Unbelievable

We have publicly invited external investment before if memory serves?

The way I read the reports is there are multiple parties interested, amongst which a Chinese consortium

It's only a matter of time before Mike fucks up again. For that reason, I'm in.

Good read. I need to step away from this news, it's just too big for my mind to comprehend and my heart to absorb :_)

Can't imagine what this does to our dressing room. The lads who've been around these last few years must all be devastated.

Can we correct the error in his name in the thread title please?

Ah no, just read this now. Life is so cruel.

Nah, no way. Refuse to believe it... Ah fuck, Rest In Peace Cheick, loved to see you play. :'(

Is this the episode where Mike and Derek decided to go out on the lash rather than meet their prospective billionaire buyer?

Dirk Kuyt, once the source of inspiration for my original N-O username, has quit football after scoring a hattrick and handing Feyenoord the Dutch title last Sunday. A rather limited football player who reached the highest levels of football through sheer grid and determination. Thanks for all the memories Dirk!

'88 was a good year

He had Keegan who could have made it work, then Shearer and now Rafa. Maybe it's not true after all what they say about old dogs? Having said that, let's wait and see how the summer unfolds, but the signs right now indicate Ashley may have finally had an epiphany and decided to entrust a knowledgeable person with affairs of which he hasn't the faintest himself. As much of a legend Keegan was here having Rafa is a totally different kettle of fish to him or Shearer. Not sure if I agree, but that wasn't even my point. I meant all three were massively respected by the fans and as long as he backed them appropriately he would be on to a winner until results turned sour. He did however manage to ruin the first two situations completely on his own accord, offering much more backing and support to such unloved luminaries as Kinnear and Pardew. Luckily he seems to have finally got the message, hopefully.

He had Keegan who could have made it work, then Shearer and now Rafa. Maybe it's not true after all what they say about old dogs? Having said that, let's wait and see how the summer unfolds, but the signs right now indicate Ashley may have finally had an epiphany and decided to entrust a knowledgeable person with affairs of which he hasn't the faintest himself.

Seems longer ago than a minute somehow

Feyenoord 2-0 down at minnows Excelsior in the game that should win us the championship

Excellent, get in!!!

Oh yes!

OMFG what a strike

Nee way he's getting that. I agree, but you can't get wrong footed there really. From the entire way Atsu stepped up it was pretty clear what he was planning to do.

Dat 'keeping

Oh yes!!!

He's always in fancy dress so narrow it down a bit.

Bye bye

Don't think the contract length means anything either way in this case. He could be gone tomorrow is Ashley fucks up, or for a decade more if he does the right thing and Rafa keeps enjoying the "project".