Newcastle Sold!!!

[Matt 0]

However, when I mentioned the "plan" I was referring to the fact that numerous people mention it from the perspective of the footballing aspect, ie a "plan" will guarantee success on the field. It will not. This is clearly rubbish. There is still only one premiership title, one FA Cup, and a number of Champions League and UEFA places. The fact that we have qualified for these more than every other club bar 4 should really tell people the club is not quite so bad as they portray it.

 

I don't think many people would say a plan is 'perfect'. We had such a setup under Robson with all the promising young players and the wheels fell off very quickly. Spurs have planned to the extent they have more under 18s on their books than Kenton Comp but they too are finding it very hard to make that jump into the big hitters. But we are going nowhere if we stay on the path we're on. The beauty of a great 'plan' (perhaps strategy is a better word) is that it is more than just a piece of paper or boardroom diktat. It instills a mentality across all club employees about what the clubs goals are and how it wants to acheive them. Within that fundamental framework, you can build training policies, transfers, ticket prices, pretty much any function the club carries out. Within those sub-levels there are plans in place but prepared in a way that anticipates that in football your best player can be crocked in a second, managers can walk out, freak own goals can plunge a side towards the drop. This isn't about a step-by-step guide to success, no such thing exists. Rather it is an understanding and shared principles that can be applied to every action the club can take.

 

The fact that large amounts of money has been squandered on players who have flopped simply can't be blamed on the board. You can blame them for appointing Souness, there is no doubt about that, but a good board backs their appointments, this is a principle that must apply to any club who wish to be successful.

And they have done it. Backing Souness was a huge mistake [as was appointing him] but there are many people on this board who said the club should back Souness with the money they did before judging him.

 

Souness was rightly sacked and his squandering of cash on shit like Faye and Boumsong was a big part in that decision.

 

And yes, of course the logic of a cash injection to help can't be disputed.

 

To be honest, I see that as the least important part of the bid. As we all know, £20m can be spent on very little (Luque+Boumsong+Faye). It could save our season, it could just as well add to our wage bill with nothing to show on the field for it.

 

More important than that is that the current regime looks to have run its course. A good job may well have been done then but this is a vastly different game to the fledgling Premier League. The Shepherds are reasonably successful local businessmen, the Halls to a greater extent becoming known nationally via the MetroCentre development. But this is now a global game, with big hitters than add a couple of zeros to the sort of figures talked about 10-15 years ago. Can we really compete and continue to grow with a board which is virtually down to family members and Russell Cushing? Where are the non-execs? Where are the specialists?

 

I have grave concerns about the intentions of Polygon, Gillette Mach 3 and Belgravia but one thing's for certain they'd make sure that the people in positions of responsibility are the best they can get. Not someone with the right surname. Yes the club is in a (far) better state than the club was in 'pre-92' but we're not going any further than being mid-table floaters for the foreseeable future.

[Renton 17696]

What a refreshing change on here to see posts properly addressed and responded to in their entirety.

 

The irony of this comment. Fucking incredible.

 

aye Gemma, you should know mate Particularly as you have just proved my point completely.

 

I've asked you about 3 times on another thread what you would call us if not mediocre. You keep replying to everyone's posts but mine, so don't pretend you always respond. In general if you're stuck for an answer, you pretend you haven't seen the question.

 

I don't see all of them. I don't sit all day at work reading this board like you ....... Qualifying for europe regularly for a decade is far from mediocre. I hope you don't experience true mediocrity, because it means I'll suffer it again myself.

 

If you think the last decade has been mediocre, what do you think of all the other big clubs who have been absolutely nowhere and worse ? For instance, the mackems ? [which is where we were before the Halls and Shepherd although I don't expect this to finally sink in]

 

What are we if not mediocre? Are we dead good? The mackems are shit by the way, not mediocre.

 

Don't do it Gemmill. Walk away, for God's sake!

[Gemmill 34299]

I know. Something makes me think that one day the scales will be removed and he'll see Shepherd and our current situation for what it is - a big fucking waste of what we could be. And then another part of me thinks he's just completely retarded and will never realise what everyone else does.

