Newcastle United Supporters Trust (NUST)

[Mowen]

Ashley and Llambias may already be rattled,  according to the Chronicle llambias was trying to set up a meeting with NUST an hour after they launched the campaign.

 

NUST have apparently turned down the request as they aren't in a position to discuss it with the club.  I agree that NUST shouldn't be talking until they are in a position to act.

on the other hand wheres the harm in a preliminary hearing, the main obstacle i view for the nust is I can't see Ashley wanting to sell to them, they're negotiating position is weak to begin with and possibly offending the current regime by not meeting them isn't a good way to start.

 

No offending has taken place, we've politely declined his offer under the logic of we dont want to waste their time if we cant raise the funds.

 

I think the fact Llambias called an hour after we launched tells you that hes happy to sell.

[Cronky]

For whatever reason, NUST are keeping what cards they have very close to their chest and I'm not surprised that they didn't want to meet with Llambias. For the club it would be as much about sussing NUST's position out, as informing them about the state of the business.

[David Icke - Son of God]

The Sun claiming that NUST has snubbed a meeting with Ashley

 

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2734647/Fans-not-in-Toon-with-Mike.html

 

MIKE ASHLEY has been left stunned after the Toon fans who want to buy the club snubbed the chance to meet him.

The Newcastle United Supporters Trust hope to raise £100million to take over on Tyneside and were invited to have a face-to-face chat with the St James' Park owner and his team.

 

But the Ashley camp cannot understand the logic of them not wanting to look at the finances and get an understanding of how the Premier League club is run.

 

A source close to Ashley said: "Mike and Derek Llambias have no problem in meeting with anyone to discuss the situation at the club.

 

"But to hear they were not interested was strange. They need to see what really goes on.

 

"If they did that, they would see that taking on a club and financing it is anything but straightforward."

 

 

 

Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2734647/Fans-not-in-Toon-with-Mike.html#ixzz0XCK48RMK

 

Ah, the "source close to Ashley"

[Guest Roger Kint]

That article even by Sun standards is terrible like. Hope to raise £100m? How can they say that then finish with 'financing it is anything but straightforward'? Of course it isnt you arselicking cunts, thats why they arent getting ahead of themselves by meeting them and discussing figures without knowing how much they will raise

[Ketsbaia]

The Sun claiming that NUST has snubbed a meeting with Ashley

 

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2734647/Fans-not-in-Toon-with-Mike.html

 

MIKE ASHLEY has been left stunned after the Toon fans who want to buy the club snubbed the chance to meet him.

The Newcastle United Supporters Trust hope to raise £100million to take over on Tyneside and were invited to have a face-to-face chat with the St James' Park owner and his team.

 

But the Ashley camp cannot understand the logic of them not wanting to look at the finances and get an understanding of how the Premier League club is run.

 

A source close to Ashley said: "Mike and Derek Llambias have no problem in meeting with anyone to discuss the situation at the club.

 

"But to hear they were not interested was strange. They need to see what really goes on.

 

"If they did that, they would see that taking on a club and financing it is anything but straightforward."

 

 

 

Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2734647/Fans-not-in-Toon-with-Mike.html#ixzz0XCK48RMK

 

[NG32]

Terrible article.

 

 

[Guest Brummiemag]

To be expected from a shit, right wing, Tory comic like the Sun

[TRon]

Ashley's communication is awful. He rarely speaks himself, and it would probably be better if LLambias didn't speak at all. His favoured method of communication seems to be leaking stories in the rags. Shepherd was a plank but at least he wasn't afraid to speak directly to the public.

[Benwell Lad]

Ashley's communication is awful. He rarely speaks himself, and it would probably be better if LLambias didn't speak at all. His favoured method of communication seems to be leaking stories in the rags. Shepherd was a plank but at least he wasn't afraid to speak directly to the public.

 

In fairness I think his recent interviews with Radio Newcastle were about as open as any club chairman could be but whatever he says he'll be criticised by most.

It really has reached a point where he's damned if he speaks and damned if he doesn't and this is bound to lead to a reticence to communicate.

Thet said the presentation (e.g. stadium sponsorship) leaves a lot to be desired.

