STM

Channel?

While I didn't see much wrong with the quotes at all, I've no doubt that the bit in bold is true. It absolutely was self-preserving, but in mitigation, if I'd spent the last week being hammered and questioned, I'd probably sound a bit defensive too.

Thing is though, you haven't read an interview, you've read extracts from an interview. We haven't got the questions he was posed, which is quite important. For example, if a journalist asks "who's responsible for the poor transfer window?" or "what things to do you need to improve with regards to recruitment?", you are likely to get some answers that sound critical of the previous people in that role. Of course he could tow the party line or deflect from these questions but he didn't, he was honest. Perhaps too honest. This is just my opinion, but I think people in these roles in football have to have an element of arrogance and ignorance to their mindset. He likely thinks he's the absolute best sporting director in the world and is almost certainly as stubborn as what people think Howe is. I just think it comes with the territory. Again, I don't know the bloke, but I imagine whoever was before him was always going to have been doing the job wrong in his mind. I've no problem with him being this way either, provided he's good at his job.

Perhaps that's your Rose tinted glasses.

If even a Howe fan boy like me can understand the need for Howe to be reigned in, it shouldn't be hard for others. No manager should have 100% power.... in the same way no DoF should sign players a manager doesn't want. It's about compromise and in order to compromise, you need a solid working relationship, which takes time.

Kid needs wrapped in cotton wool.

*The training pitch. He will "manage" the club restaurant with diligence.

I guess it's a matter of perspective.

I reckon if there was a video of this interview, there wouldn't be the uproar. People are reading waaaay to much into quotes. Perhaps worth watching this for a fair representation of what the interview felt like in person. A few fair concerns but largely seems like Howe and Mitchell are on the same page.

Obviously absolutely hates YAR. Patronising cunt. Have I done that right lads?

The standout thing for me is that we are 100% going to be focusing on cheaper players from abroad from now on. I'm fully on board with that... so long as he doesn't think we are Brighton or Brentford. We need to have more ambitions.

What matters to me more is the design. Do something unique and completely different.

I absolutely wouldn't let him go out on loan. I'd be tempted to sell if the right offer came in. I'd rather keep him, given the summer we've had.

I'd be surprised if he went to Turkey. Saudi I can see but would have to happen today (i think).

FYP.

Sorry if posted... Wilson "first 4 you gave away".

Ah man. He's absolutely class.

The end of Craig Hopes video. Said he's away with England but he's hoping to have a Newcastle update because he's talking to some "key figures" at the club. And despite what anyone thinks of Darren Eales, I doubt he's afraid of fronting up. He's got more front than Blackpool. So my guess it's either him or Mitchell but more likely Eales. Edit: It also means that the whole press pack will get their interview, including a TV interview with Sky and likely an off-the-record interview too.

Don't know if it's been said but apparently the big wigs are going to be doing media stuff in the next two weeks so hopefully we will get some answers and clarity.

And it matters because we've had some absolute clowns in the past who would have either claimed we'd played brilliantly, berated the players or even worse.. blame the fans. (was it Pardew who blamed the fans?)

Har... vey (Du du du) I think I'm in love.. And your arrows hitting me.. I tried.

Amen. We've got 2 viable (didn't say good ) subs who can take the weight off them but theres absolutely no reason* to not start Gordon and Barnes going forward. *Unless Howe has a tactical reason, like using Murphy as a wing back.

I've seen nothing from Trippier that suggests he will be anything other than professional about his situation. I don't think he will be happy but he won't cause disruption. I think there has been a misjudgement of what's go on. He didn't ask to leave because he lost the captaincy or his place in the side. He lost his place in the side and the captaincy because he wanted to leave in January.... and Tino Livramento is class. If he kicks up a stink and stops performing, his options for leaving only get worse. I can absolutely see him leaving in January... injuries permitting.

If I'm honest. I think that would have been soft as fuck. Isak should have squared it.