[Renton 17696]

However, when I mentioned the "plan" I was referring to the fact that numerous people mention it from the perspective of the footballing aspect, ie a "plan" will guarantee success on the field. It will not. This is clearly rubbish. There is still only one premiership title, one FA Cup, and a number of Champions League and UEFA places. The fact that we have qualified for these more than every other club bar 4 should really tell people the club is not quite so bad as they portray it.

 

I don't think many people would say a plan is 'perfect'. We had such a setup under Robson with all the promising young players and the wheels fell off very quickly. Spurs have planned to the extent they have more under 18s on their books than Kenton Comp but they too are finding it very hard to make that jump into the big hitters. But we are going nowhere if we stay on the path we're on. The beauty of a great 'plan' (perhaps strategy is a better word) is that it is more than just a piece of paper or boardroom diktat. It instills a mentality across all club employees about what the clubs goals are and how it wants to acheive them. Within that fundamental framework, you can build training policies, transfers, ticket prices, pretty much any function the club carries out. Within those sub-levels there are plans in place but prepared in a way that anticipates that in football your best player can be crocked in a second, managers can walk out, freak own goals can plunge a side towards the drop. This isn't about a step-by-step guide to success, no such thing exists. Rather it is an understanding and shared principles that can be applied to every action the club can take.

 

The fact that large amounts of money has been squandered on players who have flopped simply can't be blamed on the board. You can blame them for appointing Souness, there is no doubt about that, but a good board backs their appointments, this is a principle that must apply to any club who wish to be successful.

And they have done it. Backing Souness was a huge mistake [as was appointing him] but there are many people on this board who said the club should back Souness with the money they did before judging him.

 

Souness was rightly sacked and his squandering of cash on shit like Faye and Boumsong was a big part in that decision.

 

And yes, of course the logic of a cash injection to help can't be disputed.

 

To be honest, I see that as the least important part of the bid. As we all know, £20m can be spent on very little (Luque+Boumsong+Faye). It could save our season, it could just as well add to our wage bill with nothing to show on the field for it.

 

More important than that is that the current regime looks to have run its course. A good job may well have been done then but this is a vastly different game to the fledgling Premier League. The Shepherds are reasonably successful local businessmen, the Halls to a greater extent becoming known nationally via the MetroCentre development. But this is now a global game, with big hitters than add a couple of zeros to the sort of figures talked about 10-15 years ago. Can we really compete and continue to grow with a board which is virtually down to family members and Russell Cushing? Where are the non-execs? Where are the specialists?

 

I have grave concerns about the intentions of Polygon, Gillette Mach 3 and Belgravia but one thing's for certain they'd make sure that the people in positions of responsibility are the best they can get. Not someone with the right surname. Yes the club is in a (far) better state than the club was in 'pre-92' but we're not going any further than being mid-table floaters for the foreseeable future.

 

Spot on again.

[Renton 17696]

I know. Something makes me think that one day the scales will be removed and he'll see Shepherd and our current situation for what it is - a big fucking waste of what we could be. And then another part of me thinks he's just completely retarded and will never realise what everyone else does.

 

 

I reckon the latter like. Have you ever heard Leazes admit he was wrong about anything? Once an idea's in his head, he won't change his opinion, no matter what evidence becomes available to refute it. Basically he's a fundamentalist, debating with such people is a pointless task. And then there's the fact he's abusive with it, not a nice combination.

[Kevin Carr's Gloves 3187]

 

 

you praying for the takeover or Leazes hanging himself?

 

The takeover it would be too much fun leazes baiting when we win the league for him to hang himself.

 

would I now ?

 

I find it extremely puzzling how a long term supporter like you - or so you say - is STILL naive enough to think that any such takeover is going to put us automatically into the top 4 on a permanent basis, as there are only 4 clubs who have finished higher than us in the last decade and qualified more for europe. Because - if they don't, then they have not done so well ? Whatever their "plan".

 

 

I can understand Dan the brain thinking this though

 

You calling me a liar LM?

[luckyluke 1]

When I saw this had got to six pages I knew Leazes would be in full flow.

[Sima 0]

Like a bear to honey

[Dr Gloom 19768]

 

 

you praying for the takeover or Leazes hanging himself?

 

The takeover it would be too much fun leazes baiting when we win the league for him to hang himself.

 

would I now ?