[David Icke - Son of God]

Ashley's communication is awful. He rarely speaks himself, and it would probably be better if LLambias didn't speak at all. His favoured method of communication seems to be leaking stories in the rags. Shepherd was a plank but at least he wasn't afraid to speak directly to the public.

 

In fairness I think his recent interviews with Radio Newcastle were about as open as any club chairman could be but whatever he says he'll be criticised by most.

It really has reached a point where he's damned if he speaks and damned if he doesn't and this is bound to lead to a reticence to communicate.

Thet said the presentation (e.g. stadium sponsorship) leaves a lot to be desired.

 

How can you have openess from someone who has lied his arse off?

[Liam Liam Liam O]

http://www.nust.org.uk/images/stories/yeswecan/promo/nust_journal_3.pdf

 

Has the price gone back up to £2,500?

[ohmelads]

In fairness I think his recent interviews with Radio Newcastle were about as open as any club chairman could be but whatever he says he'll be criticised by most.

It really has reached a point where he's damned if he speaks and damned if he doesn't and this is bound to lead to a reticence to communicate.

Thet said the presentation (e.g. stadium sponsorship) leaves a lot to be desired.

 

Which interviews are you referring to?

 

His interviews have been as clear as mud and give absolutely nothing away at a time when the fans and perhaps most importantly the players want some idea of the club's direction. Communication is crucial in the club's current state. We've been in limbo for 18 months, the club was recently taken off the market with no real explanation. The stadium name has been changed with the excuse of 'showcasing the brand' while keeping the name, despite tagging 'stadium' the end. No explanation for this, nor any explanation as to where the increased revenue would go if we found a sponsor. We lost players in the summer who grew disillusioned and it's his job to come out and reassure people that short- and long-term plans are in place. At worst his interviews are outright lying and at best they fail to inform anyone of anything. For example he said he'd back Hughton if he wanted a player for a million and in the same breath said he'd prefer if Hughton came to him for loan signings, while saying he is looking at the list Hughton has given him already. It's unconvincing bollocks and if it carries on there'll be more players looking for the exits.

[peasepud]

http://www.nust.org.uk/images/stories/yeswecan/promo/nust_journal_3.pdf

 

Has the price gone back up to £2,500?

 

No, the decision to drop it to £1,500 was made quite late on, by that time the Chronicle had already drawn up the adverts. Not sure why they couldnt have been updated, it could even be that its an oversight on our behalf and not thought to chase them up and get them updated.

 

Its been raised now, hopefully the next time one appears it will be correct....*crosses fingers

[TRon]

In fairness I think his recent interviews with Radio Newcastle were about as open as any club chairman could be but whatever he says he'll be criticised by most.

It really has reached a point where he's damned if he speaks and damned if he doesn't and this is bound to lead to a reticence to communicate.

Thet said the presentation (e.g. stadium sponsorship) leaves a lot to be desired.

 

Which interviews are you referring to?

 

His interviews have been as clear as mud and give absolutely nothing away at a time when the fans and perhaps most importantly the players want some idea of the club's direction. Communication is crucial in the club's current state. We've been in limbo for 18 months, the club was recently taken off the market with no real explanation. The stadium name has been changed with the excuse of 'showcasing the brand' while keeping the name, despite tagging 'stadium' the end. No explanation for this, nor any explanation as to where the increased revenue would go if we found a sponsor. We lost players in the summer who grew disillusioned and it's his job to come out and reassure people that short- and long-term plans are in place. At worst his interviews are outright lying and at best they fail to inform anyone of anything. For example he said he'd back Hughton if he wanted a player for a million and in the same breath said he'd prefer if Hughton came to him for loan signings, while saying he is looking at the list Hughton has given him already. It's unconvincing bollocks and if it carries on there'll be more players looking for the exits.

 

Maybe the Fabrice Pancrate signing is an example of Ashley's financial backing of Hughton. I doubt many other 2nd tier clubs could afford him.

[Guest JamesyJazz]

In fairness I think his recent interviews with Radio Newcastle were about as open as any club chairman could be but whatever he says he'll be criticised by most.

It really has reached a point where he's damned if he speaks and damned if he doesn't and this is bound to lead to a reticence to communicate.

