Takeover Talk
The end of another working week and another round of stories suggesting Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is looking to sell the club. Now where have we heard this one before?
I don't claim to be an expert in the world of business. If I was I would either have won The Apprentice and be working for Alan Sugar by now, or I would be a billionaire like Big Mike. Actually there is probably some middle ground, but rest assured I'm better at writing than I am at managing my finances!
However, I do know that everything has a price and this is particularly true of Premier League football clubs.
I feel a quick maths lesson is needed. If you buy something for, say, ã250m and someone offers you ã470m for it 12 months later you would have to be a)mad b) stupid or c) the product has sentimental value not to sell.
These stories do not say that Ashley is actively looking to sell Newcastle, what they say is that he was approached by an American finance group who enquired about buying the club from him.
He quoted a price of ã470m, they went back to their offices, forgot about the idea and worried about the forthcoming Presidential elections instead.
I don't see that this is anything to get too worried about, although the leaking of the information, apparently from the American end, isn't helpful for a club which is trying to make decisive moves in the transfer market.
But Ashley hasn't done anything wrong or underhand. If someone was to offer the Glazer family one billions pounds for Manchester United they would sell, if someone was to offer to buy Liverpool for more than their American owners paid for the club, they would sell. If someone was to offer ã200m plus for Sunderland, Niall Quinn would pack up and take the Drumaville Consortium with him.
Football is big business and big businesses get taken over. I hope this doesn't happen to Newcastle at this stage as it seems Ashley's regime has just about got things in working order after a year of getting their feet under the table, but there isn't much anyone can do if it does. It's just the way of the world.
If we are realistic we should just accept that Ashley will sell for a profit if he gets the right offer. He isn't from Newcastle and he wasn't even a Newcastle supporter before he took over so there isn't any sort of emotional attachment.
All we can ask is that he gives his manager the financial backing needed to improve the team while he does still own the club, for however long that turns out to be...
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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.
Yawn!! Not this old gutter press speculation & fabrication all over again. Must be a slow news day. The Sun proclaims Ashley as saying "I'll sell Toon for 420m" yet not once in the article does it actually quote him. So who is the purveyor of this world shattering news? Well, surprise surprise, if it's not our old friend, 'an Insider'. I'd love to meet this 'insider' one day, preferably in a boxing ring. Anyway, our erstwhile reporter (Steve Brenner) goes on to gleefully declare that "...the fact he (Ashley) has now put a price on the club will only create more uncertainty for boss Kevin Keegan". I think we can all see where he's going with this can't we?
Managing your finances Luke? Now that your getting married, your finances wonâÂÂt be YOUR finances any longer.
ã200m for Sunderland? Squeeze me? Er IâÂÂll swap you a cow and four of these magic beans and throw in a radish and a pork pie to boot. Deal?
Am I happier with Ashley than I would be with the Glazers? Difficult to say as they spend well for the man in charge at Old Trafford and lets face it, anything less would have Fergie on the warpath.
IâÂÂd hate to have Gillett and Hicks in charge as that been a disaster zone ever sine they won the Champions league in 2005, but again they did pay ã27m for Fernando Torres.
I wouldnâÂÂt be happy with Abramovich either, after all, they had something special with Mourinho, who would have won them the Champions league after another season or two, he sacked him, got Avram Grant (His own appointment) and then sacked him for finishing second and runner up in the Champions League, AFTER forcing players on the club- Not a great owner.
IâÂÂm pleased Ashley has bucked the trend and at least met the supporters face to face and sat with them, although this would be irrelevant if he just supported his manager. Hopefully we will see this now.
In the meantime, with the credit crunch we will all be cutting back, except politicians and football club owners obviously.
I bet your pleased your not a billionaire Luke- Every âÂÂOther halfâ I know would spend at least ã500m of that billion on handbags and shoes- Be afraid!!!
Paul
Note From Luke
What is her's is her's and what's mine is her's also, or so it seems sometimes! Thankfully, as I've said before, she doesn't read this blog otherwise I might be sleeping on the sofa again tonight!
I'm fed up to the back teeth with the speculation, If Ashley wants to sell for ã470m then fine. Personally I believe he gave that figure to prevent any further enquiries and to try and end the speculation. Steve Brenner however has decided that there's a story to make up out of this. Sad man !
yes!...At last someone got it right.The club stands him at about 250m,so if he got offered 420m he would sell! So what! I would too!
Its just that people who have never had money,who wait for the next giro,they cant get their brains round it!
But come on,he bought the club as a business,to improve it,then perhaps sell it.Fat Freddy used it to fill his pockets!!