 

I find it extremely puzzling how a long term supporter like you - or so you say - is STILL naive enough to think that any such takeover is going to put us automatically into the top 4 on a permanent basis, as there are only 4 clubs who have finished higher than us in the last decade and qualified more for europe. Because - if they don't, then they have not done so well ? Whatever their "plan".

 

 

I can understand Dan the brain thinking this though

 

not like you to try and put words in people's mouths leazes.

[Dr Gloom 19768]

What a refreshing change on here to see posts properly addressed and responded to in their entirety.

 

The irony of this comment. Fucking incredible.

 

especially when you read the whole of this thread.

 

leazes continues to avoid questions he can't answer without contradicting himself ... ie repeatedly ignoring the fish.

[Dr Gloom 19768]

However, when I mentioned the "plan" I was referring to the fact that numerous people mention it from the perspective of the footballing aspect, ie a "plan" will guarantee success on the field. It will not. This is clearly rubbish. There is still only one premiership title, one FA Cup, and a number of Champions League and UEFA places. The fact that we have qualified for these more than every other club bar 4 should really tell people the club is not quite so bad as they portray it.

 

I don't think many people would say a plan is 'perfect'. We had such a setup under Robson with all the promising young players and the wheels fell off very quickly. Spurs have planned to the extent they have more under 18s on their books than Kenton Comp but they too are finding it very hard to make that jump into the big hitters. But we are going nowhere if we stay on the path we're on. The beauty of a great 'plan' (perhaps strategy is a better word) is that it is more than just a piece of paper or boardroom diktat. It instills a mentality across all club employees about what the clubs goals are and how it wants to acheive them. Within that fundamental framework, you can build training policies, transfers, ticket prices, pretty much any function the club carries out. Within those sub-levels there are plans in place but prepared in a way that anticipates that in football your best player can be crocked in a second, managers can walk out, freak own goals can plunge a side towards the drop. This isn't about a step-by-step guide to success, no such thing exists. Rather it is an understanding and shared principles that can be applied to every action the club can take.

 

The fact that large amounts of money has been squandered on players who have flopped simply can't be blamed on the board. You can blame them for appointing Souness, there is no doubt about that, but a good board backs their appointments, this is a principle that must apply to any club who wish to be successful.

And they have done it. Backing Souness was a huge mistake [as was appointing him] but there are many people on this board who said the club should back Souness with the money they did before judging him.

 

Souness was rightly sacked and his squandering of cash on shit like Faye and Boumsong was a big part in that decision.

 

And yes, of course the logic of a cash injection to help can't be disputed.

 

To be honest, I see that as the least important part of the bid. As we all know, £20m can be spent on very little (Luque+Boumsong+Faye). It could save our season, it could just as well add to our wage bill with nothing to show on the field for it.

 

More important than that is that the current regime looks to have run its course. A good job may well have been done then but this is a vastly different game to the fledgling Premier League. The Shepherds are reasonably successful local businessmen, the Halls to a greater extent becoming known nationally via the MetroCentre development. But this is now a global game, with big hitters than add a couple of zeros to the sort of figures talked about 10-15 years ago. Can we really compete and continue to grow with a board which is virtually down to family members and Russell Cushing? Where are the non-execs? Where are the specialists?

 

I have grave concerns about the intentions of Polygon, Gillette Mach 3 and Belgravia but one thing's for certain they'd make sure that the people in positions of responsibility are the best they can get. Not someone with the right surname. Yes the club is in a (far) better state than the club was in 'pre-92' but we're not going any further than being mid-table floaters for the foreseeable future.

 

Spot on again.

 

seconded.

 

shepherd's plan, strategy, lack of foresight... whatver you want to call it... usually involves ignoring problem areas (ie the defence) and blowing the majority of our budget on players he thinks will win the fans over meaning we are over-stocked in certain areas and pitifully thin in others. and then sacking the manager at the most absurd times...usually a handful of games into the new season or just after the transfer window closes.

 

sheperd is a joke chairman in most people's eyes.

[The Fish 8973]

Leazes man, ffs, you've read my posts so it's obvious you've no genuine reason to fail to answer it.

 

will you admit that we've been stagnant for the last ten years, the ten years that Shepherd has been chairman?

[Baggio 0]

From the Daily Mail...

 

Newcastle's prospective new owners are being advised by the same City whizzkid who pointed Roman Abramovich in the direction of Chelsea.

