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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.

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A New Chairman A Long Term Project And Those Transfer Funds

Posted by Luke on August 2, 2007 11:57 AM | 

For those of you who bother to actually read The Journal rather than just this blog you will have noticed that I had a very interesting chat with Newcastle United's new chairman Chris Mort this week and I'm interested to know what you think about it.

Considering it was his first in-depth interview with a journalist since he arrived at St James's Park I was very impressed with, not just what he said, but the way he said it. He is intelligent and articulate, as you would expect from a lawyer, but he is also cool and calm and I feel there is a steely determination behind his bookish exterior.

He is certainly the opposite to Freddie Shepherd, who was big, brash and bold and whose mouth too often seemed to operate before his brain had clicked in.

I feel it is probably worth while if I try and break things down into easily read chunks - look there are more than 1,000 words in the article and some of you might get bored - and highlight the main points.

First of all, on the transfer funds available to manager Sam Allardyce, it has been promised that the necessary money is being made available and while there is a cautious approach in the market, if big money needs to be spent on a player, it will be.

"I think Sam and I are not that focused on the money side of things, we are just trying to bring in the right people. We are conscious we don't want to overpay, or panic buy and so we are managing our funds properly.
"But we both know that we are going to have to pay decent money to bring decent players in, both in terms of what their existing clubs want for them and what the player wants in terms of wages. We are certainly willing to spend the money we have to to strengthen the squad and we are close to bringing in two or three players before the start of the season. "

On the club's debt. There is thinly-veiled criticism of the former regime and it looks as if the club is in a bigger financial mess than many first thought. However, the debt problem will not impinge massively on transfer activity.

"The debt was certainly higher than we thought. The clubs finances were not in as strong a position as we first thought when we arrived, but that's something we will work with over a period of time.
"It obviously wasn't a positive thing to find out that the business isn't in as good a financial health as we believed. It's not a criticism of the previous regime, their heart was in the right place to do what they could to bring success to the club, but we'll look at the debt and get it to a level which is suitable for the size of the club and its revenue.
"It has not been a hindrance to what we are doing in the transfer market and for me the two are separate. We are doing lots of things on the financial side and buying players is just one of those, the debt is another. The debt has not stopped us from trying to buy the players we want to improve the squad."

On future ambitions. This does not look as though it is, contrary to some of the rumours that have been doing the rounds in the last week or so, a short-term project for Mort or owner Mike Ashley.

There was a lot of talk of putting foundations in place to achieve sustained long term success and while that might not thrill some people who believe the only way to lift a football club comes out of the Kevin Keegan/Sir John Hall school of big spending and stomach-churning highs and lows, it is, as far as I'm concerned, the right way to go.

They have not taken over a club like Liverpool, which is already in the Champions League and spends £30m to try and win the title, they are looking to gradually lift the Magpies back up to that level

"It is not a short-term project for Mike Ashley or myself and I want to put that to bed straight away. We are here for the long term, this is a long term project. We are looking at how to take the club forward over various timescales. We are looking at the short term, which is making sure the team is a strong as possible for the start of the Premier League season, which means getting the squad and staff right. Then there is the longer time frame, like property development, which we haven't really looked at yet at all.
"We have to get the foundations right here to sustain long term goals. The first priority is getting things right for the start of this season, absolutely, but we are building at every level of this club.
"Our ambitions are to take the club back into Europe, but this is just the first step forward. We are getting the foundations in place in the first team, but also across the whole of the club. We are not focusing too much on what happens in the first few weeks and months."

So what do you reckon?

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Comments (25)

Rachel McK wrote...

It certainly makes a refreshing change having a chairman who comes across as intelligent and actually seems to be talking sense. Everyone's been panicking over the lack of transfer activity and rumours going around about lack of funds... it's come at the perfect time, really.

Let's spend this year steadying the ship and realy start pushing onwards from January leading into next year. We could actually be good again! Feels like a life time ago when we could actually say that.

