More from the "offical press officer"

[peasepud 59]

Newcastle United are still for sale but their interim manager, Joe Kinnear, has confirmed that discussions involving the owner, Mike Ashley, have begun in the event of Ashley being unable to find a buyer.

 

Talking for the first time about the possibility of Ashley being at St James' Park next season, Kinnear said: "He's already talked to me about that, the possibility of staying on if it's not sold." When asked if he sensed Ashley was beginning to plan for the non-sale scenario, Kinnear replied: "I get that sense, I'm getting optimistic about it, let's put it that way. But you don't know what's around the corner.

 

"He will sell it if someone comes in with the right offer. We've spoken about the future. He [Ashley] has said: 'It looks like I'm not going to be able to sell it so we'll have to start talking about next year as well.' He's talking about it in long terms, he's comingto terms with the idea that he isn't about to sell it. Therefore he wants to get back in and rebuild the club, ifyou like."

 

How Newcastle fans, who rebelled against Ashley and his "Cockney Mafia" regime, will take these words remains to be seen. Supporters were infuriated by the treatment of the previous manager, Kevin Keegan, who is now involved in a lawsuit against the club. The expectation was that Keegan's claim would be heard in early January, but it is understood that after a preliminary hearing last week it could be March before legal arguments are heard. There is still the chance of an out-of-court settlement.

 

"When something else is out of the way I think you'll see a different picture," Kinnear said of Ashley. "I think you'll see a different Mike when that's all been put to bed. I know it's hurting him, the position he is in, and I know he definitely wants to come back.

 

"I think once the fans see he's prepared to invest back in the club, once they see we're improving, the team's getting better, a few more players added, it's all pluses on his side."

 

Newcastle host Tottenham today. "Two clubs waiting to happen," Kinnear said, "if they get the backing of the owners."

 

 

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/footbal...le-1206185.html

[snakehips 0]

No matter how unpalatable it may seem to have Ashley here next season, I would hope they are putting plans in place, just in case that happens.

[Fop 1]

No matter how unpalatable it may seem to have Ashley here next season, I would hope they are putting plans in place, just in case that happens.

 

Looks like no one is going to buy us any time soon, might not just be next season to worry about.

[Asprilla 96]

"I think once the fans see he's prepared to invest back in the club, once they see we're improving, the team's getting better, a few more players added, it's all pluses on his side."

 

 

Well, yeah. Seeing as Kinnear seems to be the mouthpiece for everything, this must mean that Ashley is talking about spending.

 

 

We'll remember this, we're "wise" to Ashley's ways so if he invests properly, I'll be happy. If not, it's clear that nothing can be believed. This is your last roll of the dice Mikey baby.....make it count.

[Ketsbaia 0]

"I think once the fans see he's prepared to invest back in the club, once they see we're improving, the team's getting better, a few more players added, it's all pluses on his side."

 

 

That's the crux of it for me. If he is willing to put money in for players and at least show some ambition rather than try to turn Newcastle into a piss poor replica of Arsenal then he can stay. I don't think it's going to happen though.

[Tooj 17]

"I think once the fans see he's prepared to invest back in the club, once they see we're improving, the team's getting better, a few more players added, it's all pluses on his side."

 

 

That's the crux of it for me. If he is willing to put money in for players and at least show some ambition rather than try to turn Newcastle into a piss poor replica of Arsenal then he can stay. I don't think it's going to happen though.

Although that would be in the club's best interest that would enrage me if another manager got the backing that Keegan was never shown.

[TheMoog 0]

I think it's obvious now that any purchasing of our club for the next couple of years is unlikely. With the global recession in full swing I would think there's little hope on any astute businessman/group spending the amount of cash needed to end our torment with Ashley... we can look forward to at least two years of his shit and the feeling of being in limbo. That's what I've resigned myself to anyways.

[Hadrian 0]

canny worried what joe gonna do to the squad , i mean he talks the right game with all the attacking talk , but its a different story out on the pitch .

and this box to box midfielder he wants ....... when we are crying out for a playmaker and already have guthrie (who's playing far to deep imo) .

seems to me joe wants to buy meatheads for the squad , when we wanna see the next peter beardsleys and ginolas .

 

for the guy to say attacking football is all he knows and was brought up on , he never mentioned what happened to that philosiphy while he was at wimbledon and forrest . the more he talks the less i can take him seriously .

Edited December 21, 2008 by Hadrian

[Mad Jock 0]

He could make it so much easier for himself by spending a few quid in jan and getting rid of Wise