 

Polygon, the giant American hedge fund who have made a £227million proposal for Newcastle that is understood to have the approval of the board, have the United Bank of Switzerland as consultants in this latest foreign bid for a Premiership club.

 

And the UBS financial expert plotting the St James’ Park takeover is 33-year-old Jason Katz, who heads the investment bank’s hotel, travel and leisure sector and was the youngest managing director appointed by them when he clinched the job three years ago.

 

The South African briefed Abramovich on the opportunities and risks of a major investment in football plus the clubs available, one of which was Chelsea.

 

Katz then set up an introduction with Trevor Birch, Chelsea’s then chief executive.

 

The written proposal offering Newcastle shareholders 93p per share was made by Polygon on November 20 and the club’s directors had a meeting with the hedge fund on November 27, at which their offer was accepted pending the period of due diligence.

 

The crucial day in the takeover looks like being the annual meeting on Tuesday when directors will come under considerable pressure to reveal the real takeover details following three changes of position yesterday in their varied denials.

[LeazesMag 0]

However, when I mentioned the "plan" I was referring to the fact that numerous people mention it from the perspective of the footballing aspect, ie a "plan" will guarantee success on the field. It will not. This is clearly rubbish. There is still only one premiership title, one FA Cup, and a number of Champions League and UEFA places. The fact that we have qualified for these more than every other club bar 4 should really tell people the club is not quite so bad as they portray it.

 

I don't think many people would say a plan is 'perfect'. We had such a setup under Robson with all the promising young players and the wheels fell off very quickly.

 

Most people DO give the impression they think a "plan" will automatically lead to success on the field. If they don't think this, then words to the effect that they are realistic enough to understand that being regular qualifiers for europe over the span of a decade indicates the fact that such a "plan" could just as easily mean less success rather than more would be relevant, because you don't do what we have done in a decade without some sort of strategy - which you confirm with your correct comment about Bobby Robsons time as managers, as I have also said myself, the most essential thing you need is a manager who knows what he is doing and without this you are pissing in the wind.

 

Spurs have planned to the extent they have more under 18s on their books than Kenton Comp but they too are finding it very hard to make that jump into the big hitters. But we are going nowhere if we stay on the path we're on. The beauty of a great 'plan' (perhaps strategy is a better word) is that it is more than just a piece of paper or boardroom diktat. It instills a mentality across all club employees about what the clubs goals are and how it wants to acheive them. Within that fundamental framework, you can build training policies, transfers, ticket prices, pretty much any function the club carries out. Within those sub-levels there are plans in place but prepared in a way that anticipates that in football your best player can be crocked in a second, managers can walk out, freak own goals can plunge a side towards the drop. This isn't about a step-by-step guide to success, no such thing exists. Rather it is an understanding and shared principles that can be applied to every action the club can take.

 

Of course this makes sense but the club is competing for trophies. This is the goal/strategy. They are backing their managers and generating big money. Is this not a strategy ? Would you not say that everyone in the club, players and all personell, know that this is the goal/strategy ? It is what football is all about. The club is striving for this, it didn't always. Many other clubs don't do. Many clubs have been taken over by new owners who don't strive fully for it, so why should we be any different ? You don't know until they come in. The club has expanded the stadium and built a new training complex, how is this not a strategy or good business planning ?

 

And yes, of course the logic of a cash injection to help can't be disputed.

 

To be honest, I see that as the least important part of the bid. As we all know, £20m can be spent on very little (Luque+Boumsong+Faye). It could save our season, it could just as well add to our wage bill with nothing to show on the field for it.

 

More important than that is that the current regime looks to have run its course. A good job may well have been done then but this is a vastly different game to the fledgling Premier League. The Shepherds are reasonably successful local businessmen, the Halls to a greater extent becoming known nationally via the MetroCentre development. But this is now a global game, with big hitters than add a couple of zeros to the sort of figures talked about 10-15 years ago. Can we really compete and continue to grow with a board which is virtually down to family members and Russell Cushing? Where are the non-execs? Where are the specialists?

 

I have grave concerns about the intentions of Polygon, Gillette Mach 3 and Belgravia but one thing's for certain they'd make sure that the people in positions of responsibility are the best they can get. Not someone with the right surname. Yes the club is in a (far) better state than the club was in 'pre-92' but we're not going any further than being mid-table floaters for the foreseeable future.

