Clear the Air Talks ?

[Parky]

I'm not too worried. Obviously something isn't right but KK isn't daft and will come out on top with these talks tomorrow, I believe. Ashley is no fool and he'd be mad to ignore KK's concerns and even dafter to take him on. KK sits from a position of immense power because he has the absolute trust, faith and backing of fans 100% and can now start dictating to Ashley and Co and setting out his own stall and demands having saved us from relegation and stirred KK mania all over again which has lead to a massive dose of optimism and feelgood emotions in the city. This is pre-meditated all this and typical of KK in my opinion.

 

Reading between the lines this is about Owen's contract, the failure to land several players now, and to test the waters in terms of Ashley's ambitions and indeed, just how far KK can go with him. I also reckon he wants in on all transfer negotiations, i.e. he will want to get in there to speak to players. I don't think he is against the idea of Wise and Co and what they are here to do, but he'll be wanting to bend them to his ways rather than him having to bend to their ways.

 

I don't believe for a moment KK considers top 4 to be impossible either, despite what he says, even though it most probably is on a regular basis unless we invest Chelsea like money or one of the others fuck up big style, but KK doesn't think like that. Not to himself anyway.

 

He will believe with the right backing and the ability to run the club as he sees fit, he can achieve whatever his imagination limits him to, or that will be the aim anyway. That's why he came back. He didn't come back to consolidate the club in the top 6, but to compete in the Champions League and to challenge for top honours and this rant of his is kind of a challenge to Ashley and the board and his way of asserting his own authority on things.

 

He's a very clever man. His comments have sparked a huge debate about the top 4 and got fans, fans who in general would walk over glass to shake the man's hand, asking questions of the owner and board in terms of ambition and where the club stand.

 

What did he say a few weeks back? He wants fans to debate these issues, to keep asking questions of the club.

 

He'll go into those talks and put down his cards which will be "my way" or face the consequences of turning all those fans against you and fucking up the chance to create something special, obviously with more sugar of course.

 

And if Ashley really does have the club's best interest at heart, remembering too that a successful and happy NUFC is financially far more healthier, he'll tell KK to get on with it. Rest assured, KK has NUFC's best interest at heart and it is the club that drives whatever agenda he's pushing and nothing more.

 

And I'll tell you something, I'm fucking proud our manager is prepared to take on the establishment if you like and create a media circus if that's what it takes, to get his own way, to do what he feels is best for NUFC, remembering that he knows better than anyone what this club needs and how to go about it, because there is no other way to run NUFC and no other man to do it. This is who I want managing my club.

 

Tomorrow is a huge day for NUFC and there isn't a better man to represent us at the table if you like IMO.  

 

That is about the strength of it and yes it was pre-meditated and not an 'outburst' as it's being portrayed.

 

He senses he is not fully in the loop on some things and he wants to have another look at it.

 

He loves to compete and this is his first venture in having a closer look at what Ashley and Mort are all about. I'm guessing he feels Mort is a little too conservative in his outlook at the moment.

[Guest Knightrider]

Reading between the lines it appears that Ashley is very ambitious (which is a good thing, something positive), KK suggests as much by stating "the owner thinks we can bridge the gap but I don't", and we all know KK is ambitious.

 

So for me this will play  out like this.

 

You want to bridge the gap do you? Get my best players tied down, top players want to play with top players, get Owen's contract sorted out ASAP so I can tell targets who they'll be playing alongside next season.

 

You want to bridge the gap do you? Let me speak to our targets. I'll convince them.

 

You want to bridge the gap do you? OK, how much are you prepared to spend and I'll tell you if we can kick on with this kind of money or not.

 

These are the things I think KK will push for or talk about.

 

This is what he's after in my opinion, what has lead him to rant and kick up this fuss about ambition, money, the top 4 etc.

 

Again, this is all pre-meditated for me and designed to force a sit down of all the parties, now that we are safe and the season is all but over, and he deliberately used our defeat to Chelsea, a club some way off from us, a club we should aspire towards, as a vehicle to push this.

