TK-421

Just found this tweet from Hardy, from July 12th, suggesting 'Benitez future now in serious doubt'...

I'd imagine both relationships are massively overplayed. Agree - as much as we'd probably love to think AS is in touch with Rafa regularly about developments, and hoping he can push things from his side, I'd guess she's professional enough to let things take their proper course, without risking a deal falling through due. But apart from her failed attempt to buy Liverpool whilst he was there, she was reportedly 'on his table' pre-Liverpool match, so maybe their 'relationship' goes no further than having met previously and him inviting her to see if there was interest in NUFC, rather than being any closer.

Heard the start of this phone in last night, but missed this caller.... http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sunderland-fan-rings-phone-have-13980091?service=responsive The fan, called Steve, said: “Hello lads, alright? Hello mate. I just want to welcome you to Sunderland . Chris, I’m over the moon that you’re here. Brilliant. We’re unbeaten I believe?” To which Coleman responded: “No, I lost my first game away at Villa.” Steve then admitted that he’d essentially drunk dialled his club’s manager. He replied: “I’ve had a few cans, I’ve been drinking. I haven’t got a question, I just thought I’d ring up for a chat.” Theres a video of it on the Chroic page (if you can be bothered to wait). Mackems, eh??

Caulkin as well, though haven't seen much from him lately? At least when he writes about us, its generally from a positive perspective. The like of Edwards and Hope both seem to prefer to focus on the negatives, certainly around the takeover... but perhaps they have agenda's (Edwards having been banned previously, and Hope being a former NUFC employee).

Meh... I'll hold out hope of it still happening until we're officially told otherwise. And hopefully any budget is money available before potentially offloading the likes of Colback, Diame, Mitrovic, etc.

Hopefully... Think if it had collapsed, we'd have heard something (not the cryptic bollocks from Wraith and Martin). Reportedly, both sides were unhappy that the reported bids had been leaked, so lets hope the talks / further bids are happening, and they are just ensuring nothing gets leaked again.

SSN just saying, Pardew has agreed contract with WBA (Tweet from Times reporter). EDIT: 2 slow

Bloody hell... stream on, we go 2-0 down... knock the stream off and we score. Dont worry lads... its staying off.

With this run of results, Ashley might just throw a spanner in and bin Rafa.... After all, Pardiola is still currently available.

God love them. There was a caller to Total sport, full of positivity and saying he was looking forward to games again since Chris Coleman arrived. This is after their first win since August at the mighty Burton Albion, who are struggling as much as them. It will be funny if Bournemouth recall Grabban to sell him in January though.

He also retweeted this... https://twitter.com/tfMichael1892/status/935399504223899648 Looks like they could just be guessing that Ashley is playing games, and risking alienating the PCP bid, who may just walk away.

Just thinking (hoping) that myself... is he saying this because he knows the ends i nigh... one way or another?

Agree. If Rafa had got the backing, and players he wanted in the summer, we may be doing a lot better, and a takeover not have even been on the cards.

If its done in time, he could be in their dugout Tuesday night, too!

Stelling having another little snipe there on SSN: "Rafa Benitez saying the fact the takeover hasn't gone through yet, wont affect him at all"

Have corrected that misquote - was just gobsmacked at them ignoring everything about Pardew at us and other clubs, just because 'he' got us to 5th once. BTW, what is going on with Mersons top lip??? I guess its his attempt for 'Movember' but is that it, for 25 days effort?? Makes him look like she's a pensioner!!

FFS... Soccer Saturday just talking about him potentially taking over at West Brom. Stelling: "People forget he got Newcastle to 5th" P*sshead: "Yeah, it's just like Chris Hughton, I don't know what they did wrong" WT actual F??? EDIT: Misquote corrected

Hmmm, so the opening offer from PCP is reportedly £300m or less (depending what you read/believe), and then Ashley allegedly lowers his asking price to £350m.... so PCP (accordingly to Jim Whites red face) come back with an offer of £360m?

Aye, few called him out in the comments after it, saying how he himself has basically been teasing stuff since she appeared at the Liverpool match, and trying to come across as an ITK who cant say too much.

Haven't seen the back and forth today, but guessing it was started by this tweet from Wraith last night...

Hopefully true. Should have a big bonna' in Leazes park with all the signs if/when this is all done!!

I thought Rafa's pre-match comments about the window were quite interesting. He basically played down the possible spend of the new owner, in the event that deal happened. I think he's very very aware of what's happening and probably has had contact with AS directly. Has he done that to keep the expectations of other clubs down in terms of fees? Has he done it manage our expectations? OR do they not actually have that much money to spend at all? Anyone's guess but he knows something.... I think its a bit of the first two.... but I'm not expecting a sudden huge outlay if/when a takeover happens either. I think the crucial thing this takeover may give Rafa, is true full control over the players he wants to bring in. Its been said that he had personal conversations with Abraham, then the club didn't follow up sufficiently and do the deal. Rafa has also allegedly wanted to try and bring Reina in since he came here, but the club were probably reluctant to spend £5m+ on an ageing keeper. Hopefully what this new ownership will give Rafa is the confidence he has the backing of the club and ability to go out and get the players he wants - not even for crazy fees, or marquee signings - but players that he feels will improve the team, and that he trusts. He clearly didn't get that sort of full backing from Ashley and Charnley in the summer, and he probably feels only a change in ownership will do that. Lets hope it happens.

Pretty good if she has Freshfields (and Mort) working for her/PCP bid(s), given Mort knows Ashley, and can hopefully help get a deal/agreement sorted, sooner rather than later.

Hehe, took me a moment to work out who (or what) 'SR' was.

Hehe, needs another one of these...