Thet said the presentation (e.g. stadium sponsorship) leaves a lot to be desired.

 

Which interviews are you referring to?

 

His interviews have been as clear as mud and give absolutely nothing away at a time when the fans and perhaps most importantly the players want some idea of the club's direction. Communication is crucial in the club's current state. We've been in limbo for 18 months, the club was recently taken off the market with no real explanation. The stadium name has been changed with the excuse of 'showcasing the brand' while keeping the name, despite tagging 'stadium' the end. No explanation for this, nor any explanation as to where the increased revenue would go if we found a sponsor. We lost players in the summer who grew disillusioned and it's his job to come out and reassure people that short- and long-term plans are in place. At worst his interviews are outright lying and at best they fail to inform anyone of anything. For example he said he'd back Hughton if he wanted a player for a million and in the same breath said he'd prefer if Hughton came to him for loan signings, while saying he is looking at the list Hughton has given him already. It's unconvincing bollocks and if it carries on there'll be more players looking for the exits.

 

Maybe the Fabrice Pancrate signing is an example of Ashley's financial backing of Hughton. I doubt many other 2nd tier clubs could afford him.

 

I doubt we would have even considered scouting him never mind signing him a couple of seasons ago.It just goes to show how desperate we are to put some spin on a 2nd rate player.

[TRon]

In fairness I think his recent interviews with Radio Newcastle were about as open as any club chairman could be but whatever he says he'll be criticised by most.

It really has reached a point where he's damned if he speaks and damned if he doesn't and this is bound to lead to a reticence to communicate.

Thet said the presentation (e.g. stadium sponsorship) leaves a lot to be desired.

 

Which interviews are you referring to?

 

His interviews have been as clear as mud and give absolutely nothing away at a time when the fans and perhaps most importantly the players want some idea of the club's direction. Communication is crucial in the club's current state. We've been in limbo for 18 months, the club was recently taken off the market with no real explanation. The stadium name has been changed with the excuse of 'showcasing the brand' while keeping the name, despite tagging 'stadium' the end. No explanation for this, nor any explanation as to where the increased revenue would go if we found a sponsor. We lost players in the summer who grew disillusioned and it's his job to come out and reassure people that short- and long-term plans are in place. At worst his interviews are outright lying and at best they fail to inform anyone of anything. For example he said he'd back Hughton if he wanted a player for a million and in the same breath said he'd prefer if Hughton came to him for loan signings, while saying he is looking at the list Hughton has given him already. It's unconvincing bollocks and if it carries on there'll be more players looking for the exits.

 

Maybe the Fabrice Pancrate signing is an example of Ashley's financial backing of Hughton. I doubt many other 2nd tier clubs could afford him.

 

I doubt we would have even considered scouting him never mind signing him a couple of seasons ago.It just goes to show how desperate we are to put some spin on a 2nd rate player.

 

Well us being a 2nd rate club what else do you suggest?

 

 

[OzzieMandias]

Doing the right thing is German football's forte

 

In putting fans and tradition before profit, the Bundesliga upholds values the Premier League has lost

 

Robert Enke had been capped eight times at the time of his death and had not quite cemented his position as Germany's No1 goalkeeper. Watching the sincere and moving tributes from team-mates and taking note of the fact that Germany immediately cancelled their friendly fixture with Chile, it was tempting to wonder whether the same thing would have happened in this country, or whether England's game against Brazil would have gone ahead on the always available pretext that it was what the player would have wanted.

 

One thing it is safe to say is that German football can be relied upon to do the right thing by players and fans, and not necessarily the money‑making thing. That much was spelled out by Dr Reinhard Rauball, president of the Deutsche Fussball Liga, after a meeting of all 36 first and second division clubs in Frankfurt emphatically rejected a proposal to allow teams to be bought, sold and owned as they are here and in Italy. English football has been congratulating itself on finally ousting an owner who failed the fit and proper test, with Stephen Vaughan instructed to reduce his shareholding in Chester City after admitting to a VAT fraud. That's progress of a sort, though typically small scale and English. In Germany, the whole concept of ownership fails the fit and proper test.