 

Me, I'm happy for him to do this as it's a method of his he's used several times in the past and I trust him to go into any talks and be persuasive enough to get what he wants.

 

And if he doesn't, well then Ashley and co can fuck off.

[KaKa]

Kevin Keegan reprimanded as Mike Ashley sets out vision

 

George Caulkin

 

Kevin Keegan will meet Mike Ashley this morning for talks aimed at “mapping out” Newcastle United's future. The manager, who has reiterated his long-term commitment to the club, can expect a reprimand over his recent comments but he, the owner and Dennis Wise, the executive director (football), will discuss transfer targets, funding and the separation of duties at St James' Park.

 

A senior figure at Newcastle has confirmed that Ashley - who has played a hands-off role at the club - Keegan and Wise will sift through a list of potential acquisitions, the money available for new signings and how best to utilise the talents at their disposal. If there has been a lack of clarity concerning positions and communication, that will also be addressed.

 

While the gathering, which will take place in London at 11am, has been billed as “not a crisis meeting”, Keegan's assertion last weekend that Newcastle are “a million miles” away from the “big four” clubs and his lack of input in their transfer policy or dialogue with Ashley has brought uncertainty back to Gallowgate.

 

The billionaire retailer is not enamoured with the publicity that Keegan's statement has brought, particularly when he had, in fact, met the 57-year-old in the light of Newcastle's 2-0 defeat by Chelsea on Monday. Keegan has welcomed Ashley's participation in the discussions today as “a good thing”.

 

The context is paramount. Ashley has owned Newcastle for less than a year, Chris Mort, the chairman and a lawyer, is new to football, while Keegan's appointment in January was closely followed by those of Wise, Tony Jimenez as vice-president (player recruitment) and Jeff Vetere as technical co-ordinator. With a new administrative structure in place, teething problems are inevitable.

 

Keegan has also expressed frustration at delays in opening contract talks with Michael Owen and Steven Taylor, but the club recognise the need for urgency. Ashley should also be aware that, with his choice of manager in place, supporters expect Keegan - who has transformed the mood - to be backed, financially and emotionally. In turn, he understands that planning is needed.

 

“I've never thought to myself, ‘What have I done by coming here?'” Keegan said. “I remember saying to Jean, my wife, after four or five weeks, when we'd not won a game, that there must have been a reason why I came back here and of course there is. It's a great club with a great support and a great future. But the future needs to be mapped out and planned. We all have to be working hard for that.”

 

Given Ashley's lack of public utterances, his decision-making cannot be predicted with any confidence, but the club have been investing time and money on long-term projects. Keegan hinted that he may stay at the club beyond the terms of his present deal. “I've got three years, I am looking forward to the next three years - at least - and you know I'll only be 60 then,” he said.

 

The gap between Newcastle and Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool has not seen his passion wane. “Definitely not,” he said. “The challenge is there for all of us. If you are a light-welterweight, you don't say you are going to win the heavyweight championship of the world. We have to build our muscles up first.

 

“I have really enjoyed coming back to the club I love. It's like a big ship; when it's listing, everything is exaggerated and it is a major problem. But when you turn it round, the momentum starts to go with you and it can go quicker than most clubs.”

 

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article3897715.ece

[Parky]

Kevin Keegan reprimanded as Mike Ashley sets out vision

 

George Caulkin

 

Kevin Keegan will meet Mike Ashley this morning for talks aimed at “mapping out” Newcastle United's future. The manager, who has reiterated his long-term commitment to the club, can expect a reprimand over his recent comments but he, the owner and Dennis Wise, the executive director (football), will discuss transfer targets, funding and the separation of duties at St James' Park.

 

A senior figure at Newcastle has confirmed that Ashley - who has played a hands-off role at the club - Keegan and Wise will sift through a list of potential acquisitions, the money available for new signings and how best to utilise the talents at their disposal. If there has been a lack of clarity concerning positions and communication, that will also be addressed.