 

I meant from a financial point, which is what it appeared to be meant to be, I am quite aware that large money can be wasted. We should all be aware of that by now, and no manager can guarantee he won't waste money either. Ferguson, Wenger have both made bad buys. Keegan made some. All managers do. The best ones make the fewest, but they still make them.

 

I understand the game has changed and we need to financially keep up with the bigger clubs, and so if other clubs put up big cash we have to do the same, so from that angle if the board have taken us as far as they can [ which I have also said on numerous occasions, and also as I said is normally not commented on by people on here because they don't answer posts fully, fully proven by the response to my previous reply to you ] then they will indeed be taken over by people in bigger financial leagues. But this only keeps us competing, and only that if they have the good of the club at heart in the long term. As for the best people in the right places, you have said yourself that money can be wasted mate so I find it difficult to agree that having the best accountants, secretaries, media men etc etc will result in a better team on the football pitch that will win the cups, because it won't. Only the right manager will do that, and everyone else wants the right manager too, to win the one premiership title and one FA Cup, with european places the next prize for the next "successful" clubs.

 

Everybody wants the club to have the best board, manager etc but this is realism.

[LeazesMag 0]

However, when I mentioned the "plan" I was referring to the fact that numerous people mention it from the perspective of the footballing aspect, ie a "plan" will guarantee success on the field. It will not. This is clearly rubbish. There is still only one premiership title, one FA Cup, and a number of Champions League and UEFA places. The fact that we have qualified for these more than every other club bar 4 should really tell people the club is not quite so bad as they portray it.

 

I don't think many people would say a plan is 'perfect'. We had such a setup under Robson with all the promising young players and the wheels fell off very quickly. Spurs have planned to the extent they have more under 18s on their books than Kenton Comp but they too are finding it very hard to make that jump into the big hitters. But we are going nowhere if we stay on the path we're on. The beauty of a great 'plan' (perhaps strategy is a better word) is that it is more than just a piece of paper or boardroom diktat. It instills a mentality across all club employees about what the clubs goals are and how it wants to acheive them. Within that fundamental framework, you can build training policies, transfers, ticket prices, pretty much any function the club carries out. Within those sub-levels there are plans in place but prepared in a way that anticipates that in football your best player can be crocked in a second, managers can walk out, freak own goals can plunge a side towards the drop. This isn't about a step-by-step guide to success, no such thing exists. Rather it is an understanding and shared principles that can be applied to every action the club can take.

 

The fact that large amounts of money has been squandered on players who have flopped simply can't be blamed on the board. You can blame them for appointing Souness, there is no doubt about that, but a good board backs their appointments, this is a principle that must apply to any club who wish to be successful.

And they have done it. Backing Souness was a huge mistake [as was appointing him] but there are many people on this board who said the club should back Souness with the money they did before judging him.

 

Souness was rightly sacked and his squandering of cash on shit like Faye and Boumsong was a big part in that decision.

 

And yes, of course the logic of a cash injection to help can't be disputed.

 

To be honest, I see that as the least important part of the bid. As we all know, £20m can be spent on very little (Luque+Boumsong+Faye). It could save our season, it could just as well add to our wage bill with nothing to show on the field for it.

 

More important than that is that the current regime looks to have run its course. A good job may well have been done then but this is a vastly different game to the fledgling Premier League. The Shepherds are reasonably successful local businessmen, the Halls to a greater extent becoming known nationally via the MetroCentre development. But this is now a global game, with big hitters than add a couple of zeros to the sort of figures talked about 10-15 years ago. Can we really compete and continue to grow with a board which is virtually down to family members and Russell Cushing? Where are the non-execs? Where are the specialists?

 

I have grave concerns about the intentions of Polygon, Gillette Mach 3 and Belgravia but one thing's for certain they'd make sure that the people in positions of responsibility are the best they can get. Not someone with the right surname. Yes the club is in a (far) better state than the club was in 'pre-92' but we're not going any further than being mid-table floaters for the foreseeable future.

 

Spot on again.

 

seconded.

