Mike Ashley's Vision For Newcastle United
It did not take them long to seize control and it has not taken them long to set out their vision for the future of Newcastle United in new chief/deputy chairman Chris Mort's first interview this week. In my first interview since his first interview, here are my thoughts on their thoughts for the future!
We should probably get a few things straight, while Freddie Shepherd is still chairman in name, Mort is the real powerbroker at St James’s Park with owner Mike Ashley maintaining a keen interest in everything that happens, albeit with a hands off approach.
So when Mort speaks we should listen, so no day dreaming at the back of the class - I seem to have back to school analogies on my mind at the moment. I wonder what a psychologist would make of that, but anyway.... oh yes, that’s right, Newcastle United’s new era.
The first thing that struck me about Mort was the very sharp suit he was wearing on Wednesday morning. It was a suit which looked expensive, but in no ways extravagant, stylish, but practical, smart but businesslike. It was also set off by a white shirt, with top button undone and no tie, projecting an image of relaxed authority. First impressions count!
So appearances were good, but what about the message he was delivering to supporters who are still keen to discover exactly what the end of the Hall-Shepherd axis of power actually means for their football club?
For me, there are a few key points I’ll discuss here. This will save you the time of reading the whole interview, which means you can spend a little more time devoting some time to other interests in your life, like a job, your family, or perhaps that computer game you are struggling to get past level five on.
The main message was clear, Mike Ashley has taken over Newcastle United because he believes it has huge unfulfilled potential and that he can make one of English football’s greatest underachievers successful. Hardly revolutionary sentiments, but a good start nonetheless.
Ashley is a hugely successful businessman in sports retail and manufacturing who basically wants to try out running a football club to see if he can be a success in that field as well. Fair enough Mike, give it your best shot.
Ashley wants to make money, but he also wanted a football club to support. He has attended plenty of England games, but he hasn’t got a club to follow week in, week out so he went out and bought himself one. A nice thing to be able to do I guess.
Ashley does not like the limelight and he enjoys eating in restaurants without being hassled. So, while not many of us would be able to pick him out in an identity parade, it’s worth remembering that, if you do recognise him and he is tucking into a plate of spare ribs in Chinatown, leave the guy alone to enjoy his food. We don’t want to annoy him.
Mort is from Wales, lives in North London and followed a team in that area of the capital. In other words, he’s an Arsenal or Tottenham fan who will transfer allegiance to Newcastle as matter of expediency. Not ideal some might say, but nobody cares at Chelsea that Roman Abramovich wasn’t a Chelsea fan until he decided to leave Russia and purchased a football club as a means to do so.
The new owners have been impressed with Sam Allardyce so far and have given him some strong verbal backing about being the right man for the job. They have not demanded a top six finish for Sam to hold on to his job. That will be a relief for him and will allow the manager to concentrate on team building rather than charming his new boss.
Newcastle United’s debt is larger than many people first thought and one of the first tasks for Mort is tackling that issue. Had they not taken control, I dread to think what direction Newcastle were heading in financially after years of brave, but ultimately foolish spending.
However, we have no idea what the takeover actually means in terms of Newcastle’s new financial muscle in the transfer market and we probably won’t know until Allardyce makes his next few moves. It’s nice to think that United will be able to splash out the same sort of money as Liverpool have just done for Fernando Torres - £22.5m - but it’s impossible to tell at the moment whether this will be the case.
Freddie Shepherd will be sticking around for a while to help with the transition in ownership. However, he doesn’t have any real power and Mort made it clear that he is in control.
Oh yes, Newcastle is a great city, the North-East is a great region of the country, the people are really friendly and the fans are some of the most passionate in the world....
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Luke Edwards - is Chief Sports Writer of The Journal and uses his blog to give a unique and entertaining insight into events at Newcastle United and Sunderland.
"Newcastle United’s debt is larger than many people first thought "
I dunno.. I think a lot of people realise that it's on the far side of £100m. It's far and away the main reason the vast majority of fans wanted Shepherd out. We all knew we were a Leeds waiting to happen and hopefully with new ownership, new management and a renewed optimism by most... who knows?
Luke, your sycophantic drivel is, as always, a disappointing waste of my lunch half-hour. Reading you waffle is like watching a train wreck in slow motion. Can’t wait to hear what we should all be doing and thinking next.
Note From Luke
Your comment begs the question why do you bother reading at all chump? If it's such a waste of your half an hour for lunch don't let me stop you doing something less boring instead like playing with a Kangaroo
This is a completely unrelated entry to the article, but having been watching Never Mind The Buzzcocks, it dawned on me that Luke looks like a follically challenged version of Simon Amstell. If you put a 118 wig on him, they'd look like twins! I wonder if Simon Amstell's ever come close to breaking his neck on a child's trampoline the way Luke did.....?