 

While the gathering, which will take place in London at 11am, has been billed as “not a crisis meeting”, Keegan's assertion last weekend that Newcastle are “a million miles” away from the “big four” clubs and his lack of input in their transfer policy or dialogue with Ashley has brought uncertainty back to Gallowgate.

 

The billionaire retailer is not enamoured with the publicity that Keegan's statement has brought, particularly when he had, in fact, met the 57-year-old in the light of Newcastle's 2-0 defeat by Chelsea on Monday. Keegan has welcomed Ashley's participation in the discussions today as “a good thing”.

 

The context is paramount. Ashley has owned Newcastle for less than a year, Chris Mort, the chairman and a lawyer, is new to football, while Keegan's appointment in January was closely followed by those of Wise, Tony Jimenez as vice-president (player recruitment) and Jeff Vetere as technical co-ordinator. With a new administrative structure in place, teething problems are inevitable.

 

Keegan has also expressed frustration at delays in opening contract talks with Michael Owen and Steven Taylor, but the club recognise the need for urgency. Ashley should also be aware that, with his choice of manager in place, supporters expect Keegan - who has transformed the mood - to be backed, financially and emotionally. In turn, he understands that planning is needed.

 

“I've never thought to myself, ‘What have I done by coming here?'” Keegan said. “I remember saying to Jean, my wife, after four or five weeks, when we'd not won a game, that there must have been a reason why I came back here and of course there is. It's a great club with a great support and a great future. But the future needs to be mapped out and planned. We all have to be working hard for that.”

 

Given Ashley's lack of public utterances, his decision-making cannot be predicted with any confidence, but the club have been investing time and money on long-term projects. Keegan hinted that he may stay at the club beyond the terms of his present deal. “I've got three years, I am looking forward to the next three years - at least - and you know I'll only be 60 then,” he said.

 

The gap between Newcastle and Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool has not seen his passion wane. “Definitely not,” he said. “The challenge is there for all of us. If you are a light-welterweight, you don't say you are going to win the heavyweight championship of the world. We have to build our muscles up first.

 

“I have really enjoyed coming back to the club I love. It's like a big ship; when it's listing, everything is exaggerated and it is a major problem. But when you turn it round, the momentum starts to go with you and it can go quicker than most clubs.”

 

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article3897715.ece

 

Much more balanced article.

[Mick]

Ashley will ask Keegan what the f*** he was on about. Keegan will flannel, in just the same way that he's been flanneling over the last few days. They will publicly declare that everything has been straightened out. Everything will not have been straightened out.

 

Ashley is a top businessman; he's hardly likely to invite Wise along to witness Keegan being asked "what the fuck he was on about."

 

Mort has been quoted agreeing with Keegan, is he also going to get dragged in for a shafting?  A lot of fans agree with what Keegan has said, are we going to get the same shafting?  Some of our ex-players have come out and agreed with Keegan, are they going to be dragged in for a bollocking?

 

 

[OzzieMandias]

Sensible story from Caulkin.

[Guest Knightrider]

There is a fantastic book out there about KK and NUFC, can't remember the full title of it, but it has 60 million in it and the Geordie dream or something, I have it but can't find it, anyway, it gives a really good description of what KK is like as a person, he's the most competitive person you'd ever imagine, nothing at all like his media persona as good old KK, this soft, naive man, and also details some of his legendary battles with boardroom figures, SJH, players, their agents, and of course, his mood swings. I'm not actually worried about KK or for KK, I'm more worried about Ashley

 

I don't think the man knows what he's taking on bringing KK back, because he will not think twice about going up to him demanding this and that. Luckily for KK and us, he is very adept at this and is made of the same cloth as Ashley in many ways so the two should see eye to eye. KK is a risk taker, an entrepreneur, a maverick if you like, unique in the game, as Ashley is in his industry.

 

I think this meeting has the potential to be the best thing that could ever happen to us under the new ownership of Ashley. All depends on Ashley though.

