Frazzle

£70k a week for a hit and miss striker in the Championship? No thanks.

He's already retired from International football hasn't he?

Barton played his best football and was out of trouble when Keegan was here, how the **** was he too soft?

Wasn't really £42m net though was it. how not? Well it wasn't even £42m to begin with: £17m transfer fee + 120k weekly wage (for 3 years as one year was paid for by the compensation) = Around £35m. Then take into account increased TV money, shirt sales etc.

some of that 120 couldnt have done any worse than the useless little fucker. Well they should replace him when he's gone. As I said its a real shame but its silly saying stuff like 'I bet they work harder than the players blah blah.'

Wasn't really £42m net though was it.

I agree its a shame and the players' salaries are mental but that's capitalism. If you want Michael Owen's salary become a professional footballer....

They'll be Ashley's legacy though.

Why don't people come out with names instead of clues? Its stupid, its not like you wouldn't get done in court just because you hadn't said anyone's name.

A big name who knows absolutely nothing about the league other than the four games he played for Leicester back in 2001. Could struggle massively with a team that lacks the finances or pulling power of Inter or Lazio. They have got decent finances tbh. '...or pulling power...'

Beye was injured for ages and hasn't been at his best this season regardless of what people say. Owen was injured and wasn't graet either but he won a few games/points with his goals.

Exactly, we only won once under both Calderwood and Shearer....

Not a clue, really. Sometimes I think the time it's taking is a bad sign, sometimes a good sign. It should be simple. You appoint a manager, give him what he wants that the club can afford and you let him run it the way he wants to run it. You give him total control over the playing, coaching and medical side of things, who goes and who comes in. That's why you appoint a manager imo. These things shouldn't even be up for discussion. Completely agree with all of that. My point was just that if he does indeed agree to stay, surely it will have to mean he trusts and believes Ashley? Nah, to some on here that'll only mean Ashley has duped Shearer.

"The billionaire sportswear magnate has told Shearer, his advisers and fans to be patient as he draws up a policy to take the relegated club forward under the former captain's command." He has? Seriously though, that sounds positive at least.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/185507-newcastle-uniteds-31m-championship-winning-line-up#page/11 Anyone seen this? Jordi Gomez Position: Attacking Midfielder Age: 24 yrs Club: Espanyol Fee: £2.5 million Replaces: Emre Belozoglu

Can't see that happening, we paid that for him a couple of years ago and he hasn't exactly improved and add that to the fact we've got a bad bargaining position.

Enrique has been one of our better players since Keegan's mini revival tbh.

Jonas- no sweat?

I reckon talks will end today tbh. Alan: OK, that's the transfer budget sorted, I'll head out to Barcelona tonight... Derek: Can I come? *silence* Alan: Next request...kiss Dowie. Ashley: *face wobbles as he shakes his head* Please Alan... Alan: Do it! Ashley: Please anything! Another £5m on the transfer budget? Alan: *laughing* OK then..we'll that wraps things up, see you July 1st guys. *Alan departs, while a crying Derek and Ashley embrace.*

How was the tournament then binnsy? Don't tell me you didn't go!

Most predictable? I'm sure Man U have just won a third title with the exact same top four in all those seasons.

what do you think the stumbling block is? Hopefully they're planning for the next 10-15 years, so things like academy matters etc. need to be sorted out as well as first team stuff. I think I'd be more worried if things were sorted in a few hours. Otherwise... 'oh..Alan....we forgot to say....this is our new DoF.'

Vuckic.

As well as demanding a significant transfer budget, Alan Shearer also demands Mike Ashley performs 'I'm a little teapot' at the training ground.

Dunno about that. They've just narrowly avoided relegation with a huge, expensive squad of misfits and a caretaker manager. Exactly, they've stayed up by the skin of their teeth for two seasons now.