Big Geordie

How is this nonsense gaining speed? Because it's true? Has it been the club's intent to get rid of the likes of Barton and Nolan all along?

I'm not too bothered by what Barton has said - he's merely suggesting what most of us are thinking anyway. At least he has the balls to speak out, rather than take his dosh and keep quiet like some of the others do. He can obviously see the dressing room being gutted by Ashley (selling of the senior players) and this could have major ramifications for next season - especially if it all goes tits up. Ashley is playing a very dangerous game and it's funny that these things are happening now, when the season ticket deadline has passed.... Coincidence? I think not!

Surprised and disappointed to see Nolan being sold - this will come back and bite us on the backside, mark my words. Sure he's not the greatest player, but we will miss his leadership and experience. Am sure this will be a decision that has been made by Ashley and Llambias, with it having nothing to do with Pardew. Ashley is taking a huge risk in breaking up the dressing room to buy cheaper and younger players - I for one am not convinced. And also, is this part of the reason as to why they wanted the s/t money in so early?

It's how it used to be, to be fair. Managers pander far too much to players today and that's a bad thing, IMO.

Good luck, Big Al.

Sounds very poor, listening in on the radio.

It's on Five Live. Ta

Is this on 5Live or Talkshite per chance?

I agree that the noises in the media suggest he'll be on his way sooner rather than later which I think is sad. He's been a vital part to the club over the last two years and has been an excellent captain. Ashley seems intent on letting him go though so what can we do. I also think it's nailed on we'll start the season with a smaller squad than we had last year!

*takes seat*

He'd be a great signing, but I'm unsure as to getting a player who doesn't seem that fussed on coming here. Or is that just me? ::

According to who - Llambias?

Mick Lowes is the best commentator by miles - been the voice of me listening to the toon on the wireless for 20+ years now. Indeed I think he took over from Charles Harrison on Metro? Ando is a good lad and calls it as it is - no brown nosing from him. If people take that as negativity then more the fool them.

If he is the replacement for Enrique, then it's definitely time to worry!

As long as he's not another James Perch-type signing.

Yup -that's her.

I've got that and still wear it.

Bollocks.. was going to take Marley there today but decided not to, Marls could have chewed through his Achilles. I did have to think twice about getting his autograph, but seeing as it's for the bairn. She already has Alan Shearer's, so it's another one for her collection.

Met Andy Carroll at Plessey Woods today, for only a brief moment. He was good enough to give me his autograph for the bairn. Also seemed to be quite surprised that I'm bigger than he is. He was with a little blond lass.

Owen is a disgrace to his profession. Despicable man.

Terrific player - has to be said.

Barton has been a key player this season and whether he has an agenda or not, he will be missed if he leaves this summer. Seems very much to me that Ashley wants shot of him in the hope of making a few quid on the back of some good performances. One thing about Barton that has struck me when he's interviewed, is that he comes across as being fairly honest and genuine. If this is his response to being treat shabbily by Ashley/Llambias then who can blame him? Enrique out of the door, followed by Barton begs the question where will it end? Nolan, Jonas, Colo? One things for certain is that Smith won't be going anywhere, because he's Ashley's favourite player!

Don't we have a good reputation in France, as a club?

It's all about control, Disco and Ashley showing who is boss.

Was always gonna happen, and I feel for those affected. It's revenge for the anti-Ashley singing that's gone on for the last 3 years or so from L7. I wonder what he will do when it springs up again in the ground as it surely will. The man is an arsehole with nothing but utter contempt for the people who are the club's lifeblood. Disgrace.