Sean

Some people will defend him no matter what it seems. Can't wait to see what they'll come up with next.

Fact is all our keepers are shit. We really need a new one brought in because the thought of going a season with our current options is grim.

Summed up perfectly. If we manage to get rid I can see him playing in League 1 within a couple of years. He didn't exactly look comfortable in the Championship last year.

There's something in this line of thought, actually. He seems to be the only owner constantly being caught off-guard by transfer "packets," wages, commissions and all. What world has he been living in? He's watched every single club pass him by it seems. f***ing nuts. He clearly knows nothing about football and fails year on year to learn from his mistakes. If he dicks Rafa around to the point where he's off at Xmas and we're languishing near the bottom of the table we are basically completely screwed. He stands to risk millions but for some basic sensible decisions on transfers. I've never understood this about Ashley and never will. His methods have failed miserably and even when presented a chance with a top coach he's seemingly making life difficult. I genuinely believe he thinks the fans will turn up whatever and just doesn't really care either way Agree with this except I don't think they're mistakes. I think it's all very deliberate. Makes it worse cos you know it'll never change but that's the situation we're in.

Yep. I'm pretty sceptical that Ashley even wants out. I think he's happy to carry on as we are, he must be making money from the club (for a start all the free advertising, plus things like outsourcing the catering/club shop, selling off land behind the Gallowgate etc). And I don't for one second believe there was anything in the stories of Chinese investment, felt like a smokescreen at the time and even more so now. If we were ever going to be sold we'd wake up one morning and it would be happening. Sadly I can't see that day coming.

This. It's as if they've had a private meeting behind the managers' back where they've decided to ensure we get none of Rafas main targets. Now where have I heard that one before?

Burton, had a tenner on Ritchie first goalscorer. Was raging (for an hour or so at least). Find it hard to believe that Keith Stroud has still got a job ffs, useless cunt that he is.

He also said we'd sign Grosicki. Didn't realise it had already been posted. But tbd theres been a few deals supposedly lined up by Rafa that have then not been followed through on. Possible Grosiki could be the same? Also possible he's talking bollocks but i'd doubt that seeing as he does know Rafa well. It was already reported by Caulkin that the Grosicki stuff is bollocks though, i don't particularly believe he knows anything tbh. While it's obvious Rafa is frustrated i do feel it's not to the extent the media are playing it up to be. Yeah this is where I'm at with it as well. I think Rafa will want to stay for the fans and for the players he's brought in, even though he is probably getting pretty exasperated.

He also said we'd sign Grosicki. Didn't realise it had already been posted. But tbd theres been a few deals supposedly lined up by Rafa that have then not been followed through on. Possible Grosiki could be the same? Also possible he's talking bollocks but i'd doubt that seeing as he does know Rafa well.

John Richardson saying Rafa's even more pissed than previously:

This, his movement, timing of his runs and finishing is all good enough if given the right service. Only slight concern is his fitness record tbh.

Yeah it was, good signs.

Yeah it was definitely Ritchie on a second look.

Yeah really good ball. He's looked OK so far tbh.

That pass from Diame was fucking atrocious

Referees taking the piss here like

Good free kick, but what's the keeper doing showing him that much space and then diving behind the line?!

I was going to say this, just imagine some of the decisions we're going to be on the end of this season in the Premier League.

Yep it's pretty clear he's looking leaner than before which can only be a good thing.

What if it's more windy at one end though. Need to swap ends after each pen imo Good thinking...might have to alternate ends too

The only 100% 'fair' way would be simultaneous penalties, one keeper each end, when the ref blows both players take their penalties Ridiculous.

That's the first thing I noticed. Was hoping he'd speak the language but not expecting it at all, that'll help him settle and communicate with his teammates no end.

Telegraph reporting it now: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/07/26/newcastle-agree-deal-sign-borussia-dortmund-midfielder-mikel/

Colback will be in League 2 within a year if we ever get rid of him.

As i see it, the main functional problem in the transfer market is the clubs failure to give Rafa full control over who we sign, for how much and how much wages get allocated to certain players. Yes prices are high, but I doubt our manager has his sights set on ridiculously priced targets, and even if he does, I'd trust his judgement. Same with players we need rid of, Rafa needs the final say on the financial aspects of the deal. In terms of wages, again leave it to Rafa. He's not stupid. Ashley and Charnley on the other hand...