thats the point And it remains to be seen whether that strong position for this window will be taken advantage of Agreed, but it was a gamble that paid off.

I thought the financial information released in around March had us down as breaking even this year and moving into profit next year? How could the books for last year have us breaking even this year? If it said anything about this year, then it was a forecast. Which is basically what Im saying. The forecast in March (I think) had us down to break even for the season just finished and to make profit next season. Im truly shocked you dont have this at your fingertips. Yeah, you're predicting what will happen next year. I'm talking about what has actually happened because none of us know what will happen. Relegation probably wouldn't help with future forecasts, for example. Im predicting nothing Im reminding you of what (I think) the financial document predicted would happen this year. As relegation has been avoided, it shouldnt really alter that forecast.

Some of us just like and are capable of discussing things like this. I appreciate your main presence here these days is sniping, but I suppose whatever floats your boat. Now run along and pull some girls hair in the office and leave us men to chew the fat.

Some would say the last two were exceptionally good. Last summer brought us Tiote and Ben Arfa while most agreed the January business was very shrewd leaving us in this strong position to rebuild that we are now in. I think the majority agreed that the Carroll money was to good to refuse. Theres a poll by Stevie on it. That deal has left us in a very strong position this window.

I thought the financial information released in around March had us down as breaking even this year and moving into profit next year? How could the books for last year have us breaking even this year? If it said anything about this year, then it was a forecast. Which is basically what Im saying. The forecast in March (I think) had us down to break even for the season just finished and to make profit next season. Im truly shocked you dont have this at your fingertips.

Aye, and that's the thing. To assume it will (or even err towards the view it will) is fanciful. Hopefully it will but you'd be off your head to see it as already having taken full effect or likely to continue. Additionally, in my view, the Ashley model absolutely relies on the incumbent manager being a 100% 'yes man'. Which restricts your field of good calibre managers considerably (if we're discussing continual progress) Yep, thats the big road block even if everything else goes right. That said and as Chelsea have shown, there are lots of decent managers out there prepared to work without full control.

I thought the financial information released in around March had us down as breaking even this year and moving into profit next year?

Some would say the last two were exceptionally good. Last summer brought us Tiote and Ben Arfa while most agreed the January business was very shrewd leaving us in this strong position to rebuild that we are now in.

I agree hes acting a twat and should just come out and say if he's going or at least knock the contract back.

Had a dodgy moment yesterday. For some reason I had been remembering that it used to be very funny for uncles dads etc to be able to impersonate a jamaican. I even used to make my own gigs giggle at it when they were little. I was wondering if it is now politically incorrect or whether it falls into the same category as impersonating a yank, scot, Irish etc.... Anyway, about half an hour later I filled up with diesel and walked into the garage to be greeted by a coloured chap. (Do we say coloured / black???) Anyway, I greeted him by saying "Hello Derr". I was quite horrified and kicked myself back to the cab. Hopefully he thought nowt of it.

There's really nothing quite as satisfying in your forties as managing to carry out a DIY repair that you had already accepted you were going to have to get someone in to repair for bigish bucks.

CT man, you'll choose to believe the propaganda machine whatever's going on. Fwiw, I don't think he's here to 'milk the club' as some hysterics claim, cos to be perfectly honest he's a bloke that can make far more money focusing his efforts elsewhere. You may have a point about his ego being indirectly good for the club, however the bottom line there is he can change his mind as soon as the wind changes so you can't go banking on that as an enduring force for progress. I'll subscribe to the view he's seeing what progress you can make with a minimal transfer fund employing a very focused scouting policy. Again fwiw I think if that goes well, it can lift you to about 6th or 7th (or if very very well, 5th). Beyond that, realistically you do need mega money (ie money beyond the club's natural resources) and theres zero interest in it for him there at all. Best case scenario there is a sale and a new owner with focused ambition (ie an element of which at his own financial risk). So after your opening line, you virtually agree with me.... This idea of some new owner arriving and being able to spend us into the top four is just a pipe dream tbh, the only possible way we are going to get back there is by continually building and improving (a bit like we seem to be doing now) and by having a very good manager. This is where if anywhere, Ashley will have his biggest challenge. Will he ever be able to sit back again and trust a manager with his millions. I can see the current set up getting us into Europe, but I dont see Pardew having enough about him for the real big time or Ashley being able to relinquish control even if he does bring in a really good manager. The only possible scenario that I think Ashley would work with if he decided to go for the top four at some stage, would be is a return to the "director of football" scenario.

Well if your not happy, which one are you?

Not getting into the financial wizardry, but I think if he had wanted to milk the club dry it would have begun already. I just dont see him either as the sort of person who wants to hover around mid table picking up the odd 10 or 20 mill here or there. For me its either being geared towards a sale or more likely a genuine push to see what he can achieve. I've always had a feeling that his ego demands that he can turn around as we get into Europe / win a cup / break into the top four and stick two fingers up at the world. He isnt going to attempt it they way Liverpool are by a sudden splurge of money, but I still think he's going to try and do it. I think there is a lot of public lowering of expectations whilst behind the scenes this push for Europe seems pretty genuine.

Many positive tidings from Team Positive.

What was the cause I've not been paying that much attention to the net fights lately? No cause, just Jusodas turned his stalking attentions to me instead of J69. But your comments raise a greater question.... Is twitter indeed killing message boards?

Well to be fair, I never knew the Directors had actually "assured" him on this point. We know they'd never mislead or lie to anyone so we can breathe easy now......so.......I also presume they "assured" him that the quality of the players and their affect on the team would enhance us and not make us weaker and that we'd keep a hold of our better players. Why do I not feel so "assured" as Cabaye. (first day in the job, every company seems great etc). You old cynic you.

Just had to google "fleshlight".....pleased I went Incognito (shit im getting old)

upsy daisy Which while aimed at a younger audience, is still quite catchy and has undertones of early lou reed running through it.

So one signed, one was never on the cards and one unsure........More signings on the way and four offers on the table and today Cabaye said.... So there we have it, a great first signing, and influx of stars to follow and europe within a year........Yes please.

Latest transfer musings from our man Pards.

A second hand concertina and a unicycle.

nice to see you back.

Right you boring old bastard you are going on ignore for a weeks trial. You claim to be a fan but all you ever do is talk down everything about the club. You are trapped in one brief moment of yesteryear when we were nearly successful and are so consumed with your Newcastle online banning to move on. You think you were the only one who enjoyed those days and lecture like you were the only one around. Like Marley you will hopefully be made to walk the afterlife warning others not to make the same mistakes as you. I can't stand the idea of people being banned, but I would happily make you the exception to the rule you boring old fucker. ;)