Tom_NUFC

Well, this is something NUSC is concerned about. We've been told several times that something will be have been decided/everything will be clearer by a certain date. We've got to that date and absolutely nothing has happened. It's a massive worry because we're being lied to and we're five weeks away from the transfer window opening. We're probably not going to be in the hands of new owners, unless things start happening quickly (which I admit is possible). We don't know if Ashley is going to provide some funds if he is still the owner. I'll say that I'm genuinely frightened by the prospect of January because we need new faces in, we have important players whose futures are very very uncertain and could leave in January. We're already right in the thick of a relegation battle and other clubs will use January to strengthen their squads. Meanwhile we're completely in the dark as to what's happening and I'm very concerned. Tom what do you think should happen if there are no buyers interested even at a "reasonable" price? That is a very good question, and a tricky one to answer. This is just my personal opinion and NOT any official position of NUSC, but I suppose the only thing I can think of would be to continue with trying to get a dialogue with Ashley (which we have been trying to do) and basically keeping awareness of the situation going. If that situation arises, there maybe other things we could do - the committee would probably have a chat about some ideas as to what we could do, and we'd raise it at the general members meetings as well and see what the consensus of the members was. But unless/until we get into that position, it's hard to say what line should be taken. NUSC should be discussing it now tbh. It's something that we need to consider, I agree. I just think everyone needs to take a step back & realise that the current lot may be here a while yet & have a plan for working together. Ashley could quite easily come out tomorrow & say there's no realistic hope of a sale in the short term & there needs to be something in place to ensure some sort of relationship exists for the good of the club. Well, one of the things we're trying to is to ask what's going on - sale or not. Basically we feel that as supporters we (and by that I mean all NUFC fans not just NUSC) have a right to know what the situation is.

Well, this is something NUSC is concerned about. We've been told several times that something will be have been decided/everything will be clearer by a certain date. We've got to that date and absolutely nothing has happened. It's a massive worry because we're being lied to and we're five weeks away from the transfer window opening. We're probably not going to be in the hands of new owners, unless things start happening quickly (which I admit is possible). We don't know if Ashley is going to provide some funds if he is still the owner. I'll say that I'm genuinely frightened by the prospect of January because we need new faces in, we have important players whose futures are very very uncertain and could leave in January. We're already right in the thick of a relegation battle and other clubs will use January to strengthen their squads. Meanwhile we're completely in the dark as to what's happening and I'm very concerned. Tom what do you think should happen if there are no buyers interested even at a "reasonable" price? That is a very good question, and a tricky one to answer. This is just my personal opinion and NOT any official position of NUSC, but I suppose the only thing I can think of would be to continue with trying to get a dialogue with Ashley (which we have been trying to do) and basically keeping awareness of the situation going. If that situation arises, there maybe other things we could do - the committee would probably have a chat about some ideas as to what we could do, and we'd raise it at the general members meetings as well and see what the consensus of the members was. But unless/until we get into that position, it's hard to say what line should be taken. NUSC should be discussing it now tbh. It's something that we need to consider, I agree.

Well, this is something NUSC is concerned about. We've been told several times that something will be have been decided/everything will be clearer by a certain date. We've got to that date and absolutely nothing has happened. It's a massive worry because we're being lied to and we're five weeks away from the transfer window opening. We're probably not going to be in the hands of new owners, unless things start happening quickly (which I admit is possible). We don't know if Ashley is going to provide some funds if he is still the owner. I'll say that I'm genuinely frightened by the prospect of January because we need new faces in, we have important players whose futures are very very uncertain and could leave in January. We're already right in the thick of a relegation battle and other clubs will use January to strengthen their squads. Meanwhile we're completely in the dark as to what's happening and I'm very concerned. Tom what do you think should happen if there are no buyers interested even at a "reasonable" price? That is a very good question, and a tricky one to answer. This is just my personal opinion and NOT any official position of NUSC, but I suppose the only thing I can think of would be to continue with trying to get a dialogue with Ashley (which we have been trying to do) and basically keeping awareness of the situation going. If that situation arises, there maybe other things we could do - the committee would probably have a chat about some ideas as to what we could do, and we'd raise it at the general members meetings as well and see what the consensus of the members was. But unless/until we get into that position, it's hard to say what line should be taken.