 

Anyway rather than speculate or worry myself silly about this and that I'm going to have a bit of faith in the two most important figures at the club who have it in their hands, to do something special together for the club which is in both their interests.

[Mick]

 

The papers would think very differently like. 

 

Obviously, if they didn't then they wouldn't have a story, I think they are far from impartial on this.  If they have no story they'll just invent one to fill the same column inches.

[Guest Knightrider]

I doubt KK will get a telling off

[Syrette]

I doubt KK will get a telling off

 

He'll get a right spanking, no doubt.

[KaKa]

Regarding Modric ..

 

"It is obvious by the fact we went in for Modric that there is some money there," Keegan said. "A lot of it has been put in the public domain – we were going to pay over three years and it was around £20m, so we were going to spend in this current year, something like £6.5m on that player, plus wages.

 

 

I think this is what has really set things off. He is clearly smarting from losing out to Spurs for him. Real shame looks like we had a great deal too.

[Cronky]

Ashley will ask Keegan what the f*** he was on about. Keegan will flannel, in just the same way that he's been flanneling over the last few days. They will publicly declare that everything has been straightened out. Everything will not have been straightened out.

 

Ashley is a top businessman; he's hardly likely to invite Wise along to witness Keegan being asked "what the fuck he was on about."

 

 

I don't imagine he'll put it like that. But in any case Wise will probably feel he's entitled to an explanation as well. He's probably been telling players and agents that we're aiming for the Champions League. Then the manager comes out and says we've got no chance.

[NE5]

I'm not too worried. Obviously something isn't right but KK isn't daft and will come out on top with these talks tomorrow, I believe. Ashley is no fool and he'd be mad to ignore KK's concerns and even dafter to take him on. KK sits from a position of immense power because he has the absolute trust, faith and backing of fans 100% and can now start dictating to Ashley and Co and setting out his own stall and demands having saved us from relegation and stirred KK mania all over again which has lead to a massive dose of optimism and feelgood emotions in the city. This is pre-meditated all this and typical of KK in my opinion.

 

Reading between the lines this is about Owen's contract, the failure to land several players now, and to test the waters in terms of Ashley's ambitions and indeed, just how far KK can go with him. I also reckon he wants in on all transfer negotiations, i.e. he will want to get in there to speak to players. I don't think he is against the idea of Wise and Co and what they are here to do, but he'll be wanting to bend them to his ways rather than him having to bend to their ways.

 

I don't believe for a moment KK considers top 4 to be impossible either, despite what he says, even though it most probably is on a regular basis unless we invest Chelsea like money or one of the others fuck up big style, but KK doesn't think like that. Not to himself anyway.

 

He will believe with the right backing and the ability to run the club as he sees fit, he can achieve whatever his imagination limits him to, or that will be the aim anyway. That's why he came back. He didn't come back to consolidate the club in the top 6, but to compete in the Champions League and to challenge for top honours and this rant of his is kind of a challenge to Ashley and the board and his way of asserting his own authority on things.

 

He's a very clever man. His comments have sparked a huge debate about the top 4 and got fans, fans who in general would walk over glass to shake the man's hand, asking questions of the owner and board in terms of ambition and where the club stand.

 

What did he say a few weeks back? He wants fans to debate these issues, to keep asking questions of the club.

 

He'll go into those talks and put down his cards which will be "my way" or face the consequences of turning all those fans against you and fucking up the chance to create something special, obviously with more sugar of course.

 

And if Ashley really does have the club's best interest at heart, remembering too that a successful and happy NUFC is financially far more healthier, he'll tell KK to get on with it. Rest assured, KK has NUFC's best interest at heart and it is the club that drives whatever agenda he's pushing and nothing more.

 

And I'll tell you something, I'm fucking proud our manager is prepared to take on the establishment if you like and create a media circus if that's what it takes, to get his own way, to do what he feels is best for NUFC, remembering that he knows better than anyone what this club needs and how to go about it, because there is no other way to run NUFC and no other man to do it. This is who I want managing my club.