Luke
You say you are not a financial or business wizard, but I am certain you know that businessmen the world over look for "deals" where they see weakness -- real or perceived. Such must have been the case with the NUFC administration "confusion" during the past season. And, as you rightly point out, a profit is a profit, and that is what spurs Ashley, and all businessmen. MA obviously is not stupid, and his loyalty to the club will last only as long as the black ink.
As for sofas, you will learn that when you buy, make it a SOFA/BED. jm
Note From Luke
Perhaps the best bit of advice I've had on this blog!
Hi Luke-so MA is not selling to the yanks -still leaves us all in the dark -I am more concerned with King Kevs silence- seems to me it is an enforced silence-and it would be good to know what lies behind it- I still feel there is something very ugly going on behind the scenes-great to get Taylor back on board with his new contract -but still no news of Michael Owen getting signed up. also Luke can you enlighten us on who this esteemed "club spokseman" is who said the talk of takeover was nonsense. It is not in Kevs nature to be silent and I feel he is alone here in the middle of a jungle -the london summit was an attempt to let Kev know who was boss -but MA and Wisey -plus the new Chairman -or whatever he is to be called had all better wise up-if MA really wants to break into the top 4 then the one man who can do it is KK we the fans know that -so they all better start supporting him-when we bleed KK bleeds -he is a Newcastle legend both as a player and former manager and if the board and indeed the players do not want success for Newcastle United then they need to clear out of toon quick because KK is as desperate as we are to take us to another level.
Note From Luke
The spokesman is the Communications Manager, Gary Oliver, who spoke to managing director Derek Llambias who authorised the comment.
Hi Luke. Further to my message yesterday -We now have the National press advising us that the Bin laden fanily are now the latest group who are wanting to buy Newcastle United - TRUE or FALSE ? are we going to have another mysterious " club spokesman " deny this one as well? no wonder Kevin is not speaking to any one at the moment-- Its about time MA came clean about his intentions-what was it that Chris Mort once said -Here for the long haul-they are having a laugh surely. Personally I wish MA would clear out of toon -his style of management and communication is certainly not conducive to managing a football club and all this constant talk of trying to flog our club adds more instability than what is good for the players ,the manager and the fans. I am not surprised he got rid of Chris Mort -he at least had some ability to communicate-even the great communicater KK has been silenced-Somehow I do not think we will see MA in his black and white shirt with the fans this coming season -not if he knows whats good for him.
Note From Luke
Judging by Llambias' comments today the story would appear to be false. The Bin Laden fmaily have also insisted the story isn't true either.
No Luke
That is not how it works with the fabulously wealthy, there comes a time when money has no value, when you have 10 Rolls Royce's and 3 helicopters and a Lear Jet and you're still looking for things to spend your dosh on. The truth is owning a football club is supposed to be fun and if it isn't what's the point. Ashley feels nothing for Newcastle and his purchase was speculative, he will sell it at a profit and it could be to someone dodgy, Mugabe has millions to spend and could well need somewhere to live soon maybe him or someother despotic world leader will give the 420 he is asking and believe me he will take it. Keegan will be given small change to spend this summer or will have to sell to generate funds Martins will move on Barton who knows ? A football is not a commodity to buy and sell at a whim it has history, tradition and has a special place inthe hearts and sould of a multitude of people, to not understand that will eventually be disasterous
Dear Luke,
talk in the other daily papers is that we are getting the Bin Laden consortium from Jeddah ? Now that should get this blog`s tail wagging if nothing else this week. regards from a warm and sunny Durban.
PS. What`s the betting on England vs SA then mate ?
Note From Luke
Llambias has denied the Bin Laden story saying "whoever is putting these stories around is clearly trying to destabilise the club and you wonder what their motives are for doing this."
He also talked about long term commitment, actions speaking louder than words and repeated the "utter nonsense" phrase which seems to be one his favs!
THE BIN LADENS ARE COMING!!! THE BIN LADENS ARE COMING!!! hold on a minute, might be a good thing. They're filthy rich, looking for a bit of good pr and they're well connected to er, Arab oil sheiks, Georgey Bush ( he banged the whole family, who were business partners with his dad, onto the only ungrounded planes in America on the twelfth.). I can just imagine all of the Toon army wearing black and white Arab head-dresses. At least the southern press might leave us alone from then on.......or else! SALAAM ALI COM.
Note From Luke
Can't see it happening myself, but never rule anything out in this business.