Note From Luke
Those things should come with health warnings! There will be a new picture of the closely croped Luke appearing soon on this site. I also need to get rid of Scott Parker.
What's the point in a blog that simply rehashes what was written in the Journal?
You've not really offered anything in the way of opinion or new material, other than the fact that Mort wore a nice suit for his interview.
Still, a better read than the Chron though, so can't be all bad!
Note From Luke
The point Andrew was that this appeared on the blog site yesterday lunchtime, The Journal did not come out until Thursday morning.
I feel as though I have offered some opinion, for example, who cares Mort wasn't a Newcastle fan and don't bother Mike Ashley when he's eating! That's hard-hitting stuff.
Seriously, though, Andrew, the point of this blog - in theory - is to take a slightly different look at things and to offer you the chance to have your say. I'm sorry I've failed you this time
Why is there a picture of West Ham's Scott Parker on this page.
And Luke, stop prattling on and get to the point.
Dont insult the supporters we knew the debt was high,due to our very poor record in the transfer market in the last 10 years.Ashley wants the debt reducing and by the sound of it he isnt going to pay it off himself.Quite clearly Ashley will have to fund the transfers as the club has no money.Also i dont see how you can run a transfer system in which Allardyce chooses and then asks for approval to buy players.Give him a reasonable transfer fund and let him get on with it.
To me, it is a huge relief that some one from the new owners management team has finally spoken out about the club and the plans they have for it.
I am very gratified to hear that sam will be given a fair crack of the whip and not just a single season to achieve the success we all crave. Although I believe that 5 years for a top 5 finish is overly pessemistic I am sure this is just Sam being cautious and trying to stop the fans getting carried away too quickly.
It is also good to see that an experienced business man is now at the helm, one who is interested in making the company successful as this means the team on the pitch have to be successful for them to reach their goal.
When FSS finally departs the boardroom for the last time I think all true NUFC supporters will heave a huge sigh of relief as we all know that the club was going down the drain under his stewardship. I think we are also now a lot more confident that the future for NUFC has gotten much much brighter in the last 6 weeks or so, on and off the pitch.
Thank You & well done Mike Ashley and Chris Mort, keep up the good work and bring us success and you will be Geordie heros for ever on tyneside.
If you need a new photo, I'm available evenings & weekends. You'll have to ring first though, so I can take my dress off and put some man's clothes on!!
P.S. There was and still is a health warning on said trampoline....
Note From Luke
I do worry about some people I know sometimes. Little Lord Font doesn't even live in a mansion either. He just thinks he does.
That's bad craic Luke, slagging off your readers and calling them chumps! The reader has every right to voice his or her opinion.
Note From Luke
Yes, which is why their opinion went on the site. I'm also entitled to express mine!
From what i've read about Mike Ashley he's a pretty fruggle character. I don't think he'll go chin deep in the mud for a football club.
Besides SA's major problem is a lack of availible talent worth signing rather than no cash to get it. Decent LB's anyone? I can only think of Bridge.
P.S. You shouldn't pick on readers who take half an hour to read 8 paragraphs, it's inhumane.
Note From Luke
That's put a smile on my face this morning!
Just a quick word luke - while others may not like your blog, I find it an interesting read, It is more informal than a newspaper and interaction is good!
Just a quick word the rest of ye - why do you read a blog if you don't like it?
Note From Luke
You tell them Andy!
Howdy Luke
Good thoughts, especially as I can't get a copy of the NE papers so it's nice to read a fans take on the local rags spin - thanx
Luke, How about a nice picture of Kieron Dyer to replace Parker? ...that would be quite cheery through the cold winter, I know it's got nothing to do with football but hey you've got cricket there as well!
Note From Luke
Commulus, you're being cheeky again you little scamp! I'm going to see the technical wizards when I get into the office to sort out a new banner for the top of the site. Once I've been to the gym to sweat lots and achieve little before heading to the jacuzzi
I think I probably speak for most people who read this site when I say that Luke offers us something refreshingly different from the usual mundane stuff we get in the press. It's funny and, as Luke likes saying, leftfield.
I certainly don't always agree with him, but that's the whole point. If you don't agree, leave a comment saying so, that's the point. But don't leave stupid comments about how rubbish the site is and how you've wasted your time reading it in your lunch hour, that seems pointless if you ask me.
Anyway keep up the good work Luke and try not to give Kieron Dyer too much unworthy praise this season! We know he's your mate but still!
That's true everyone, I DON'T live in a mansion.
I was only being modest, it's more palacial than mansion!
Which reminds me Luke, I'll be up in Hillybilly land this weekend if you're around. Might even let you take us for a beer even though you've 'got no money'?
