Sean

Wow...gullible much?

Where do we honestly go as a fanbase from here? If anyone still had a bit of belief the takeover wasn't fake then surely by now it's become clear that they've been taken in again? I mean, who writes a fucking letter thanking someone for not agreeing a deal, especially when the content of the letter is irrelevant to the supposed recipient but just designed to give a false narrative to the public? I just honestly cannot understand the rationale behind fans' groups and the like giving any credence to these rumours, it's so naive. We've been here before. Even if there ever is a real takeover any protests should continue until new owners are officially announced. Not this 'nod and wink' from sources (some of whom undoubtedly paid by Ashley through Bishop) giving false hope. It's not as if we have form for 'repeatedly misleading the press, public and fans of Newcastle United' or anything, do we?

This. It's personal to him, he hates us and has done since Keegan left. He's playing a game and we as a group of supporters (and I'll include the local media also) keep letting him win by not calling bullshit on anything that he and his PR team conjure up. One things for sure though, when this supposed takeover falls through (again) there needs to be mass anger directed into huge protests or everyone may as well give up. Until the day all his Sports Direct billboards are ripped up and Ashley is at least confronted during a game then I don't feel our level of anger against him anywhere near matches the level of anger shown to us from him. He's stabbing us in the back repeatedly with a zombie knife and we're shouting a few things at him. Doesn't nearly equate in my book.

“The whole place just lacks belief. “The feeling in the stadium was that we’ve gone one behind, and it was like it was done - and it's not done!” This was what he said after the Man Utd game. Our fans may as well boycott as they don't help the team at home at all.

Some people can't see past their nose and will blame Rafa anytime we don't win. Reality check: we are a Championship quality team even at full strength. This is our level thanks to Mike.

This is where I've been all along. I don't see how anyone can be taken in time and time again by a bit of PR bullshit. We've all been here before and we know how it ends already.

Shelvey is a fucking disgrace for their second like. Shows no interest in even pretending to track back...suppose he was tired after about 15 minutes walking around.

The thing I don't get about cancelling the protests is this: Surely the only way potential new owners would be put off by protests against the current asset-stripping owner is if they plan on doing the exact same thing?

Muto looks like a massive transfer failure by Rafa. Yeah, cos £9 million should have bought us a world class player

Pretty much my thoughts too. Hope he's mentally strong.

Dubravka is so good man.

No sign of a takeover, no sign of any new players and there's only one person laughing as we go into January...all so predictable isn't it.

Pickford over Dubravka?

Yep. Let's face it, the overwhelming majority who didn't want to protest anyway will be satisfied with anyone really, Support the team and all that.

Dubravka very lucky to get away with a couple of errors today (missed punch and then caught in no man's land at the death). Didn't watch the game, but love that Dubravka's 'errors' don't even lead to a goal. He's ace. Every keeper will make mistakes, Dub makes less than 95% of Prem keepers anyway.

Should have given Hayden a penalty there...about as much of one as theirs.

Never a penalty. We wouldn't get that in a million years. What a fucking joke, as if things aren't uneven enough already

What a fantastic assist from captain fantastic. Urgh.

Should have broke the net there.

Had to laugh there, just so predictable

Exactly. It's clear he's emotionally given up on playing for us. He needs to go back to Chelsea and move on for the good of all parties. Decent amount of skill, but skill is only part of the story. The mental aspect of being a player is huge, and it's clear he has minimal desire to learn or fight for Newcastle's cause. I'd take a player with less ability but a much better mindset like a Milner or a Hughes any day over someone whom it is clear doesn't want to be here. It does look like its something mental, its clearly not his ability anyway. But it could be any number of things, from being pissed that we didn't buy him outright, to realising what a fucked up club he's at, to personal issues, even like you say that he's just given up for us. Hopefully it changes soon because we could really do with the Kenedy from last season rather than the one we're seeing now.

But thats the problem surely? It is making someone (Ashley) a fortune. He doesn't have to build, improve, hell even maintain, anything.Nothing. No academy, no training facilities, no stadium maintenance, no investment in the playing squad even, but still the customers keep coming along. Unless I'm missing your point?

Exactly I think Rafa might not struggle with the concept, but realises even slightly more attacking and we'd probably be worse off for it. Or maybe he doesn't really have a a clue eh.