Luke,
I read your comments on a regular basis and am very aware of your supposed unbiase towards Sunderland and Newcastle. However i would like to know why the majority of your stories are based on Newcastle's issues and that despite your obvious effort to remain impartial you constantly let your guard down slightly and give hints of being Mag bias. This article is a perfect example. Apart from the obvious of it being about Newcastle, you fail to mention it was a third party who approached the American investment group not the other way round(geordie tinted glasses), you try to tar Niall Quin with the Ashley brush. (Niall Quinn has been in love with the club for years and would not under any circumstances take any actions which would lead to the detrement of Sunderland football club,unlike Ashley as i dont really believe that just cos your overweight, balding and look like youve been hit with a bag of spanners makes your blood black and white although i must admit it seems to be a common attribute of the Geordie nation. (again geordie tinted glasses). Please admit to your bias as it is a. insluting and b.you would probably gain more respect from fans of both clubs for being honest. But i guess you will deny the clear facts and keep disproportionate Necastle related stories being discussed
Regards
Michael
Note From Luke
Michael, you're right, I have neglected Sunderland a little this summer and I apologise, but mainly only because there has been even less news regarding events at the Stadium of Light this summer than St James's Park. I do try and remain unbiased in everything I do do and the only reason there are more Newcastle stories on this blog is because, on balance, there are more Newcastle fans logging on judging by the comments which are left. Rest assured, however, Sunderland will still be covered by both The Journal and this blog
Michael, I thought the Sunderland Echo covered your team. Don't they have a blog? This is the Newcastle Journal you know. Regards, Ron
Note From Luke
We're not called the Newcastle Journal anymore. It's just The Journal and to be fair to Michael we do cover Sunderland and I have covered lots of Sunderland stuff on this blog in the past, just not for a while as things have been so quiet.
Luke, interesting blog again and I realise I am joing the debate late in the day armed with more evidence but this is how I see it.
1. Clearly Ashley IS trying to sell, what would the NYC company have to gain by lying about the approach from NUFC
2. Everythin he (MA) has done this summer appears to point that a sale is his sole motivation ie trim the wage bill streamline the business, makes the finances look great if nothing else!
3.MA also has a track record of significant investment for a short period and sell on at substantial profit - for anyone who doubts this look into his Adidas deal!
So there we have it until the man himself comes out and makes his intentions known and backs that with investment in the team, I feel we should all work to the assumption that, regarding the club being sold, it's not IF....but WHEN!
Hi Luke -Whats this -These disillusioned Mackems accusing you of being biased-how could they-its shameful I-think its really unfair of them-how could any one beleive that--shame on them-How could they. [ P.S.-keep up the good work Luke ]
Note From Luke
Honestly, I'm not biased. In fact, I'll be on Sunderland's pre-season tour this summer not Newcastle's. I covered just as many Sunderland games last season for The Journal as I did Newcastle and I haven't had s single complaint about being biased in my match reports or coverage of either club. I think he was just upset I hadn't written about his club for a while. God, some people!
Its so annoying Luke because the owner only has to publicly come out and say he is not looking to sell, it would put everybodyâÂÂs mind at rest. The problem is he wont and that just makes supporters paranoid and uneasy.
Newcastle will never get anywhere without stability. We havenâÂÂt had it with players, managers and now not even owners. I just cant get my head around it, its so upsetting.
Luke how likely do you think it is that we could land Anton Ferdinand? I feel he is the perfect partner for Taylor. Also Steve Sidwell? Or are we just being used in the papers to increase his offer from Villa?
Note From Luke
I'm not sure about Anton Ferdinand Nick. Why would West Ham want to let him go if there isn't something wrong with him? However, a lot of people in the game have some very good things to say about him. He's young and will improve so there are worst deals out there for Newcastle, who are certainly looking for a centre back. Can't see Sidwell going anywhere other than Aston Villa, but if Newcastle are really considering sacking Joey Barton - which I doubt - he would be a good replacement. Couldn't agree with you more about Mike Ashley and said as much in the paper today.
I donâÂÂt want to turn this blog into a transfer debate as we are supposed be discussing the takeover rumours, but in response to your question of why West Ham would let Ferdinand go? The paper talk coming out of West Hams court is that they are in a similar position to us in which they need to reduce a massive wage bill and they plenty of centre backs, so they see Ferdinand as a saleable asset. Also FerdinandâÂÂs interviews are far from convincing as to whether he is staying or going.
My hunch is that he will leave West Ham and Villa or Tottenham will beat us to his signature.
Note From Luke
You can turn this blog into whatever you like Nick!