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Mike Ashley


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Guest Roger Kint

There's nothing to stop him taking the TV cash out of the club (for himself) It's what the Oyston's have been doing at Blackpool, for the last 3-4 years.

 

Isn't he already doing that?

 

 

 

:lol:

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So are Rangers expected to go back up this season? Season after would be a reasonable amount to wait to see if they've got enough to stay up before buying, I suppose? sorry haven't read this thread after the announcement, but that seems like an oddly specific time to announce so it feels like there should be some reasoning behind it.

 

If Rangers don't get a buyer soon they'll be in admin again

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If someone comes along with the right offer he'll sell, it doesn't matter what statement is released by the club. The first thing to remember is to disregard almost everything this "dictatorship" releases info wise.

 

If and when the sale happens it'll happen almost as quickly as when Ashley bought it. As in, you won't hear anything in the lead up.

 

 

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http://www.nufc.co.uk/articles/20100509/nufc-statement_2281670_2047576

 

Finances

The Club presented its financial report to Companies House this April for the year 2008/2009. The financial report shows that there was an operating loss of £37.7 million for that year and an estimated loss for 2009/2010 of £32.5 million. Newcastle United also has an overdraft of £20 million that is fully committed. It is clear to the Board that no organisation can be successful, until the financial position is stabilised.

The Board have therefore structured a five year plan in which the ultimate goal will be to ensure that the club is run at a "break even" manner by the year 2015/2016. The club also wishes it to be known; in an effort to stop the untrue rumours and stories that emanate from outside Newcastle United that:

• The Board have set a five year plan to promote core values of credibility, viability and sustainability both on and off the field of play at Newcastle United.

The Board will concentrate on Newcastle United's stability by promoting from within where possible.

 

Hopefully this doesn't translate as our next manager being John Carver or Peter Beardsley.

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http://www.nufc.co.uk/articles/20100509/nufc-statement_2281670_2047576

 

Finances

The Club presented its financial report to Companies House this April for the year 2008/2009. The financial report shows that there was an operating loss of £37.7 million for that year and an estimated loss for 2009/2010 of £32.5 million. Newcastle United also has an overdraft of £20 million that is fully committed. It is clear to the Board that no organisation can be successful, until the financial position is stabilised.

The Board have therefore structured a five year plan in which the ultimate goal will be to ensure that the club is run at a "break even" manner by the year 2015/2016. The club also wishes it to be known; in an effort to stop the untrue rumours and stories that emanate from outside Newcastle United that:

• The Board have set a five year plan to promote core values of credibility, viability and sustainability both on and off the field of play at Newcastle United.

The Board will concentrate on Newcastle United's stability by promoting from within where possible.

 

Hopefully this doesn't translate as our next manager being John Carver or Peter Beardsley.

 

They're so utterly clueless and terrified of appointing anyone "from outside" that it wouldn't surprise me.

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Guest thenorthumbrian

Simon Bird bought some shares in Sports Direct in order that he could ask Ashley some questions at S***** D***** annual general meeting.

A couple of the terse answers comfirmed what I think we were aware of but are confirmed here, firstly that the club shop profits go directly to SD and the mass SD advertising around St James is free. Newcastle United are run for the benefit of Ashley and his company and United and it's fans are being mugs of. Could a supporters group and other journailsts buy shares and turn up at the next AGM to pile more pressure on Ashley ?...

 

 

 

Pass the Mike: Ashley talked to the media after five years, but not for very long

Mike Ashley shuffled in his seat, rubbed his chin, and paused as he pondered his first question from a reporter, possibly ever.

 

Being charitable, you might say the Newcastle United owner and billionaire was thinking carefully.

 

Others might have concluded he was squirming in his deputy chairman seat at the Sports Direct AGM on Wednesday afternoon.

 

The pause, the embarrassing silence, lasted 27 awkward seconds.

 

Fellow board members glanced his way, concerned. But none of his executives jumped in to bail him out.

 

Was he going to walk out of his own AGM, or stay and do what he loathes the most... speak to a journalist?

 

There was no possibility of a quick banning order, like some reporters have suffered at St James’ Park. No chance to negotiate a cash for questions deal, the likes of which he has tried to strike with newspapers for access to interviews with the Magpies' players.

 

Reluctantly Ashley, wearing a Sports Direct polo shirt and jeans among the FTSE 100 suits, spoke.

