AyeDubbleYoo

Obviously it's Ashley's own fault that he's going to lose money, but nevertheless he is going to lose it. Like stupeedo says, he is the second biggest loser after the fans.

What do you mean 'claim the loss' though? Limited company owners only pay tax on their profits, so if you don't make any money you don't pay tax, right? Seems fair enough to me. And if he sells the asset for less than he paid then he won't have any capital gains either. But he won't be happy, because the only way to avoid tax is to lose money anyway.

Of course he will... he hasn't taken anything out of the club and will be selling it for much less than he paid.

The only realistic view at the moment is that we won't be signing anybody, surely.

We don't know if Shearer is any good at this point, so right now I would choose the money.

Centre back is a confidence position as well isn't it, I think that's why a lot of players have struggled at Newcastle. Not saying he was great, but with the right coaching and support I think he'll be good.

What? He was hopeless for us, but I agree he looked good for the States. Maybe I've forgotten, I thought he looked decent... defenders never get given a decent change here anyway. You might be right though.

Gooch looked good for the USA in the confed cup like, I was very impressed. Never thought he was bad for us though really... another shit managerial decision not to sign him.

I had an epic debate about Jonas with one of my best mates the other day, I still reckon it will click for him soon and he'll be class! Think he'll do a job in the championship if he's still here. Not sure why I believe these things!

Always get a strangely positive feeling when I see training photos... it's when they get out on the pitch that it goes wrong.

I pretty much agree, obviously I hate Owen for being shit last season, but then that goes for nearly every other player as well. He's no more to blame than anyone else, he's just better paid.

I rate Johnson and Crouch... whether they're worth £15 million or not seems a bit of an impossible question, the transfer market has gone mental.

Has anyone actually bought one of these yet?

If you have to put 'when fit' alongside an assessment of a potential signing that should be code for 'don't go near him under any circumstances'. Can't believe teams are so desperate or naive they will sign players with fitness records like Owen and Viduka.

I like Crouch but I don't see why he would leave Pompey for Sunderland now.

What do you mean? He hasn't changed a bit! http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00496/Michael_Johnson_496845a.jpg http://content.mcfc.co.uk//~/media/Images/Shared/Players/Players0910/JOHNSON_800x700.ashx?as=0&dmc=0&mh=700&mw=800&thn=0 wtf is this? that's surely not the same person? jesus If that isn't inspiration for the how to lose weight thread I don't know what is! Fucking hell.

Just shows how long you can live on past glories.

Hate to say it, but he might do alright. I'll be livid if he suddenly 'finds fitness' now he's at United though, can see it coming.

Do you not think it's unduly pessimistic to say nobody else will buy us? The asking price is a bargain and the club has massive potential.

He's not our problem anymore

My uncle lives in Brisbane. Bet that makes it more interesting for you James!

Gatesheed

Aye, it was a potentially good decision that turned into an absolute disaster. Ashley hiring Keegan might have been a good decision, if everything else hadn't been wrong.

I always thought £60m for a club like Newcastle is a bargain. Depends on the debt and if Ashley needs to be repaid as well I suppose.

We might still be able to keep him if we up his wages! Anyone?