 

Tomorrow is a huge day for NUFC and there isn't a better man to represent us at the table if you like IMO.   

 

I agree with pretty much all of this.

 

I think that the first time round, KK ran the club from top to bottom, he set out everything. And he's looking to do exactly the same again. I also agree that Ashley will be a fool to take him on. I think he [and his mouthpiece] have had ideas of their own on how to run the club [which have been basically naive, shite, and led to our failure to land 2 major transfers] but KK is seeking to correct this.

 

It is absolutely essential that he is in on transfer dealings, he has to get the player and ask him to his face why he wants to play for the club and judge his character.

 

This is the strength of Keegan. Some managers say they do it their way or else, but he actually means it. And my guess is that he will win, at least I hope so.

 

When he has walked away in the past, its down to his basic honesty and also the fact that he has been let down ie when he walked away from here the decision of SJH to float the club changed the whole setup and he stuck to his guns. When he walked away from England for admitting he had done his best, he was tainted by the southern journos as being a quitter, when the same tossers slate McLaren, Hoddle and Eriksson for hanging onto their jobs.

 

I know what sort of person I would prefer.

 

The other side of the coin, is that if Ashley has a certain idea of running the club, which is different to Keegans, then for my money its Ashley who can bugger off.

 

 

[Mick]

There is a fantastic book out there about KK and NUFC, can't remember the full title of it, but it has 60 million in it and the Geordie dream or something, I have it but can't find it, anyway, it gives a really good description of what KK is like as a person, he's the most competitive person you'd ever imagine, nothing at all like his media persona as good old KK, this soft, naive man, and also details some of his legendary battles with boardroom figures, SJH, players, their agents, and of course, his mood swings. I'm not actually worried about KK or for KK, I'm more worried about Ashley

 

I don't think the man knows what he's taking on bringing KK back, because he will not think twice about going up to him demanding this and that. Luckily for KK and us, he is very adept at this and is made of the same cloth as Ashley in many ways so the two should see eye to eye. KK is a risk taker, an entrepreneur, a maverick if you like, unique in the game, as Ashley is in his industry.

 

I think this meeting has the potential to be the best thing that could ever happen to us under the new ownership of Ashley. All depends on Ashley though.

 

Anyway rather than speculate or worry myself silly about this and that I'm going to have a bit of faith in the two most important figures at the club who have it in their hands, to do something special together for the club which is in both their interests.

 

The book is called "The Magnificent Obsession Keegan, Sir John Hall, Newcastle and Sixty Million Pounds," it's by Colin Malam.

[Mick]

 

He'll get a right spanking, no doubt.

 

He might enjoy that.

[Liam Liam Liam O]

I'm not too worried. Obviously something isn't right but KK isn't daft and will come out on top with these talks tomorrow, I believe. Ashley is no fool and he'd be mad to ignore KK's concerns and even dafter to take him on. KK sits from a position of immense power because he has the absolute trust, faith and backing of fans 100% and can now start dictating to Ashley and Co and setting out his own stall and demands having saved us from relegation and stirred KK mania all over again which has lead to a massive dose of optimism and feelgood emotions in the city. This is pre-meditated all this and typical of KK in my opinion.

 

Reading between the lines this is about Owen's contract, the failure to land several players now, and to test the waters in terms of Ashley's ambitions and indeed, just how far KK can go with him. I also reckon he wants in on all transfer negotiations, i.e. he will want to get in there to speak to players. I don't think he is against the idea of Wise and Co and what they are here to do, but he'll be wanting to bend them to his ways rather than him having to bend to their ways.

 

I don't believe for a moment KK considers top 4 to be impossible either, despite what he says, even though it most probably is on a regular basis unless we invest Chelsea like money or one of the others fuck up big style, but KK doesn't think like that. Not to himself anyway.