Well, this is something NUSC is concerned about. We've been told several times that something will be have been decided/everything will be clearer by a certain date. We've got to that date and absolutely nothing has happened. It's a massive worry because we're being lied to and we're five weeks away from the transfer window opening. We're probably not going to be in the hands of new owners, unless things start happening quickly (which I admit is possible). We don't know if Ashley is going to provide some funds if he is still the owner. I'll say that I'm genuinely frightened by the prospect of January because we need new faces in, we have important players whose futures are very very uncertain and could leave in January. We're already right in the thick of a relegation battle and other clubs will use January to strengthen their squads. Meanwhile we're completely in the dark as to what's happening and I'm very concerned.

There are some good points there. 1. I would like to say that NUSC are most definitely in favour of doing stuff for the community. Hopefully, in better times we'll be able to foster good relations with the club and encourage and support them in doing stuff for the community, because we want to see an NUFC that gets involved in the community. 2. It's crossed my mind that the internet is a great way to gauge opinions, because as you say, there are people who simply can't make meetings for any number of reasons. I didn't really have a chance on wednesday, but at the next committee meeting I'm going to suggest a forum, because I think it's important that fans should be able to make their points of views and questions known to us. Of course it can be done on other fansites like this, but really, people should have the chance to have their say directly to NUSC itself. 3. That is EXACTLY what we want to do. We're entirely aware that whoever (if anyone) takes over the club may be as bad - or god forbid, even worse than Ashley. Basically, what we want is for the owner(s) to respect the club and the fans, because we've had years of heartache and embarrassment watching while the club we love is humiliated once again. Now, if Ashley were to turn around and start respecting the club and the fans, then I think we'd accept that. That's one of the reasons why we've wrote to him. Either way though, change is required.

That's a poor article, which like PP says is only focussing on one issue. The current situation is only the catalyst for NUSC's formation. I feel it's something that has been needed for a long time. My reasons for joining NUSC lie in part with the anger at what's been happening at NUFC, but only partly. If it was merely a short-term, one issue, anti-Ashley pressure group I'm not sure that I'd be as enthusiastic about it than I am, because I want to be part of something long term, an organisation that is inclusive of all NUFC fans of all views, and there at all times, good and bad. However, NUSC has to deal with the issues that arise, and right now, Mike Ashley is a big issue that we have to deal with, so, for the time being, it is going to dominate precedings, and I support that. When the boycott was discussed last night, there were people with different opinions, and although I'm still in favour of it, there were people who argued that maybe the time for the boycott had gone, and they made some good and valid points. I think that the boycott definitely has lost a lot of momentum, but I don't think we should give up on it. We need to remind people of it. No, we won't get a 100% total boycott, but we do need to make people aware that the situation is still desperate. Ashley's said he'll sell, but things haven't really progressed. He's not going to spend any money on the club, and if he's still here come January, then we really could find ourselves up sh*t creek. Each day that he remains as owner of NUFC is another day that the club remains in limbo. People have said, and some members last night said "what impression does it give to prospective new owners" if we continue with the boycott, but what impression does it give them if we don't continue? It says, well ultimately we'll be upset, shout and moan a bit, but it'll die down and stop. Something NUSC has never said is that we'll 'threaten' new owners. The message that we want to give to any potential new owners is that, we want a good relationship between the club and the fans. We want to work with you build a club that listens to and respects the fans, and that the supporters and community can be genuinely proud of. All we ask is that you respect the club and it's supporters. Something that's been mentioned, that I hope will happen is that the NUSC website will have summaries of the points and views discussed at NUSC meetings - both general and committee meetings. Michael (Teasdale) also mentioned this in the short Finance and Admin meeting we had after the main meeting. As I've said several times, I want NUSC to be inclusive of all NUFC fans. It's not a 'superfan' thing. We all have different views, but we all care about NUFC and we all have the right to express them. I want people of all views to come and join us and tell us their views. It's the views of the members that will shape the direction of the club.

