Robster

That's quite a question to answer, and I'm not sure if I can provide you a list, but in simple terms, NUFC is a representative of the area in which I was born and raised and of which I am immensely proud. Outside of the area, i've found, that as soon as you mention you are from around Newcastle they immediately think NUFC. NUFC is central to the area and the community. Ashley has taken away it's identity, made us a laughing stock, and I take that very personally.

Beat me to it. To have a club unrecognisable from how it currently is, would suit me down to the ground.

Hindu, I have to admit, it's starting to come across that you believe that it's only possible to enjoy watching your football team if it's in the Premier league. For a lot of fans, it's irrelevant what league we are in. It's about feeling connected with the club itself.

And that's exactly why, eventually, Ashley would sell up.

Couldn't agree more, Mick

He's probably the only person that I would believe. Agreed also. I believe that if there is any chance that he's only said these positive things just to get through the press conference and then the match tomorrow, we'll find out tomorrow night.

just to maintain hope til the season is over? Yeah I don't think he(Rafa) would do that so none. I want to believe that too.

What's the chances that Rafa has today just towed the Company line at Ashley's request, to keep fans on side ?

Such a tough call. I love Rafa to bits but it has to be A. I don't care who the next owner is but I hate Ashley to such an extent, I just want him away from my club regardless of the consequences.

It reads very well, that.

Absolutely

And this is where it all comes crumbling down, sadly. I take heart though, that we must mean something to him already as it would be the easiest thing in the world for him to walk away.

Dat hope.

He hates NUFC doesn't he? Probably enjoying trying to twist the knife.

Is this a wind up? It'll use Aviation fuel I think.

Everyone keeps saying this, and I can't see it at all. He's the sort of guy who really buys into and understands a club, and likes to connect with the fans. It just seems completely out of character. There are a lot of clubs, if they were mentioned, where I would agree with that thinking but these are scousers and I think the opportunity to be back in his 'home' city might be too good to pass up. Plus, he went to Chelsea.

I'm very concerned that he'll go for the Everton job. It's absolutely perfect for him.

Barton calling someone else unbalanced

Argh. Such a tease!

Seen nothing concrete - just the same guesswork on here about De Boer leaving Ajax. Pellegrini is supposedly interested and Koeman has been linked. I don't think Rafa will be on the radar tbh. He'd be a good appointment (and I think he'd gladly take the job too) but the board are under massive pressure from the fans, so I can't see them making any sort of controversial move like Rafa would be. Cheers Do you think the board would genuinely listen to the fans ?

Neil / 1878 - What's the chat on the Everton forums about who is next in line ?

They've acted fast. Must have the replacement lined up already. Cue the Rafa speculation. Surely not though. I'd like to think that Rafa wouldn't have said yes to EFC without resigning from NUFC first. We'll see. I'm going to say De Boer.

They've acted fast. Must have the replacement lined up already.

I have to say I think that's naive Hindu. If you look at any club, at who runs it, who the manager is and who the playing staff are, you have a pretty good idea of what you are buying into. We know for a fact that Ashley doesn't want us to get better.

Hindu, you can't actually be serious about this. There are almost too many points to list but 2 relegations during his tenure pretty much confirms that a shit product is guaranteed.