 

He will believe with the right backing and the ability to run the club as he sees fit, he can achieve whatever his imagination limits him to, or that will be the aim anyway. That's why he came back. He didn't come back to consolidate the club in the top 6, but to compete in the Champions League and to challenge for top honours and this rant of his is kind of a challenge to Ashley and the board and his way of asserting his own authority on things.

 

He's a very clever man. His comments have sparked a huge debate about the top 4 and got fans, fans who in general would walk over glass to shake the man's hand, asking questions of the owner and board in terms of ambition and where the club stand.

 

What did he say a few weeks back? He wants fans to debate these issues, to keep asking questions of the club.

 

He'll go into those talks and put down his cards which will be "my way" or face the consequences of turning all those fans against you and fucking up the chance to create something special, obviously with more sugar of course.

 

And if Ashley really does have the club's best interest at heart, remembering too that a successful and happy NUFC is financially far more healthier, he'll tell KK to get on with it. Rest assured, KK has NUFC's best interest at heart and it is the club that drives whatever agenda he's pushing and nothing more.

 

And I'll tell you something, I'm fucking proud our manager is prepared to take on the establishment if you like and create a media circus if that's what it takes, to get his own way, to do what he feels is best for NUFC, remembering that he knows better than anyone what this club needs and how to go about it, because there is no other way to run NUFC and no other man to do it. This is who I want managing my club.

 

Tomorrow is a huge day for NUFC and there isn't a better man to represent us at the table if you like IMO.   

 

I agree with pretty much all of this.

 

I think that the first time round, KK ran the club from top to bottom, he set out everything. And he's looking to do exactly the same again. I also agree that Ashley will be a fool to take him on. I think he [and his mouthpiece] have had ideas of their own on how to run the club [which have been basically naive, shite, and led to our failure to land 2 major transfers] but KK is seeking to correct this.

 

It is absolutely essential that he is in on transfer dealings, he has to get the player and ask him to his face why he wants to play for the club and judge his character.

 

This is the strength of Keegan. Some managers say they do it their way or else, but he actually means it. And my guess is that he will win, at least I hope so.

 

When he has walked away in the past, its down to his basic honesty and also the fact that he has been let down ie when he walked away from here the decision of SJH to float the club changed the whole setup and he stuck to his guns. When he walked away from England for admitting he had done his best, he was tainted by the southern journos as being a quitter, when the same tossers slate McLaren, Hoddle and Eriksson for hanging onto their jobs.

 

I know what sort of person I would prefer.

 

The other side of the coin, is that if Ashley has a certain idea of running the club, which is different to Keegans, then for my money its Ashley who can bugger off.

 

 

 

I have my own ideas about how the place I work should be run, which differ from my bosses.  Chances are though they won't be buggering off.

 

And the bit about Mort & Ashley costing us two transfers is bollocks.

[Mick]

 

I don't imagine he'll put it like that. But in any case Wise will probably feel he's entitled to an explanation as well. He's probably been telling players and agents that we're aiming for the Champions League. Then the manager comes out and says we've got no chance.

 

Wise may be labelled a director but in reality he's below Keegan, he's not entitled to be a participant to any kind of bollocking and it will not happen.

[Syrette]

 

 

The other side of the coin, is that if Ashley has a certain idea of running the club, which is different to Keegans, then for my money its Ashley who can bugger off.

 

 

 

Or... they could work on something where upon both ideas can co-exist? KK isn't perfect and Ashley is putting a lot of money into this club, so I don't think it'd be fair for anyone to disregard his opinion/s just because they might not agree completely with Keegan's. You're not one of those old-timers who think Keegan can do no wrong, are you?

 

In summarisation, are you seriously suggesting that if Keegan doesn't agree with a few of the views Ashley has, then Ashley should just take his money and run? Hate to say it but in this day and age the people with the money can and will have as much power as they wish, really.

 

 

 

He'll get a right spanking, no doubt.

 

He might enjoy that.

 

ITK?