 

Under existing rules, no "outside" investor can own more than 49% of a German club's shares and at least 51%, ie a controlling vote, must remain with club members. Naturally enough this deters the sort of private takeovers that have become the norm in the Premier League and when Hannover proposed a change designed to encourage rich backers to pour their money into clubs they failed to gain a single vote of support.

 

"The result cannot be any clearer," Rauball said after the Frankfurt meeting had effectively sided 35-1 in favour of the status quo. "The Bundesliga remains faithful to itself and will continue to build on the factors which have made a decisive contribution to making German football successful over recent decades. These are stability, continuity and being close to the fans."

 

As a mission statement that is almost perfect, and there is only one small thing with which to take issue. German football has not been successful over recent decades, at least not in the way that English football has been successful – generating income, attracting players and viewers from around the world, getting teams into Champions League finals and generally getting itself noticed. German sides are no longer the bullies of the European playground, Bayern Munich look likely to drop into the Europa League, and with Lyon and Bordeaux presently topping their groups it is possible to argue that the French league is now more powerful.

 

That is not quite the case, however, for European competition is only one measure of success. Inside France, the French league does not look quite so robust, whereas from inside Germany the Bundesliga is as strong as ever. Full stadiums, massive crowds, affordable ticket prices, support from all sections of the community; name something desirable in a national pastime and Germany has it. There is no shortage of players to supply the national team, no embarrassing over-reliance on imported talent on the field or in the dug-out, and while Germany may no longer be automatic favourites to reach the final of any forthcoming tournament their ranking of fifth in the world puts them deservedly ahead of England and France.

 

Perhaps most astonishing of all to English eyes, the Germans do not ask their public to pay through the nose for subscription television either. A decision to keep all Bundesliga games free to air was estimated to have cost German football €150m four years ago, and when the subject came up again last week the same course was agreed upon. That may seem like taking altruism too far and simply throwing money away, yet the Germans know they have a massive internal market and a business model that works. Maintaining a highly visible TV presence helps keep the game popular and profitable. "We are able to make a profit from our extensive TV presence," the DFL's managing director, Tom Bender, explained. "We are No1 in Europe with €500m (£450m) from sponsorship."

 

In other words, because German football is on television so often and its popularity remains high, it is more attractive to sponsors and advertisers than its English counterpart. Manchester United and Chelsea may still be prominent enough to make big money from shirt sponsors, but teams lower down the Premier League have lost revenue and even gone without sponsors in recent seasons. The German system is not perfect – Schalke 04 are the latest club with financial problems reportedly bordering on bankruptcy, and Hannover are not quite the lone voice they might appear in arguing that private investment is necessary to compete with Europe's leading clubs – though in general terms Germany seems to have taken a long look at the English model and decided against it.

 

That, along with a team such as Wolfsburg winning the title last season, ought to make us think. Is Germany really a football nation in decline, or have they got it exactly right?

 

It may be some time before German teams appear in three Champions League finals in four years, as happened a decade ago, but that hardly seems too high a price to pay when the whole country watches football, can still afford a half-time beer and sausage, and does not have to put up with Mike Ashley or Sky trailers.

 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2009/nov/22/bundesliga-premier-league-club-ownership

[Cronky]

That's a very interesting article. Thanks for posting that.

 

I've sometimes wondered why the German League seems to be operating in a different way to the other major leagues, and that makes it clear.

 

 

[ohmelads]

Well us being a 2nd rate club what else do you suggest?

 

That signing only adds more evidence that there is no transfer kitty and Llambias was just running his mouth again. Right wing was one of our biggest priorities, arguably the biggest and it's been filled by an out of contract player turned down by Sheff Utd.

 

It may have been opportunism but it seems more likely we're scraping the bottom of the barrel. That's that spot sealed for the rest of the season. Looking at the rest of the squad, there's nowhere where you can see them spending a million without selling first. If there was anywhere to spend that money it was right wing and they haven't done it. There's nothing in the kitty.

 

Signing a good Championship winger, or a young up and coming winger would have been in keeping with the policy Llambias said he's operating. His exact words were 16 - 22 year olds I believe.

