TK-421

Buckled at that.

Extracts from a FT article today, via the Chronicle... Financial Times: NUFC takeover reaching a 'critical phase' A new report in the Financial Times this morning claiming there is work to be done on the takeover. Their version of events is that the fears over relegation are one of the final hurdles in the deal. The key points: The proposed takeover of Newcastle United football club has reached a critical stage, with disagreements about the value of the club if it is relegated from the Premier League preventing a quick deal between Mike Ashley, the current owner, and Amanda Staveley, the prospective buyer. The sides are still in talks, but questions persist over how to structure a deal should Newcastle, which has dropped to near the bottom of the league, falls out of English football’s top tier, a failure that would decimate the value of the north-eastern club. There are a few interesting lines in there: Ms Staveley is resisting paying a high price up front and will not be swayed by promises of a rebate should Newcastle be relegated, according to people familiar with the talks. (She is) is instead pushing for a structure where she would pay a lower price for the club and then top it up in May if Newcastle retains its top-flight status. Relegation is a critical factor: The team is now just a point above the relegation zone and, according to those familiar with the discussions, PCP has estimated that Newcastle has a 65 per cent chance of relegation. Unless concessions are made soon, a deal may not be completed before the next transfer window closes in January, warned those familiar with the discussions, meaning that a new owner would need to wait until next season before investing in new players.

Which, you would think, lends support to the idea that a deal isn't that far from agreed, if not already, following on from 'curry night'. If negotiations were still at a distance, then surely they wouldn't have met, and/or him be disappearing on holiday.

Nowt else (backtracking or otherwise) from Hardy and Caulkin yet, who I think were the first to mention the new developments yesterday.

Just had a quick scan through Wraiths twitter. Eventually found the posts in question, after trawling through all the concert and event promotion tweets. Its all just 'his opinion', but he seems to be doubting the story broke by a number of journalist yesterday. Maybe he's got the hump because Amanda never called him back after he gave her his card when he was sat near her at the Liverpool match. She probably blocked him on FB, Twitter, etc too. Clearly doesn't like the fact he hasn't been able to break a story, and now wants to be a contrary ITK, so if it all falls down ,he can say 'told you so'.

Was wondering when Wraith would make comment on the latest reported developments, given his (and that Michael Martins) last tweets, which eluded to it not happening.

Admittedly don't know much of his current situation, but would Reina be an option? Rafa clearly wanted to bring him here, but I thought it was simply the fee for a keeper/player his age that was the problem (for Ashley). Hopefully, if such restrictions are (being) lifted, then Rafa can try for who he really wants.

Well this news is gonna be good for my work productivity this afternoon..... Not! Hehe

Ironic that we are playing an Allardyce team tonight, as this suddenly feels a lot like that match after SA was sacked, when KK was confirmed as returning late afternoon, then arrived at the match that night and watched from the stand. Similar result would be highly acceptable, too.... (4-1 win I believe)

Would be great to get some sort of official announcement, but this news should hopefully give everyone (crowd and players) a lift ahead of tonights match.

Without wanting to get too carried away, just yet...... ....oh, F**k it....

'Kin hell.... just got shot of Bakayoko yesterday as well.... brought Kante in, instead.

http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/football/football-news/coventry-city-digest-day-jimmy-11356276

So once again, as we get what would/could appear to be quite positive, it is followed up by locally linked journo's trying to pour cold water on it, and dampen any optimism?? Why? You'd think they'd be the ones trying to keep hopes and spirits up??!!

Or at least significant progress has been made. To me, and granted I may be reading too much into it, her having a new bottle of whatever is like a 'let me buy you a little something as a thanks' which is kind of a thing with big agreements personally agreed. She could buy a bottle anywhere...so to me that's a gift. A gift, from a billionaire to a multi millionairess, of a bottle of wine bought from the cellar of a bargain basement curry house? Ha! More like a thrifty Yorkshire lass taking home the dregs of the bottle she's had a couple of glasses out of. I had a look into the curry house during my office purgatory today and apparently loads of famous people are regulars there. Kate Moss was one. Hehe, had too much time on my hands this morning at work ,and been trying to find out what it was, as it looks more like a bottle of Vodka, or other Liqueur... cant find it though..... just to see if it was an expensive 'deal done' type, or a cheap Sports Direct type brand.

Imagine if the Rhupali was still open... they could have been in the Bigg Market for a Curry Hell challenge... whoever sweats first!

I'm sure its been said already, but hopefully the fact they have (seemingly) met face to face, in an informal manner, means there is a willingness from both sides to get a deal sorted - hopefully agreements have been (loosely) made, and the legal side can now crack on and finalise everything. Just gotta hope that if a deal is done/announced, that PCP can make some sort of investment in January ahead of a formal takeover completion, in much the same way Man City were able to. I certainly think (hope) this development is a positive one. Imagine if announcement was made ahead of tomorrow match??!!

Well at least it was an indian, and not a chinese restaurant.... otherwise the deal could be well and truly off!! We all know what a succulent chinese meal does to fat Mike! http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/newcastle-united-owner-mike-ashleys-1700383

Post #26... the absolute Irony Imagine being from the North East and being happy that Sunderland didn't win (bringing huge benefits to the region) purely because you don't like the football team.

What are these things actually for and in whose interest are these decisions made? I love Newcastle but it's obviously not the best city in the world, probably not even close. And as for city of culture, Sunderland or Coventry clearly aren't the most cultured, exciting places in the country, even after all of the dressing up they do when in the running for such awards. I'm just wondering who actually takes this stuff seriously and what the benefit is? 'Cause when I read these sorts of things I can't help but seeing the elephant in the room that nobody ever seems to address. Is it not just given to places that need rejuvenating? Aye, but Sunderland just wants flattening!

Haha... Coventry got it.... they'll defo be fewmin now!!!

PCP and their people have seen the books though.... and whilst clearly nothing there to scare them off, maybe there is stuff there to make them think a low (opening) offer is worth a punt. Hopefully its all part of the bargaining though, and there is still room to negotiate. I'm taking any report with some mouthpiece's opinion (S.Jordan) as exactly that... opinion.

Love how he states he 'now' hopes they win the Champions league. Before they wrote to his son, he must have wanted the ****s to get beat!

Dirty protest? Wonder if he's related to that David Charlton?? Chronicle have picked up on it, and reporting it today.

Deah me. A. Why would anyone do that at a match/in public? B. Why would other supporters just stand and watch??? Animals.