[Liam Liam Liam O]

 

I don't imagine he'll put it like that. But in any case Wise will probably feel he's entitled to an explanation as well. He's probably been telling players and agents that we're aiming for the Champions League. Then the manager comes out and says we've got no chance.

 

Wise may be labelled a director but in reality he's below Keegan, he's not entitled to be a participant to any kind of bollocking and it will not happen.

 

Unless KK's asked for him to be his witness at a disciplinary hearing

[Mick]

 

ITK?

 

I better take care what I say here so no.

[Guest Knightrider]

There is a fantastic book out there about KK and NUFC, can't remember the full title of it, but it has 60 million in it and the Geordie dream or something, I have it but can't find it, anyway, it gives a really good description of what KK is like as a person, he's the most competitive person you'd ever imagine, nothing at all like his media persona as good old KK, this soft, naive man, and also details some of his legendary battles with boardroom figures, SJH, players, their agents, and of course, his mood swings. I'm not actually worried about KK or for KK, I'm more worried about Ashley

 

I don't think the man knows what he's taking on bringing KK back, because he will not think twice about going up to him demanding this and that. Luckily for KK and us, he is very adept at this and is made of the same cloth as Ashley in many ways so the two should see eye to eye. KK is a risk taker, an entrepreneur, a maverick if you like, unique in the game, as Ashley is in his industry.

 

I think this meeting has the potential to be the best thing that could ever happen to us under the new ownership of Ashley. All depends on Ashley though.

 

Anyway rather than speculate or worry myself silly about this and that I'm going to have a bit of faith in the two most important figures at the club who have it in their hands, to do something special together for the club which is in both their interests.

 

The book is called "The Magnificent Obsession Keegan, Sir John Hall, Newcastle and Sixty Million Pounds," it's by Colin Malam.

 

That's the one. I urge everyone to read it to get an amazing insight into KK, NUFC and that era. It offers a good insight into the kind of man KK is, he has to be the boss, he is very much hands on, hates losing, is ultra competitive, very very critical of himself, has amazingly high standards, unattainable often, is deluded but in a good way, and above all else, is very very clever when it comes to manipulating people which is ultimately where his amazing motivation techniques stem from. His mood swings are legendary, and they stem from his passion, and you will realise just why NUFC and he fit so well. Read that book and tell me you don't love the man.

[Mick]

 

Unless KK's asked for him to be his witness at a disciplinary hearing

 

Wise may be going along to represent Keegan, good point and the only one which would actually fit with what others are speculating.

[Mick]

 

That's the one. I urge everyone to read it to get an amazing insight into KK, NUFC and that era. It offers a good insight into the kind of man KK is, he has to be the boss, he is very much hands on, hates losing, is ultra competitive, very very critical of himself, has amazingly high standards, unattainable often, is deluded but in a good way, and above all else, is very very clever when it comes to manipulating people which is ultimately where his amazing motivation techniques stem from. His mood swings are legendary, and they stem from his passion, and you will realise just why NUFC and he fit so well. Read that book and tell me you don't love the man.

 

That is the only book that I will never lend out as it might not come back, I really enjoyed reading it in one go from front to back without a break, I couldn't put it down.

[NE5]

I'm not too worried. Obviously something isn't right but KK isn't daft and will come out on top with these talks tomorrow, I believe. Ashley is no fool and he'd be mad to ignore KK's concerns and even dafter to take him on. KK sits from a position of immense power because he has the absolute trust, faith and backing of fans 100% and can now start dictating to Ashley and Co and setting out his own stall and demands having saved us from relegation and stirred KK mania all over again which has lead to a massive dose of optimism and feelgood emotions in the city. This is pre-meditated all this and typical of KK in my opinion.

 

Reading between the lines this is about Owen's contract, the failure to land several players now, and to test the waters in terms of Ashley's ambitions and indeed, just how far KK can go with him. I also reckon he wants in on all transfer negotiations, i.e. he will want to get in there to speak to players. I don't think he is against the idea of Wise and Co and what they are here to do, but he'll be wanting to bend them to his ways rather than him having to bend to their ways.

