TK-421

I suppose one shred of hope is that in the January 2013 window, we managed to make a number of signings (the french influx) quite late in the window, once Ashley decided to release some cash... Debuchy signed on 4th January Sissoko signed on 21st Janury Mbiwa & Gouffran signed 22nd January Haidara signed 25th January then Mbabu signed on 31st January. So as long as Rafa has his targets lined up, if/when someone is able to give him a budget, then we can hopefully make a move. The clock is ticking, but still time to make significant moves, if allowed.

Hehe, aye on BBC it'll be... "We have an exclusive interview with New Newcastle United Chairwoman, Amanda Staveley, but first, lets just relive that Ronnie Radford Thunderbolt from 1973." EDIT: DOH... should have remembered it was '72.

You do wonder how a Leyton Orient fan gets to become North East sports writer. At least the other Journo's have some sort of tie/connection to the North East to begin with.

Nah, that was Simon Bird (Mirror)

Edwards has had a chip on his shoulder towards the club since he/his paper were banned a few seasons ago. Think its probably been lifted now, but the chip clearly remains.

I think it defeats the purpose of the NDA if 'sources' close to either side say anything either way. Would think even the Premier League are told not to say anything either, about starting or progress of F&P tests. So, I'm still cautiously optimistic.

Exactly. If an NDA has been signed, neither side can speak about it... but random Journo's can contact the Premier League who will divulge whether or not the F&P tests are underway, thus negating (to a degree) the NDA?? I'll stay in the optimistic (if slightly cautious) camp, following yesterday/last nights posts.

Also, Wraith seems to be retweeting anything with a negative spin. He's gonna be gutted if/when it actually happens, after his doom-mongering in December is (hopefully) proven wrong.

My teams gone to sh*t over the festive period. Being at home, not had workmates prompting/reminding me, and have missed gameweek changes. Got player missing in my starting line-up, and with 2 of my subs unavailable too. At least the new Wildcard is active now! Will assess things after the FA Cup week.

Mackems after Cameron Jerome, according to the Chronic. Figures, like.... another player who always seems to do well against us. Must be the first question on any list of players they are looking.... Has he scored against the Mags?

Like the opening panel too, about the whole Harry Kane / Calendar year w*nkfest. First time ever I can recall goals being judged on calendar years, rather than seasons.

Look at history. As I mentioned earlier, Keegan had players pushed upon him that he didn't want. Pardew even said he had players he wanted but didn't get. Also, its always been Ashley's lackies that actually do the deals... hence reports of them throwing in paltry low bids for players who command much higher fees. Rafa can ask for whoever he wants, but if they won't/don't want to pay the fees/wages, what can he do??

Again, the actual spending of the money is down to Ashley/Charnley getting the deal 'over the line'. I'm sure if it were down to Rafa, he'd ave spent it all on one player he really wanted, but feet were dragged, time was wasted and he ended up getting what he got.

Yep, PCP reportedly want Rafa as manager. If he goes/is sacked, then I suspect they'll walk away too. Anyway, lets not panic (yet) over a spurious tweet that's since been deleted. Hopefully its (only) a crunch meeting about transfer budget/targets with the window about to open.

In all honesty, I think Lascelles injury showed just how much of a key player he is for us. That is borne out by the run and goals conceded without him, to that since his return. Unfortunately, the team nosedived in that period without him and the confidence is now shot. That is the key. I'm definitely not a Rafa hater, but with our squad at the start of the season, I'd hoped for a mid-lower mid table finish - staying up, with a view to the big TV budget next summer. However, I think our fairly decent start made people think we were better than we were. But we were probably really just a Lascelles injury away from bother. And again that comes down to the squad Rafa was able/allowed to assemble. Hopefully, we can bring some players in, which may give the squad a lift, and a takeover can be finalised this month, and everyone can get a lift, and we can push on to a safe position by the end of the season. Would I take a 17th place finish right now? Probably!

He does decide because Rafa aint got 100mil in his back pocket to sign a prime Fernando Torres. He gives a budget just like any other owner/chairman who runs a business and then the manager works with that budget. He does not decide who is recruited with that budget. Rafa chose to sign these useless f***ers he was not forced to what cant you understand about that As has previously been stated, its Ashleys underling(s) who actually try (or try not) to do the actual deals, offer fees, wages etc. That is where Rafa's wishlist fell down. You really think Joselu was #1 on Rafa's list?? He was a last resort, at a club prepared to accept a pretty low fee for a 'PL' striker, and a player willing to accept the (probably) very average wage being offered. Its been stated already... Rafa had deals lined up for arguably much better players, but then Charnley et al, would not close out those deals, for whatever reason. It's probably just the prospective takeover keeping Rafa here now. If that falls through and Ashley stays as owner, then its Adios Rafa.

His hands are tied, but he’s doing the same with the players in many ways so what you are saying be may spot on in parts but it’s utter defeatism to lay all this on Ashley. You are in charge of your own destiny etc. Sitting back Surrendering possession No urgency Poor use of subs Lack of movement and passing Aimless long balls AT HOME TO BRIGHTON! All down to Ashley... I would argue that those highlighted above are more down to the players than Rafa, though. Subs, and tactics (sit deep, slow down tempo) yes, but surely he doesn't tell them to keep giving possession away, or misplace passes, or just keep hoofing it?

To be honest, as **** as it is, I've been quite relaxed through this run of results, as the Takeover is the bigger picture. Obviously not winning games liek today is disappointing, but just got to hope takeover agreement and/or announcement is on its way soon. Whilst there's a chance of that happening, I'll retain a bit of hope for this season. Ashley set a 'christmas' deadline - however, the fact he hasn't pulled the plug and/or said anything about it by now, suggests that the negotiations are happening, and there is still a chance this will happen, and he will sell up. Just got to hope that one way or another, we can bring some new players in this coming month... even just to freshen thigns up ,and maybe give soem fot he current squad something to think about.

Basically Sky hate us for spoiling the televised thrashing by Man City, they clearly wanted.

Charlie Nicholas laying into Rafa (for the Man City tactics) on Soccer saturday now.... Phil Thompson defending him/us.

SSN currently having a Harry Kane W*nkfest, comparing him and Shearers first 96 goals in the PL. Shaun Goater just said he'd probably pick Shearer over Kane, going against Sky's script for today.

Great Result. Been out and about / sorting christmas **** out today, so not really following the match, but just seen that Elliot saved a penna, too! Next match will be difficult, but the Brighton match is the crucial one, that we must win.... hopefully get those 3 points, and get some January deals done early, and push on.

On Totalsport last night, someone texted asking for a clip to be played from after saturdays matches, with Ando laughing. Apparently it was in response to a Mackem caller, who, after seeing his sides first home win in 364 days, called into the show to talk about our 1-0 defeat at Arsenal. Even Anderson is now mentioning their apparent obsession with all things NUFC, even as far as to ignore their own teams win to discuss us.

Buckled at that.