Right, I was at the NUSC committee meeting tonight. First things first. There will be a full meeting for ALL NUSC members at the Irish Club on Wednesday 29, October (that's the day after the West Brom game). If you aren't a member of NUSC yet, you will be able to join up on the night. The meeting will be an opportunity for the committee to let everyone know what's been going on, and basically see what the general concensus is about the direction in which NUSC should take. NUSC bank account is set up, and you will eventually be able to pay via paypal on the internet, although it still needs to be set up as paypal need proof of bank details etc. We're looking at getting membership cards sorted, and should have other little bits and bobs (pin badges/keyrings/car stickers) getting done for members soon-ish as well. It also looks like T-shirts, Polo Shirts and Hoodies will be getting done. But they're very much secondary issues. Leaflets. Some of you maybe aware that there were problems with NUFC/the Council & Police over the NUSC leaflets handed out at the Blackburn game. The council/police/local MPs and city councillors will be asked how we can do this legally/why are their problems for NUSC but not with all the leaflets for clubs/bars etc around town. There were 3 guest speakers. Tom Bradley and Michael Brunskill came along from the North East branch of the Football Supporters Federation to give us info about the FSF and being an FSF affiliated supporters' club and what they can do for us (legal advice, represenation via FSF to FA, Premier League, Football League and Government officials.) They mentioned that that the FSF had planned to host their next annual national meeting next summer at SJP, but have pulled out in support of the boycott on the club (they will still hold their meeting in Newcastle but at an alternative venue unless the situation at NUFC changes and we're happy with it). Their national chairman is also keen to come up and speak at an NUSC meeting at some point. The other speaker was Peter Lee - he of the 'fans bid'. Basically, there was a lot he said he couldn't say due to disclosures etc. He says that the 300,000 NUFC fans sticking in a grand each isn't neccesarily the case. According to him, there are 'substantial funds' already in place to buy the club and for transfers. Some of those involved are NUFC fans, but some aren't. The group includes business people, football fans, football/sports experts and celebrities, all of whom want to be a part of making NUFC a club for the fans and the wider community with strong fan representation. According to him, they would hope to fully take over the club by the end of the season, with a partial takeover taking place sooner. He also says that something major is going to happen this week that will make 'world headlines' and be 'bigger than Keegan'. (we've heard stuff like this before haven't we?) I think the general feeling amongst the committee was sceptical/cynical about it. But in fairness to him I think that would be the case about anyone at the minute.

OK. The main points: Does NUSC join Supporters Direct, which can offer government funding. The problem being that Supporters Direct requires that groups who want funding aspire for representation on their club's board. There's still a bit of debate as to whether NUSC is to aspire to that or not. Nothing has been ruled out though. Honorary Memeberships: Several names discussed. Some people unsure about awarding them to KK and Shearer as it might be something the media can have a go at us for. SBR to be awarded Membership no.1 An NUSC Bank account is to be set up A secretary has been appointed as have people to undertake admin and extra press contacts. Merchandising will be looked into, what sort of stuff would be feasible. There have been no decisions made as yet. It's at an exploring/researching stage. What will membership fees be used for? At the minute, it's pretty much to get the thing up and running and for printing costs etc But it's going to be looked into how the money could be used, and what members can be offered in return. This will be displayed in the website. Again, on going protests - more leaflets/newsletters, demos etc. The possibility of contacting sponsors at NUFC will be looked at to see if they (or at least some) will support us. Ashley's business management (which has been lambasted in business/econnomic circles) will be highlighted. I should say that a lot of the stuff is looking at what could be done, and having people investigate further and report back their findings. The club are in a relegation fight and all you people can talk about is merchandise, protests, and hobnobbing with Robson, Shearer and Keegan. Some fucking priorities need sorting. No one mentioned hob-nobbing with anyone, just simply awarding honorary memberships. Merchandising (and we're not talking about anything major here probably just a couple of T-shirts and badges tbh) is a way of getting some money into the club (NUSC) coffers, and although discussed and being looked at is very much a secondary issue. Don't assume that we're not concentrating on the situation at SJP, of course we are.