" Freddie Shepherd... whose mouth too often seemed to operate before his brain had clicked in.".. Ha, I bet you wouldn't have printed that a couple months ago!

Posted by: Rachel McK  | August 2, 2007 12:13 PM

John Ainsworth wrote...

"The debt was certainly higher than we thought....It obviously wasn't a positive thing to find out that the business isn't in as good a financial health as we believed...It has not been a hindrance to what we are doing in the transfer market and for me the two are separate."

Nice to see that the fine tradition of squandering the fans' money and stupidity in the boardroom still continue at St James' Park.

Note From Luke
I think Chris' point was that it wasn't going to continue Mr Ainsworth, but I like your efforts to wind everyone up today. Reminds me of myself a little

Posted by: John Ainsworth  | August 2, 2007 4:03 PM

Little Lord Fauntleroy wrote...

I like the sound of what he's saying. It isn't going to be a quick fix, we all know that, but how many of us will remember that come December when passion and blind faith consume all and sundry?

I am looking forward to the future, even though I still have my doubts about how Allardyce will make his teams play. I remember going to great lengths to ensure I had a weekend away planned whenever Bolton came to Town. Having said that, he's signed some good players and got rid of the right one's too.

Mort is already a favourite of mine, because he's not Jabba the Hut.... Sorry I mean Freddie Shepherd!

To paraphrase Glenn Roeder, 'let's be patient' and let's not get anxious if we don't finish too far up the table this season either.

Posted by: Little Lord Fauntleroy  | August 2, 2007 4:56 PM

Paul Patterson wrote...

As long as we don't linger around in the transfer market and sign the required players (Left Back, Centre Back and Attacking Midfielder)

It would be suicide not to get these on board and don't forget Joey Barton still may go down the kermit.

As long as the weekend lunacy doesn't materialise (Keegan/Shearer) because thats the last thing we need right now.

We need rid of your chum Dyer Luke, completely overrated person and not a footballer, then we are good to go.

Paul.

Posted by: Paul Patterson  | August 2, 2007 6:42 PM

True Mag wrote...

I think Chris Mort comes across very well in your interview and I'm certainly feeling happier about what his and Mike Ashley's intentions for the club are.
Unfortunately, when you support Newcastle United you become used to setbacks and broken promises, I hope this Mort fella isn't just more of the same, despite his impressive words to you.

Posted by: True Mag  | August 2, 2007 7:53 PM

Toon wrote...

Will be interesting to see how those words are backed up. As you rightly point out its Mr Morts job to work with words and its clear what the Newcastle fans want to hear...ambition, spending, backing the manager, a vision. He delivers at least on part of that agenda there. However the increasingly frantic words from the manager suggest that fans will have to look towards a 3-5 year timescale for success. Not necesarilly an easy pill to swallow for the supporter.

Posted by: Toon  | August 3, 2007 8:16 AM

JC wrote...

Interesting read. I like what they say about the quality of player they want to bring in. Look at Man City, plenty of money spent but none of the players have EPL experience and little Champs league experience. I just have a feeling that the success of Newcastle will be dependant on Sam Allardyce, not Ashley/Mort. Allardyce is the manager I wanted since Robson left and the noises coming from the players are very positive. Definitely top six finish this season then push on from there


Note From Luke
I hope you're right JC, but while a top six finish will be more than welcomed, I think both Sam and Chris Mort will be happy as long as they finish in the top half of the table and have a decent run in both the cups. I think the emphasis of Mort's interview was that they are happy to see gradual progress, both on and off the pitch. We might not be able to properly judge manager or board for three years or so. Not, perhaps, what some supporters want to here, but it's a realistic assessment of the situation they have inherited.

Posted by: JC  | August 3, 2007 8:52 AM

Amy wrote...

I think a lot of fans were worried because there had not been any communication from the club, and the Southern Press in particular were trying to put the cat among the pigeons. I was dissapointed also in the Chronicle who did the same.