 

I don't believe for a moment KK considers top 4 to be impossible either, despite what he says, even though it most probably is on a regular basis unless we invest Chelsea like money or one of the others fuck up big style, but KK doesn't think like that. Not to himself anyway.

 

He will believe with the right backing and the ability to run the club as he sees fit, he can achieve whatever his imagination limits him to, or that will be the aim anyway. That's why he came back. He didn't come back to consolidate the club in the top 6, but to compete in the Champions League and to challenge for top honours and this rant of his is kind of a challenge to Ashley and the board and his way of asserting his own authority on things.

 

He's a very clever man. His comments have sparked a huge debate about the top 4 and got fans, fans who in general would walk over glass to shake the man's hand, asking questions of the owner and board in terms of ambition and where the club stand.

 

What did he say a few weeks back? He wants fans to debate these issues, to keep asking questions of the club.

 

He'll go into those talks and put down his cards which will be "my way" or face the consequences of turning all those fans against you and fucking up the chance to create something special, obviously with more sugar of course.

 

And if Ashley really does have the club's best interest at heart, remembering too that a successful and happy NUFC is financially far more healthier, he'll tell KK to get on with it. Rest assured, KK has NUFC's best interest at heart and it is the club that drives whatever agenda he's pushing and nothing more.

 

And I'll tell you something, I'm fucking proud our manager is prepared to take on the establishment if you like and create a media circus if that's what it takes, to get his own way, to do what he feels is best for NUFC, remembering that he knows better than anyone what this club needs and how to go about it, because there is no other way to run NUFC and no other man to do it. This is who I want managing my club.

 

Tomorrow is a huge day for NUFC and there isn't a better man to represent us at the table if you like IMO.   

 

I agree with pretty much all of this.

 

I think that the first time round, KK ran the club from top to bottom, he set out everything. And he's looking to do exactly the same again. I also agree that Ashley will be a fool to take him on. I think he [and his mouthpiece] have had ideas of their own on how to run the club [which have been basically naive, shite, and led to our failure to land 2 major transfers] but KK is seeking to correct this.

 

It is absolutely essential that he is in on transfer dealings, he has to get the player and ask him to his face why he wants to play for the club and judge his character.

 

This is the strength of Keegan. Some managers say they do it their way or else, but he actually means it. And my guess is that he will win, at least I hope so.

 

When he has walked away in the past, its down to his basic honesty and also the fact that he has been let down ie when he walked away from here the decision of SJH to float the club changed the whole setup and he stuck to his guns. When he walked away from England for admitting he had done his best, he was tainted by the southern journos as being a quitter, when the same tossers slate McLaren, Hoddle and Eriksson for hanging onto their jobs.

 

I know what sort of person I would prefer.

 

The other side of the coin, is that if Ashley has a certain idea of running the club, which is different to Keegans, then for my money its Ashley who can bugger off.

 

 

 

I have my own ideas about how the place I work should be run, which differ from my bosses.  Chances are though they won't be buggering off.

 

And the bit about Mort & Ashley costing us two transfers is bollocks.

 

I don't agree, I think you are talking bollocks.

 

For my money, Kevin Keegan knows more about how to run a successful football club than Mike Ashley and Chris Mort.

 

 

 

[Mick]

 

 

That's the one. I urge everyone to read it to get an amazing insight into KK, NUFC and that era. It offers a good insight into the kind of man KK is, he has to be the boss, he is very much hands on, hates losing, is ultra competitive, very very critical of himself, has amazingly high standards, unattainable often, is deluded but in a good way, and above all else, is very very clever when it comes to manipulating people which is ultimately where his amazing motivation techniques stem from. His mood swings are legendary, and they stem from his passion, and you will realise just why NUFC and he fit so well. Read that book and tell me you don't love the man.

 

If anybody is interested in a good read try here:

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Obsession-Keegan-Newcastle-Million/dp/074753750X