Note From Luke
I'm afraid I'm washing my hair!
well i like your blog inahll luke nd yi cin cahll me a chump if yi want coz a divint care like nd theres nowt rang wi challin people who chall yi blog. keep it up mate
not that my opinion maters in the slitest 2 u but i think that your blog is pretty pants. giv us sumfing we can properly chalenge or hav a gud think about and stop rabitin on ur only apealin 2 about 1 audience if its tru about how ur m8s with keiron dyer that jus sums it all up. ur aragont ur smarmy u think ur all this and tht wen u so obviosly do not know the first thing about football
Note From Luke
It's only right you have your say, albiet in some strange shorthand language I stuggle to understand.
In your opinion, I don't know anything about football - maybe I don't, but I get paid to watch and write about it so how do you like them apples?
As for this blog being "pants", I've not heard that expression for a long time Luke. Do you wear yours on your head?
Luke it's just Lee Ryder back from 'lunch'.
Ollie Burton, Where is he now?
Where did all the money go?
"Shine", music or the eruption of fetid gas from a decomposing carcase?
If, as appears to be the case we need to acquire an entire new team, who the hell were we supporting last year?
If Owen leaves, answer me this; (and I'd like you to query the Archbish of Canterbury on this.) is morality dead?
These and many more questions need to be either ignored or re-written by someone more competent than my dentist.
Has any team that has ever been really successful had a non-central defender as captain?
Note From Luke
Blimey Paul, don't know where to start with this. I'll start at the bottom, Manchester United were very successful under Roy Keane, and Liverpool with Graeme Souness so yes.
Is morality dead? Don't know, but possibly.
Who were you supporting last season? A team masquerading as Newcastle United FC
Definitely fetid gas from a decomposing corpse.
I have no idea where Ollie Burton and neither do I know where all the money has gone. I often have that feeling after a Saturday night out on the town as well
hahaha...I've already played with five kangaroos this morning and then rode one home. But thanks for the advise. Why do I read this? Because I like literary train wrecks and reading about the merry-go-round adventures of the nufc of course. Although I am looking forward to next season with Ashley and Co. and Big Sam. Glenn Roeder! I mean, give me a break! It’s time to think BIG. Seriously though, I don’t at all mind getting return fire from Luke people, I’m glad he had the bottle to put it up. Even if his retort was as lame as his journalistic efforts.
Note From Luke
Keep them coming Andrew your feedback is important to me! Have you ever considered spending your lunch break swimming with a Stingray? Just a thought.
No, seriously, I hope you continue to read this blog, it's better to provoke a reaction than nothing at all, as someone far wiser than me once said.
Luke,
It would appear that nothing of any importance or in fact interest was given out.
Is this a sign of things to come or just a lack of understanding of our current situation by Mort?
I would love to put a few questions to him via you if you ever get an interview with him. I'm sure a lot of other people would show an interest in firing a few questions in his direction, especially if they were hard hitting rather than "when are we going to sign Mr X, Y or Z."
Note From Luke
I think you are right Steve, while it was good to hear from Mr Mort, he didn't really say much to get your teeth into. Then again, it was his first interview, they are still carrying out a strategic review of the club and they are never going to reveal transfer targets - better than Shepherd, do you remember the Wayne Rooney farce?
It think the new owners are still feeling there way into things so I think we have to be - apologies to Glenn bitter Roeder for using this word - patient with them for a while.
As for putting questions to the new owners.manager I hope to do a repeat of my question for Glenn Roeder blog at some point in the near future
Andrew, i think the sun must have gone to your head in Australia. While the local press here in Newcastle can certainly be sychophantic, Luke has always been far more objective and balanced in his criticism than others. As for this blog, it makes me laugh and, as has already been said, if you disagree with him, leave a comment because he's not scared to print them, even if they are unfairly critical like yours
Everyone is overlooking the fact that we have now built a very capable squad, minus a couple of players. The Chronicle has reported that Big Sam is targeting ANOTHER three defenders.
Well that will cover injuries.
We also have a very strong midfield, minus the left wing (I've said many times I want Downing)
Heres a thought: Play Viduka and Owen up front with Martins in the hole, with Downing and Milner on the wings, with Barton and Butt in defensive midfield. Rozehnal and Taylor partnering another aquisition in a back three with the ever dependable Given in goal. Bench: Harper, Geremi, Emre, Duff, Gudjonsson.
Watch that lot go.
PS: You stand up for yourself Luke, you've insulted me before and no doubt I'll insult you in future (Prat) but we all have opinions and we take it on the chin.
BUT, we don't take seriously the opinions of people in OZ.
Note From Luke
Thanks Paul, but Andrew is entitled to his opinion as well, even if he does live on the otherside of the world and says I'm boring and a poor journalist. I didn't so much take on the chin as laugh so hard I fell off my chair!
Ollie Burton is alive and well and living in Diss in Norfolk. we have a club "The Fairs Club", who are visiting him this weekend in Thetford...taking him a replica Fairs Cup Final shirt, Fairs Cup Final DVD,current shirt with his name and "1969" on the back and numerous other presents.