However, I had faith in the new board, because although they don't speak often, when they do they are very professional and I like their ideas of long term planning. Not panic buying and always wanting to be in the limelight. Now they must back the manager with action, and I am sure they will do.

Posted by: Amy  | August 3, 2007 9:01 AM

Dave Roy wrote...

I hope chris mort is true to his word about laying out the right amount of money for top class players, we have wasted plenty in the past so i am happy if big sam gets the right backing for quality players. Defence is the key to improving the team, in the past we have been terrible with some of our big so called stars..... Boomsong etc etc.

Note From Luke
Let's hope this Claudio Cacapa isn't another Boumsong then!

Posted by: Dave Roy  | August 3, 2007 9:22 AM

Andy wrote...

To be perfectly honest, 2 or 3 players won't do it. We need, 5. Cacapa and Alan Smith (Why are we signing him?), won't be enough. We need a LB, another CB, and a versatile midfielder.

That will give us the solid foundation, and a squad to start building on, as Mr Mort rightly says. But if our squad is too weak this season - without those 5 signings, we won't achieve a good position - look how much the teams above and around us last season have spent (!), and our stars will want to leave, then we will be weaker and weaker. We need to build, and build strongly.

Posted by: Andy  | August 3, 2007 11:13 AM

Andy wrote...

Luke - I'm sure Cacapa won't be another Boumsong. We are getting him on a free!

Note From Luke
Ah yes, rather than £8.5m six months later. Somebody call Sherlock Holmes. Oh they already did.

Posted by: Andy  | August 3, 2007 11:14 AM

Venny wrote...

Come on guys. We waited a lifettime to win something. What is another year. Keep The Faith

Posted by: Venny  | August 3, 2007 1:25 PM

Ross wrote...

Hopefully there will finally be some stability at the club now Mort is in charge.

From what he has been saying publicly, Mort won't be looking to placate any of the knee-jerk fans by bringing the proverbial axe down on Allardyce should we hit a bad run of results - as was the case with FS - during the transitional period ahead.

Posted by: Ross  | August 3, 2007 1:41 PM

Derek wrote...

I was more than encouraged by what Chris Mort had to say in your interview. I think it was extremely timely as well cos there was some unrest brewing amongst the fans, perhaps fanned by recent post-match comments from Big Sam. I do believe that Mort and Big Sam can be a powerful combination once they get to understand each other better. And yes, isn't it a huge plus to have some brain power in the boardroom!

Posted by: Derek  | August 3, 2007 2:46 PM

apan wrote...

I dont think we want to put too much expectation too soon for BSA, he needs time heck the players needs time to adapt,it took keegan how many years to almost won something? so realistically targetting to win a silverware this season might be thin (league cup is the most archievable i supposed) but i reckon we could get back into the uefa cup next season!

Posted by: apan  | August 3, 2007 2:54 PM

Jason wrote...

As I said yesterday Luke, the full article was an excellent piece. I don't however understand how a shrewd individual like Mort could become surprised at the level of debt that they found.. Surely when you invest 130million you would undertake a thorough and comprehensive due dilligence exercise that would reveal the financial picture in it's entirety. Did you put that question to him?

Note From Luke
I have to be honest, I didn't, but I wonder if there was more debt than the books showed? It is an interesting point which perhaps suggests they hadn't carried out proper due dilligence before they bought the club. It's a bit of a mystery be honest and I'll be sure to ask why it has happened when we next meet.

Posted by: Jason  | August 3, 2007 3:18 PM

brainwashed wrote...

Smooth Southerner - Gullible Geordie?
1-What is his definition of "decent (big) money" Are we talking of competing with ManU/Chelsea/Liverpool for players good enough for their 1st teams? Did you ask?

2-"managing funds", smooth lawyer speak for not spending "decent money"?

3-Mort is a specialist in takeovers so he KNEW the debt position (or should be sacked by his boss if he didn't)so those comments were pure misdirection especially as he the said it had no bearing on spending for players. So why mention it? Did you point this out?

