1) How much money would you need to have in the bank before you were willing to buy the club in the first place? (assume club can be purchased for £100m)
£100m. Preferably backed-up by a rich consortium.
2) Who do you appoint as manager?
At this point I’d go for Shearer. This is basically down to the fact (?) that the majority of fans and players would like him. Although he is unproven (in the sense that he’s got next to no managerial experience) I’d appoint him because he knows the club through and through, he’s a Newcastle fan, he cares, people like him, players like him and respect him.
3) Do you take a hands on approach with the clubs operations, or do you appoint a chief executive?
In true “FM spirit” I’d have some “hands on approach”. I’d gather people with experience of running a professional football club. With a good mixture of people with international AND/OR national/local knowledge and experience.
4) Do you appoint a director of football?
No.
5) How much money per season on transfers?
Since my main focus would be stability through a “knowledge center” of experienced and professional people, the “money per season” question would be discussed frequently and carefully planned.
6) Who controls how transfer budget is spent?
Same as above. But I’d like to give my manager and his staff enough freedom to have an important role in deciding both 5) and 6)
7) Do losses (excluding transfer fees) come out of the transfer budget or out of your wallet?
My Wallet
8) What is your overall business plan?
Since I’m in for a long period, I’d have both short-term goals and long-term goals. The short-term planned would include Shearer picking his own staff, handing over his list of potential transfer targets, getting rid of the dead-wood. Next I’d like to focus on the football academy, making sure we’d get more talented youngsters and building on this buy continuing the investment in young talents from abroad. My overall business would have us follow a more of “Everton/Aston Villa”- plan, and do “Wenger youth policies” in the reserves/U18. Plus, expanding the scout network (if we even have one).
9) Would you ever intervene on any issue? Where do you draw the line on intervention?
I’d listen to the people under #5) and #6), and I’d take advice from others as well (the fans, local legends and people caring for the club and Newcastle)
10) Where do you sit on match days?
Working my ass of in the office or out travelling.
11) Would you maintain a high or low-profile?
On the lower end of the scale.
12) How do you respond to the press?
I’d address any issue or enquiry to avoid speculations and “limbos”. I’d inform people as accurate as possible, when necessary. I think it’s important that the fans knows what’s going on.
13) How would you make future managerial decisions?
Really depends on if I’m making a decision due to retirement or axing. But I’d like to stay clear of hasty decision, and do things according to #8).
14) Would there be fan representation on the board?
Yes.
15) Anything else you'd do?
Carefully building for the future. Listen to the fans.