OK. The main points: Does NUSC join Supporters Direct, which can offer government funding. The problem being that Supporters Direct requires that groups who want funding aspire for representation on their club's board. There's still a bit of debate as to whether NUSC is to aspire to that or not. Nothing has been ruled out though. Honorary Memeberships: Several names discussed. Some people unsure about awarding them to KK and Shearer as it might be something the media can have a go at us for. SBR to be awarded Membership no.1 An NUSC Bank account is to be set up A secretary has been appointed as have people to undertake admin and extra press contacts. Merchandising will be looked into, what sort of stuff would be feasible. There have been no decisions made as yet. It's at an exploring/researching stage. What will membership fees be used for? At the minute, it's pretty much to get the thing up and running and for printing costs etc But it's going to be looked into how the money could be used, and what members can be offered in return. This will be displayed in the website. Again, on going protests - more leaflets/newsletters, demos etc. The possibility of contacting sponsors at NUFC will be looked at to see if they (or at least some) will support us. Ashley's business management (which has been lambasted in business/econnomic circles) will be highlighted. I should say that a lot of the stuff is looking at what could be done, and having people investigate further and report back their findings.

Well, that's a point that was also discussed. What stance should NUSC take on the new owners (whoever they may be)? That the new owners may be no better than Ashley, or (heaven help us) even worse was recognised. Basically, the stance taken is a 'guarded welcome' in that if they are here to genuinely build the club up then NUSC welcomes them, but if they're just aboput exploiting the club/supporters, obviously NUSC is going to be critical. Well I'm sure Greggs and the Irish Bar so far have appreciated their coffers being boosted at the expense of the football club, it seems strange though that you only offer "guarded welcome" to those who will invest big money in Newcastle United rather than feed off it. Greggs is a big business with local roots, why can't they organise a local consortium to buy the club? The guarded welcome is because we don't know what we're going to get. I mean look how pleased we were when Ashley took over and for a long time we thought he was going to be good for us and NUFC and he went and made us look like mugs. So yeah, I think we will be guarded. Once bitten, twice shy as they say.

No idea. Personally, I'd have loved one to have been set up years ago. I suppose after all the sh*t we went through with Shepherd perhaps made what happened with Ashley the final straw. That we've been shat on so many times, we have to stand up and do something.

NUSC Rules which were dished out tonight to give a basic outline of what the group is about. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/supergeordie/nuscrules.jpg

It was a committee meeting, e-mailed to those who have joined/signed up. Not that I could have attended, but I signed up through the original site on the first day and have received nothing. seconded I don't know about that tbh. If you're interested in being involved with the committee PM me and I'll tell you when the next one is.

It was a committee meeting, e-mailed to those who have joined/signed up.

Well, that's a point that was also discussed. What stance should NUSC take on the new owners (whoever they may be)? That the new owners may be no better than Ashley, or (heaven help us) even worse was recognised. Basically, the stance taken is a 'guarded welcome' in that if they are here to genuinely build the club up then NUSC welcomes them, but if they're just aboput exploiting the club/supporters, obviously NUSC is going to be critical.

The problem is we don't know that he is on the way out, or at least when. Until he's actually out, the pressure has to be kept on him. We talked about stepping up protests, leaflets, boycotts etc.

I was at the meeting tonight. A lot of things regarding the direction of the group are still being ironed out. I know a few people here have voiced their thoughts on NUSC being only or too anti-Ashley. That was mentioned and we came to the conclusion that as Ashley is the biggest problem we face at the minute it has to be focussed on right now. But the intention is very much for the long term, and to (hopefully) work with the club in the future. A lot of things were discussed and it feels like things are moving forward.

As some of you know, I attended the meeting at the Irish Club a few weeks ago. Let me reiterate what I've already said. This is about creating something positive, a strong, representative voice for the supporters of NUFC. Recent events have acted as the catalyst, and right now that's what NUSC will focus on, because that's the problem that we have at the minute. But, as was quite clearly stated at the meeting, this is not intended a solely anti-Ashley pressure group. This is for the long term, for NUFC supporters, for good times and bad. I've felt for a long time that we've needed a supporters club, so came away from the meeting happy that one was being set up and very pleased with what was said/discussed/outlined with regards to policies and the direction that NUSC is intended to go in. I think the majority went, extremely f*cked off with the present situation (as probably 99% of NUFC fans are), but not entirely sure of what it was all about or what would be discussed. As I've already said, there was plenty opportunity for people to raise their points and many people did. The telling thing was that at this open meeting, there was no one who said this is a bad idea/I don't agree with this etc. Yes, it was called at short notice and that stopped people from attending, but even so, 300 went, which I think is pretty good, and I'd say that would be enough to represent most of the views held by NUFC fans. I went straight round to the Back Page after the match and handed my tenner over. I'd suggest anyone with any reservations should attend the next meeting. If you don't like it, fair enough, but at least come and find out.