 

The only reason I and anybody else greets this signing as good news is because, let's face it, we had no faith in the club to strengthen the squad at all and he just might turn out to be a handy option. There's been absolutely nowt to cheer about for a long time and noone takes Llambias, Ashley et al seriously any more. I wonder how our Arsenal scouting system is coming along.

[ohmelads]

Doing the right thing is German football's forte

 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2009/nov/22/bundesliga-premier-league-club-ownership

 

Good read that.

[Guest Brummiemag]

Doing the right thing is German football's forte

 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2009/nov/22/bundesliga-premier-league-club-ownership

 

Good read that.

 

Great read, I wish we had their system. It shows what is possible

 

As I've said many times the Premier League/subscription tv is the worst thing that has ever happened to English football

[colinmk]

Doing the right thing is German football's forte

 

In putting fans and tradition before profit, the Bundesliga upholds values the Premier League has lost

 

Robert Enke had been capped eight times at the time of his death and had not quite cemented his position as Germany's No1 goalkeeper. Watching the sincere and moving tributes from team-mates and taking note of the fact that Germany immediately cancelled their friendly fixture with Chile, it was tempting to wonder whether the same thing would have happened in this country, or whether England's game against Brazil would have gone ahead on the always available pretext that it was what the player would have wanted.

 

One thing it is safe to say is that German football can be relied upon to do the right thing by players and fans, and not necessarily the money‑making thing. That much was spelled out by Dr Reinhard Rauball, president of the Deutsche Fussball Liga, after a meeting of all 36 first and second division clubs in Frankfurt emphatically rejected a proposal to allow teams to be bought, sold and owned as they are here and in Italy. English football has been congratulating itself on finally ousting an owner who failed the fit and proper test, with Stephen Vaughan instructed to reduce his shareholding in Chester City after admitting to a VAT fraud. That's progress of a sort, though typically small scale and English. In Germany, the whole concept of ownership fails the fit and proper test.

 

Under existing rules, no "outside" investor can own more than 49% of a German club's shares and at least 51%, ie a controlling vote, must remain with club members. Naturally enough this deters the sort of private takeovers that have become the norm in the Premier League and when Hannover proposed a change designed to encourage rich backers to pour their money into clubs they failed to gain a single vote of support.

 

"The result cannot be any clearer," Rauball said after the Frankfurt meeting had effectively sided 35-1 in favour of the status quo. "The Bundesliga remains faithful to itself and will continue to build on the factors which have made a decisive contribution to making German football successful over recent decades. These are stability, continuity and being close to the fans."

 

As a mission statement that is almost perfect, and there is only one small thing with which to take issue. German football has not been successful over recent decades, at least not in the way that English football has been successful – generating income, attracting players and viewers from around the world, getting teams into Champions League finals and generally getting itself noticed. German sides are no longer the bullies of the European playground, Bayern Munich look likely to drop into the Europa League, and with Lyon and Bordeaux presently topping their groups it is possible to argue that the French league is now more powerful.

 

That is not quite the case, however, for European competition is only one measure of success. Inside France, the French league does not look quite so robust, whereas from inside Germany the Bundesliga is as strong as ever. Full stadiums, massive crowds, affordable ticket prices, support from all sections of the community; name something desirable in a national pastime and Germany has it. There is no shortage of players to supply the national team, no embarrassing over-reliance on imported talent on the field or in the dug-out, and while Germany may no longer be automatic favourites to reach the final of any forthcoming tournament their ranking of fifth in the world puts them deservedly ahead of England and France.

 

Perhaps most astonishing of all to English eyes, the Germans do not ask their public to pay through the nose for subscription television either. A decision to keep all Bundesliga games free to air was estimated to have cost German football €150m four years ago, and when the subject came up again last week the same course was agreed upon. That may seem like taking altruism too far and simply throwing money away, yet the Germans know they have a massive internal market and a business model that works. Maintaining a highly visible TV presence helps keep the game popular and profitable. "We are able to make a profit from our extensive TV presence," the DFL's managing director, Tom Bender, explained. "We are No1 in Europe with €500m (£450m) from sponsorship."