 

shepherd's plan, strategy, lack of foresight... whatver you want to call it... usually involves ignoring problem areas (ie the defence) and blowing the majority of our budget on players he thinks will win the fans over meaning we are over-stocked in certain areas and pitifully thin in others. and then sacking the manager at the most absurd times...usually a handful of games into the new season or just after the transfer window closes.

 

sheperd is a joke chairman in most people's eyes.

 

 

 

the funniest thing I keep reading is when you STILL think the chairman is the manager ....... hilarious. Keep it up son.

 

[LeazesMag 0]

Leazes man, ffs, you've read my posts so it's obvious you've no genuine reason to fail to answer it.

 

will you admit that we've been stagnant for the last ten years, the ten years that Shepherd has been chairman?

 

Well, we have qualified regularly for europe, including a Champions League run, and bought England players, so if you think that is stagnant I suppose its correct. But its far from rubbish or medioce, or a joke to other fans and other clubs, if you think that then you have a problem, because you wouldn't know real mediocrity if it hit you on the head with a hammer.

[Fop 1]

This values the club at £140 million with the deal also including picking up the monster debts of £87m

 

Aye always digging into his own pockets Fat Fred.

[LeazesMag 0]

This values the club at £140 million with the deal also including picking up the monster debts of £87m

 

Aye always digging into his own pockets Fat Fred.

 

it seems pretty clear that you know someone daft enough to believe that

[Fop 1]

This values the club at £140 million with the deal also including picking up the monster debts of £87m

 

Aye always digging into his own pockets Fat Fred.

 

it seems pretty clear that you know someone daft enough to believe that

 

 

Well some people are daft enough to think NUFC are the 5th best team the Premiership has seen, that “planning” is something carpenters do, and “foresight” is a medical condition; so anything is possible.

[Matt 0]

This values the club at £140 million with the deal also including picking up the monster debts of £87m

 

Aye always digging into his own pockets Fat Fred.

 

It's just bad journalism. Most businesses need debt to expand- just as we did for the ground. They always make it sound like and angry man in a bowler hat is banging on our door asking where the hell his £87m is.

[Fop 1]

This values the club at £140 million with the deal also including picking up the monster debts of £87m

 

Aye always digging into his own pockets Fat Fred.

 

It's just bad journalism. Most businesses need debt to expand- just as we did for the ground. They always make it sound like and angry man in a bowler hat is banging on our door asking where the hell his £87m is.

 

Is that man Fat Fred or Dougy Hall?

[The Fish 8973]

Leazes man, ffs, you've read my posts so it's obvious you've no genuine reason to fail to answer it.

 

will you admit that we've been stagnant for the last ten years, the ten years that Shepherd has been chairman?

 

Well, we have qualified regularly for europe, including a Champions League run, and bought England players, so if you think that is stagnant I suppose its correct. But its far from rubbish or medioce, or a joke to other fans and other clubs, if you think that then you have a problem, because you wouldn't know real mediocrity if it hit you on the head with a hammer.

 

Oh sweet lordy dear! Which England players have we bought? the 'Keeper? nope, A defender? no sir, a midfielder...well...kind of... he's (possibly) the 5th choice central midfielder... ok.. well hows about our England striker? Done well this season hasn't he Yes, Yes I know he's injured but my point is this.. How can you claim buying England players as an indication of something good? Arsenal have No current England players and they're in a much stronger position than we are. Boro' have one and didn't have to buy him, Charlton have one ffs.

 

I know what your version of mediocre is pal, it takes into account every club from Afc Wimbledon to Man U, so yeah in those terms we're not mediocre... but for fucks sake I don't want this club and Watford mentioned in the same breath, let alone Woking Town!

 

Leazes man, we were challenging for the title, we were playing Champions League football, we were playing exciting enthralling football.... now we're playing for our very premiership survival and we're playing in the inter-two-bob and in general, we're playing shite!

 

I know you're hooked on the phrase mediocre and that's fine, but you're talking about the entire football league format, we're talking about for the club as it is now. The size, the expectation and the RECENT history. Of course we're doing better than Lincoln and the like, we have better pedigree and so attract big money, big crowds and big players... but it's all comparative.

 

Since freddy took stewardship we've not surpassed anything we'd achieved under Hall other than crowd receipt and all other statistics which would come with simply playing more games. He hasn't modernised the club, he hasn't made sweeping changes to the academy to encourage home-grown talent, he hasn't approached the media with any idea of how a chairman should act.