4-He is a spokesman for the owner who has a well known 'debt averse' philosophy. He has been instructed to reduce the debt. Where then will the "decent money" come from. I doubt Mr C'Ashley will gift it. Sports Direct was 'floated' to avoid debt to finance growing the business ie funds available from shareholders. Why then did he do just the opposite with NUFC Plc? Where are those funds to come from if not more debt? Did you ask?

5-Your comment on spending during the KK era is wrong. Anyone who saw the quality of that team over 4 seasons for the cost can tell you value for money was exceptional. Believe me, if the new owners can emulate they will succeed.

6-Commitment SHOULD be questioned when a leader does not move to the seat of the business when it needs 7 day week attention to succeed. Not to resign from his existing job but only to take "leave" is not a sign of total commitment; more like hedging his bets.

7-Sports Direct bought Dunlop Slazenger in 2003/4 according to the financial press I read. Did you ask how that was a 20 year commitment?

8-The Adidas 'quick buck' episode was one of several reasons for investors losing trust in Ashley and it eventually cost them £millions. Even for a smooth talking lawyer it was a bad example to use.

9-Finally, "the long term stability" referred to presumably means having one of the best grounds in the land , one of the best training facilities and most successful Academies in the Premiership and a Manager who knows what he is doing (I hope!). Is this not what was inherited? Top players are what we need and a sensible interpretation of the interview and actions so far are not promising.
Ashley has a poor reputation for business stability and is by his own definition a "bit of a Jack the Lad" This has worked for him and may for NUFC but is likely to be less, not more stable than under previous owners.

I am desperate for quality football at NUFC but I see little reason from the interview to be encouraged. I am really disappointed as it appears to be an exercise in misdirection and shows little respect for Geordie ability to see through smooth words.

Note From Luke
I suspect you are a glass half empty kinda guy, but some valid counter arguments nevertheless. You will notice in the interview that I made much of the fact Chris Mort is a lawyer and that he is cool and calculated in everything he says.
You might be right, it could just simply be an attempt to mislead and misdirect, but I will take his words at face value for now. They have only been in control for a matter of weeks and already you are doubting their intentions based on Mike Ashley's actions in other business ventures, very different from owning and running a football club.
Only time will tell how good they are for NUFC, but for now at least i think they deserve support and encouragement. It's certainly better than the Shepherd-Hall era.

Posted by: brainwashed  | August 3, 2007 9:03 PM

brainwashed wrote...

Luke, I feel you let Chris mort off too lightly and I have set out a number of points in a separate comment which has not yet come through but on the question of the debt, as a specialist in takeovers he would know EVERYTHING about the debt. It would be the first thing checked and a Plc cannot mislead or conceal as the Directors have a fiduciary duty to shareholder. Mort has mislead us which is worrying especially as there were many other questionable statements.

To follow up the debt comments with the statement that it would not impact on Player funds is also hard to understand. If not why did he mention it? A bit of excuse making for keeping funds tight?

You must ask how he intends to reduce the debt without restricting player funds as other than the increase in the TV money, income will probably be less this season with no Euro involvement even for preliminary Uefa qualifying which Channel 5 broadcast and attracted 30,000 crowds last season. It seems to me debt reduction is impossible and debt increase more likely if "decent money" is to be available for players.

Posted by: brainwashed  | August 3, 2007 10:21 PM

Ronnie ( Busker ) Lambert wrote...