 

In other words, because German football is on television so often and its popularity remains high, it is more attractive to sponsors and advertisers than its English counterpart. Manchester United and Chelsea may still be prominent enough to make big money from shirt sponsors, but teams lower down the Premier League have lost revenue and even gone without sponsors in recent seasons. The German system is not perfect – Schalke 04 are the latest club with financial problems reportedly bordering on bankruptcy, and Hannover are not quite the lone voice they might appear in arguing that private investment is necessary to compete with Europe's leading clubs – though in general terms Germany seems to have taken a long look at the English model and decided against it.

 

That, along with a team such as Wolfsburg winning the title last season, ought to make us think. Is Germany really a football nation in decline, or have they got it exactly right?

 

It may be some time before German teams appear in three Champions League finals in four years, as happened a decade ago, but that hardly seems too high a price to pay when the whole country watches football, can still afford a half-time beer and sausage, and does not have to put up with Mike Ashley or Sky trailers.

 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2009/nov/22/bundesliga-premier-league-club-ownership

 

Exactly the way it should be.

[Teasy]

Well us being a 2nd rate club what else do you suggest?

 

That signing only adds more evidence that there is no transfer kitty and Llambias was just running his mouth again. Right wing was one of our biggest priorities, arguably the biggest and it's been filled by an out of contract player turned down by Sheff Utd.

 

It may have been opportunism but it seems more likely we're scraping the bottom of the barrel. That's that spot sealed for the rest of the season. Looking at the rest of the squad, there's nowhere where you can see them spending a million without selling first. If there was anywhere to spend that money it was right wing and they haven't done it. There's nothing in the kitty.

 

Signing a good Championship winger, or a young up and coming winger would have been in keeping with the policy Llambias said he's operating. His exact words were 16 - 22 year olds I believe.

 

It doesn't add any evidence.  The transfer window isn't even open, so if we want a player for a problem position now then its a free or an emergency loan, there are no other options.

 

By the way, Sheffield United passed up the chance to sign him because his agent wanted a £75k fee to for them to sign the player on a loan for 6 months.  Clearly by there managers words they did actually want to sign him on a free.

[binnsy]

In fairness I think his recent interviews with Radio Newcastle were about as open as any club chairman could be but whatever he says he'll be criticised by most.

It really has reached a point where he's damned if he speaks and damned if he doesn't and this is bound to lead to a reticence to communicate.

Thet said the presentation (e.g. stadium sponsorship) leaves a lot to be desired.

 

Which interviews are you referring to?

 

His interviews have been as clear as mud and give absolutely nothing away at a time when the fans and perhaps most importantly the players want some idea of the club's direction. Communication is crucial in the club's current state. We've been in limbo for 18 months, the club was recently taken off the market with no real explanation. The stadium name has been changed with the excuse of 'showcasing the brand' while keeping the name, despite tagging 'stadium' the end. No explanation for this, nor any explanation as to where the increased revenue would go if we found a sponsor. We lost players in the summer who grew disillusioned and it's his job to come out and reassure people that short- and long-term plans are in place. At worst his interviews are outright lying and at best they fail to inform anyone of anything. For example he said he'd back Hughton if he wanted a player for a million and in the same breath said he'd prefer if Hughton came to him for loan signings, while saying he is looking at the list Hughton has given him already. It's unconvincing bollocks and if it carries on there'll be more players looking for the exits.

 

Maybe the Fabrice Pancrate signing is an example of Ashley's financial backing of Hughton. I doubt many other 2nd tier clubs could afford him.

 

No i don't think its an example of Ashley's financial backing of Hughton,  picked up a free agent on a short term deal.  I think most clubs in the 2nd tier could afford him,  after all he was unemployed and we are 2 third of the way into the season, any club wanting him would be in the driving seat when it came down to the negotiating stage.

[ohmelads]

It doesn't add any evidence.  The transfer window isn't even open, so if we want a player for a problem position now then its a free or an emergency loan, there are no other options.

 

By the way, Sheffield United passed up the chance to sign him because his agent wanted a £75k fee to for them to sign the player on a loan for 6 months.  Clearly by there managers words they did actually want to sign him on a free.

 

They would not have handed him a contract if there were plans to sign a winger in January, would they? Right wing was the last remaining first team spot.

 

Do you honestly believe they will invest money in signings without selling first? When was the last time we did that?