 

Face it Leazes, we at best have been stagnant, a stagnation you're ok with. You and I both know that in reality we've stuttered and stumbled back a few paces. We're no where, not even close to the title race, our squad is thin and even at full strength we are severely lacking in important areas, we are STILL the laughing stock of the premiership when it comes to off-field behaviour. (despite a recent lapse in coverage and your claims to the contrary.)

 

Now I know you'll claim that such things are the remit of the manager. Who hires the management and more importantly...bollocks! Chairman can veto and strongly suggest signings.. as he clearly has done on occasion... Chairmen can introduce 5yr plans and set his stall out from the beginning, Chairman can direct the club along a paht.

 

Freddy has done nothing but massage his ego with "big name"- token players, get his pie-stuffed face in the media as often as humanly (I stretch the term) possible and employ the wrong peope after the wrong people.

 

oh and make stupid ass quotes for the media

[luckyluke 1]

After the national team's dismal perfomances over the last few years I don't think signing England internationals is a sign of sucess!

[Toonpack 6796]

Leazes man, ffs, you've read my posts so it's obvious you've no genuine reason to fail to answer it.

 

will you admit that we've been stagnant for the last ten years, the ten years that Shepherd has been chairman?

 

Well, we have qualified regularly for europe, including a Champions League run, and bought England players, so if you think that is stagnant I suppose its correct. But its far from rubbish or medioce, or a joke to other fans and other clubs, if you think that then you have a problem, because you wouldn't know real mediocrity if it hit you on the head with a hammer.

 

Oh sweet lordy dear! Which England players have we bought? the 'Keeper? nope, A defender? no sir, a midfielder...well...kind of... he's (possibly) the 5th choice central midfielder... ok.. well hows about our England striker? Done well this season hasn't he Yes, Yes I know he's injured but my point is this.. How can you claim buying England players as an indication of something good? Arsenal have No current England players and they're in a much stronger position than we are. Boro' have one and didn't have to buy him, Charlton have one ffs.

 

I know what your version of mediocre is pal, it takes into account every club from Afc Wimbledon to Man U, so yeah in those terms we're not mediocre... but for fucks sake I don't want this club and Watford mentioned in the same breath, let alone Woking Town!

 

Leazes man, we were challenging for the title, we were playing Champions League football, we were playing exciting enthralling football.... now we're playing for our very premiership survival and we're playing in the inter-two-bob and in general, we're playing shite!

 

I know you're hooked on the phrase mediocre and that's fine, but you're talking about the entire football league format, we're talking about for the club as it is now. The size, the expectation and the RECENT history. Of course we're doing better than Lincoln and the like, we have better pedigree and so attract big money, big crowds and big players... but it's all comparative.

 

Since freddy took stewardship we've not surpassed anything we'd achieved under Hall other than crowd receipt and all other statistics which would come with simply playing more games. He hasn't modernised the club, he hasn't made sweeping changes to the academy to encourage home-grown talent, he hasn't approached the media with any idea of how a chairman should act.

 

Face it Leazes, we at best have been stagnant, a stagnation you're ok with. You and I both know that in reality we've stuttered and stumbled back a few paces. We're no where, not even close to the title race, our squad is thin and even at full strength we are severely lacking in important areas, we are STILL the laughing stock of the premiership when it comes to off-field behaviour. (despite a recent lapse in coverage and your claims to the contrary.)

 

Now I know you'll claim that such things are the remit of the manager. Who hires the management and more importantly...bollocks! Chairman can veto and strongly suggest signings.. as he clearly has done on occasion... Chairmen can introduce 5yr plans and set his stall out from the beginning, Chairman can direct the club along a paht.

 

Freddy has done nothing but massage his ego with "big name"- token players, get his pie-stuffed face in the media as often as humanly (I stretch the term) possible and employ the wrong peope after the wrong people.

 

oh and make stupid ass quotes for the media

 

Excellent post

 

Unfortunately it will simply bounce of Leazes' impermiable "cloak of denial"

[Renton 17696]

 

Unfortunately it will simply bounce of Leazes' impermiable "cloak of denial"

 

My dwarf had one of those in D&D iirc.