Thank goodness for that frank interview, I along with many others was getting nervous at the silence after Sam's public rants about signings. Yes we are entitled to exasperation after years of lies and subterfuge, but we don't like sounding off against our new bosses, it's just that we need to scream occasionally at the lack of decisiveness when we put everything we have into the club without reciprocation. Now I feel that Chris Mort, who I initially trusted, has said the right words to allay my fears, coupled with the new signings of Smith, Cacapa and the Serbian, which is quite a march on the fears of last weeks comments from Big Sam. No-one can now say that Mike Ashley and Chris Mort haven't listened to Sam's advice to prepare us for the new season, even though the January window will probably be utilised also depending on forthcoming results. But hey, we're now obviously going in the right direction. It certainly appears that the new board are green but listening to the wise old owl Sam, and dare I say supporters whom I'm sure are being monitored on these blogs and newspaper write-ins. Hats off to them for their humility and commonsense if that's true. Well done Mikey-boy and Chris, get your ears to the ground and listen to us long-suffering old-timers, we are pulling in the same direction. Busker

Posted by: Ronnie ( Busker ) Lambert  | August 4, 2007 2:47 AM

brainwashed wrote...

Luke, I agree we must give the new management a chance and my attitude is to judge on actions not words. I pray that the new owner succeeds as do all true supporters. The reason for my appraisal was not simply to be negative but to try to balance the sometimes almost rapturous response to the Mort interview mainly because he was so smooth and not because of the reality of the words.

Whilst 'the jury is out' on C'Ashley/Mort until we see what they actually do, I am very optimistic about Big Sam's approach as he seems to be going about the job in a most competent way. That is great to see.

I also think it is in everyone's interests for the local reporters to develop the best possible working relationship with the new regime but it is also important the new team understand smooth words will be scrutinised locally as closely as City analysts look at Sports Direct statements!

Posted by: brainwashed  | August 4, 2007 1:18 PM

Richard wrote...

I still don't trust the new owners. Chris Mort isn't exactly going to say, that's right Luke, we're here to sort out the club's finances and then sell it on for a quick profit is he?
I hope their intentions are good, although, ultiamtely all I care about is a successful team on the pitch, not whose in the boardroom. Freddie Shepherd had to go so let's wait and see what the new guys manage to do before we start criticising them

Posted by: Richard  | August 6, 2007 2:50 PM

Mark wrote...

I think anyone who doubts the new regime is simply a fool. These are clever people who will adapt to the concept of running a football club quite easily. Newcastle United have competed very well in the transfer market considering the current image the club has. We have signed very strong, hard tackling, never say die players. These are players who will ensure we dont give away 3 points ten minutes from the end of a home game, and these are players who will earn us a draw and the odd win at away games instead of being brushed aside like last season. SA will get us into Europe next season which will help to ease the burden of debt we have.

Note From Luke
I hope you're right Mark

Posted by: Mark  | August 6, 2007 9:16 PM

roscoe wrote...

Brainwashed, you really don't deserve to be a toon supporter in the new era if this is how you think and then pass your negativity on to all us geordie supporters that are more excited for the new season than we have been for a decade! We have had arguably the best transfer period of any team in the prem and are looking stronger than ever!!

HOWAY BSA
HOWAY MA AND CM
HOWAY THE LADS!!!!!!!!!

Bring on Saturday...

Posted by: roscoe  | August 7, 2007 10:26 AM

Timbo wrote...

Only time will tell what Mike Ashley and Chris Mort's plans are for NUFC, but quite frankly, I'm still just happy we finally got rid of the fat controller.

Posted by: Timbo  | August 7, 2007 10:40 AM

Steve wrote...

Everything at this club is moving in the right direction, from top to bottom.

We now have people who know what they're doing and it looks like it's starting to pay off where it matters, on the football pitch.

Mort may not have experience of running a football club but he's certainly showing himself to be more than a match for the stale Shepherd. It's also a massive plus that when he speaks most people want to listen because he only speaks when he has something worth saying, I could get used to that.

He may not have moved his family north but that could change and it will work in our favour for now while he has no distractions and nobody moaning for him to come home. He's never been a football chairman so would be mad to uproot his family before he's had a chance to see if he likes the job or if he's good enough at it.

Marks out of 10 for Mort, I’d give him 10 and he’s walked it, if you didn’t know any better you would think he had been doing it all of his life.

The only negative for me, this should have happened years ago.

Note From Luke
As ever, words of sense from you Steve

Posted by: Steve  | August 13, 2007 7:37 PM

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