As it's a short term appointment I'm not getting worked up. In a situation like this, we were never going to get a top manager on a short term basis. Fair play to him for coming in I reckon, because it's uncertain. Yeah, he's known for hoofing the ball, but short term I don't mind, if he can improve morale and string some results together. He doesn't need people getting on his back.

100% True. After the panel put forward their views about where they were coming from and how they saw the SC progressing, not one single person argued against that, and there was ample opportunity to do so. The mic went to the floor and everyone who wanted to make a comment got their chance. The comments made were all in agreement. People put forward their own views and ideas, but everyone who spoke was in favour of the general idea and direction to take.

What was his point? I never got what he was talking about. He was sane compared to the bloke at the front who got chucked, wandering around desperate to get hold of the mic with his shirt completely undone expsoing his bare belly.

Who was he refering to?? You know, what, I can't even remember. I'd forgotten about it until Dave mentioned it.

he used the phrase: "Nigger in the woodpile"

Well, I don't think it was intentionally racist, but it was a, shall we say, very un PC analogy to make.

OK, I went tonight, and it was a pretty good turnout considering the short notice, maybe 200-300 people. There was a five-man panel: Mark Jenson - Editor, The Mag Malcolm Dix - Former member of The Magpie Group & Former NUFC Director (he fell out with Shepherd) Michael Martin - Editor, True Faith John Gibson - Sports Writer, Evening Chronicle Colin Whittle - Writer, The Mag/True Faith & Former Save Our Seats Campaigner Basically, it was about establishing a full on supporters club with a big membership, to stand up for NUFC supporters, but also with the aim of (at some point) working with the club. Although its been brought about by recent/current events and anger toward Mike Ashley et al, it's not just intended as a reaction to this, it's intended to be a permanent fixture with a proper membership scheme, putting out communications and building relationships with other similar organisations at other clubs, with the media/press, with the club and perhaps producing supporters club merchandise, as an alternative to official club merchandise. The supporters club wants to change the false perceptions that the media and other supporters have of us, because right now it seems they have a massively distorted and completely false picture of what we're like and what we want/expect (all the sh*t about us being deluded and having expectations). It was mentioned that the charvers desperate to be on telly and felt tip/badly spelt banners on bedsheet brigade don't help the perceptions. They're basically looking for people to get involved at all levels, be it committee members organising stuff, or regular foot soldiers. The idea of creating localised branches from the borders down through Northumberland, across Tyneside and into County Durham - basically wherever there's demand - so that meetings/organisations can take place alongside general meetings. It was pretty much the panel making their points and suggestions and then the mic went to the floor for comments/questions and it was really good to see a general concensus forming about what should happen with people putting forward their thoughts and ideas. There was a lot of talk about not letting it peter out and keeping the momentum up, and I made the point that we need to make sure we have a follow up meeting in a fortnight/ a month's time where we can reconvene with more concrete ideas/structures, and maybe have more people interested. Obviously, The Mag and True Faith are well placed to spread the message and have resources to publicise and print stuff (at least initially anyway). Malcolm Dix, I think will be someone good to have on board with his knowledge, and John Gibson will also have some good contacts, both with the media and inside football as well. Something mentioned was getting ex NUFC players involved either properly or just supporting the course, and it was suggested that he might be able to get some of them on board. At the end people left their contact details and we'll be hearing back about where we go from here. I'm pretty sure that there will be a follow up to this, as it was the panel who took people's details. Basically, there seems to be a genuine willingness to get something credible, sensible and lasting together. I'm really enthusiastic about this now, and I'm really glad I went along. Obviously things are still a bit vague, but should become a bit clearer when we're contacted regarding what happens next. I'll keep you updated when I hear anything, but right now things look really good and it looks like it's going to be something worth joining.