Greg

But will it work?

They want money for him so we're ruled out.

No doubt at all. But it's not what is driving that business. They would probably be £40-50m worse off now if they'd have had to pay for all the advertising over the years, if the exposure could get multiple times bang for buck then SD would be advertising all over the place and raking it in. They don't need to because they get that exposure for free.......from NUFC. Doing it again at another club wouldn't give the same gains when you only need one club to reach that audience and you can do it for free.

Shares in SPD are now below the launch price in 2007, not that his ownership of NUFC has been a factor at any point of the rollercoaster ride that's gone on in the interim, as much as a lot of people think it has been. There is no doubt the free global advertising for over 10 years to millions of people every week has been of huge benefit to Sports Direct as the brand has been built up and they have expanded significantly overseas. Bear in mind Sports Direct the brand was very much in its infancy when Ashley bought NUFC, his shops were usually called Sports Soccer or Soccer World.

Motivation due to the club having no ambition. We had something to play for in his first two full seasons under Rafa, promotion and the league title and then staying up during the first season back then what? Same again lads? Just do the bare minimum to try and keep the SD adverts on prime time TV. Just doesn't work unless you build on the momentum and push on. Blame lies at Ashley's door. I suspect players don't think like that, more along the lines that the better they play the more likely a move to a bigger club/contract. They must be incredibly self-motivated to get where they are. If you're unable team who sell all their best players then maybe, but not sure if the summer was as negative as that. They will not consciously think like that but it will have a big impact on them. Collective desire and motivation and momentum are massive in football. Shouldn't be underestimated the impact it has where there's not much to play for beyond what you've already achieved when that in itself is not exactly something special. The fact that these workers know their outstanding boss is leaving, likely to be replaced with someone much less skilled, would surely have most people concerned about the future, no matter what industry you’re in. Absolutely.

Yes. - I've got major doubts as to the structure of the deal in respect of the ownership arrangements/reporting lines etc. I can't recall any successful ownership structures involving as many parties. Too many cooks and all that......... - This talk of the fat man getting the consortiums to join up increases this level of concern tenfold btw. So much for the long term wellbeing of the club, eh fatty? Long term wellbeing of your fat pockets. Prick. - There is also the sub-par company Kenyon has been keeping at the same time he's been having these meetings with the takeover consortium. I mean names that I would hope would never have any role in the future of NUFC. - If it goes through, I will throw out the names as a warning ref: who our future manager could be. I'll not do it before as it'll send shivers and might be misleading but I will share it if the deal happens. - The only positive I see is that it might be the end of Ashley being hands on. I've a major hunch he wants to retain a minority stake. This is not ITK, this is only my personal hunch. Agree with some of this, but not all. There's no chance of him working in the top flight in management. In one way it is actually a positive that they have sought advice from someone like this given his past. Even if I don't like him.

No he didn't. I only saw the highlights so probably not qualified to give a proper judgement, but he struggled badly on the crosses in those highlights. In one he was absolutely nowhere, didn't even get close to the ball and left an empty net up for grabs. Most 'keepers other than those at the very top would struggle being targeted like that. He's clearly a very talented young lad that needs to be out on loan learning how to deal with things like this. Like a 15 year kid thrown in with the adults ffs.

Thank you for your contribution. Well it's a load of bollocks isn't it? You think one of the most decorated, ruthless and experienced managers in world football will allow someone like Matt Ritchie to become undroppable because he gets a bit angry when he is taken off? Here's a clue... he plays a lot because we're fucking shit and don't have a very good squad.

Motivation due to the club having no ambition. We had something to play for in his first two full seasons under Rafa, promotion and the league title and then staying up during the first season back then what? Same again lads? Just do the bare minimum to try and keep the SD adverts on prime time TV. Just doesn't work unless you build on the momentum and push on. Blame lies at Ashley's door. I suspect players don't think like that, more along the lines that the better they play the more likely a move to a bigger club/contract. They must be incredibly self-motivated to get where they are. If you're unable team who sell all their best players then maybe, but not sure if the summer was as negative as that. They will not consciously think like that but it will have a big impact on them. Collective desire and motivation and momentum are massive in football. Shouldn't be underestimated the impact it has where there's not much to play for beyond what you've already achieved when that in itself is not exactly something special.

No he didn't.

Yes. Sent an email to Nedum Onuoha's mother mocking her that he thought he had sent internally to Brian Marwood.

Motivation due to the club having no ambition. We had something to play for in his first two full seasons under Rafa, promotion and the league title and then staying up during the first season back then what? Same again lads? Just do the bare minimum to try and keep the SD adverts on prime time TV. Just doesn't work unless you build on the momentum and push on. Blame lies at Ashley's door.

This place has gone to the dogs.

Agents not Bishop for this type of stuff.

Open attacking play in the Premier League with this set of players will lead to certain relegation. Rafa will do it his way and we'll be okay, just.

We're not currently playing with wingers either. Though I'm sure that will change again.

No.

That is two players now Kenedy being the other one who are supposedly adversely affected by having babies. Yes it’s a basic right, but they are at the peak of their careers and if they had half a brain could wait until their 30s once their career has nearly finished. Most managers like their players to have kids early on, gives them a different perspective on life and keeps them off the piss and more focused usually. A functioning football club would find a way to let him get back to where he needs to be and sign an improved replacement. Sadly that is not something NUFC under Ashley is capable of.

Memories of Ben Arfa. What a goal.

Well it's already been confirmed he won't be.

Published simultaneously across three of the nationals. It will get attention which is all it is designed to do. What are you doing to fight for the future of NUFC?

Hopefully he will also sign a new contract, a few other clubs looking at him apparently. Both parties want it to happen apparently but as Newcastle only has one executive (Lee Charnley) things have stalled as he's been busy on other things. Embarrassment of a football club.

Foreign TV.