 

He said: “Other than to say that it’s been beneficial to Sports Direct and therefore its shareholders, I don’t think it’s appropriate to comment.”

 

It was a start.

 

These were his first words on Newcastle United since a 1,600 word written statement following relegation in 2009.

 

I’ve tried to talk to him in the past. First at a pre-season friendly in Majorca in 2008, when he was ushered away. The second time was last year, also in Auditorium D of Sports Direct’s 1 million square metre HQ on Shirebrook, but questions were blocked to non shareholders.

 

This time, I was armed with a magical shareholders’ yellow card, ensuring rights to question the board, and of course, Ashley.

 

This was unusual territory for Ashley, one of the most enigmatic, private, publicity-shunning, successful figures in business.

 

He’s built up Sports Direct from one shop to 24,000 employees and a £2.7 billion turnover. With his spare cash he bought Newcastle, for £134million and gave a £129m interest free loan, while turning it into a profitable club.

 

He’s also bought into Scottish giants Rangers, who are desperate for cash.

 

Newcastle fans, and supporters of Rangers, where he has a 10 per cent stake and secured the naming rights to Ibrox for £1, want questions answered.

 

Like, 'Why do Sports Direct not pay Newcastle United for the dozens of their adverts around St James’ Park?' And, 'How much would that advertising worth if it was sold to another company?'

 

Ashley’s response?

 

“I think I summed it all up in my previous statement. Those relationships are very beneficial to Sports Direct and its shareholders. And I think that nothing else needs to be said.”

 

Ashley's Sports Direct chain is advertised prominently throughout St James' Park

 

Will Ibrox be renamed the Sports Direct Arena, like St James’ Park was temporarily?

 

“I’ll only answer the same answer that I answered before,” said Ashley.

 

At one point, Chair Keith Hellawell intervened: “This is really isn’t for the Annual General Meeting of this company. I think in relation to what Manchester United, sorry Newcastle United, and Rangers gain, you’d have to ask them. There’s no-one from the board of those companies here.”

 

Actually, as was then pointed out, there was a board member available... Mike Ashley, the owner.

 

MirrorFootball: “We are talking about a massive company and two of the largest football clubs in Britain. It’s an interesting relationship that’s being forged. As I shareholder I’m exploring the relationship between two very large football institutions and Sports Direct, a very large and successful company. That’s why I’m asking these questions...

 

Hellawell: “I do understand that and I understand your frustration. Please accept we’re trying to be as helpful as we can...”

 

Some detail eventually came from an aide when the AGM has finished.

 

Newcastle’s retail arm, which has been taken over by Sports Direct is worth £3.4m of business the company. That’s £3.4m off Newcastle’s turnover, including whatever profit it brings.

 

Rangers retail business, now in the hands of Sports Direct, is worth £3.8m in turnover.

 

So Ashley has, at last, faced some questions. But more answers are needed to satisfy the supporters of Newcastle and Rangers...

 

Transcript of exchanges between Mike Ashley and reporters at Sports Direct's AGM, regarding Newcastle and Rangers

Q: "I’d like to address a question to Mr Ashley, please. I wonder if he could explain the benefits to Sports Direct in its relationship with Newcastle United and Rangers."

 

Pause of 27 seconds

 

A: “Other than to say than it's been beneficial to Sports Direct and therefore its shareholders, I don't think it’s appropriate to comment.”

 

Q: "Newcastle have said publicly, for example, that Sports Direct don’t pay for any stadium advertising or perimeter advertising at St James' Park - and there’s obviously a lot of it - and I wonder what the benefit is to you and whether you could give a rough estimate of what it’s worth in financial terms please."

 

A: “I think I summed it all up in my previous statement. Those relationships are very beneficial to Sports Direct and its shareholders. And I think that nothing else needs to be said."

 

Q “With due respect, can I then reverse the question? What is the benefit to the relationship they have with Sports Direct for Newcastle United, in which you are the owner, and Rangers, in which you have a shareholding? What is the benefit to those institutions?"

 

Keith Hallawell intervenes:

 

“This is really… That isn’t for the Annual General Meeting of this company. The first question was, in relation to what benefit the company gain from that. I think in relation to what Manchester United, sorry Newcastle United, and Rangers gain, you’d have to ask them. There’s no-one from the board of those companies here. It’s not to do with this company."

 

Q: "Well, there is one member on the board (Ashley)."

 

Another director: “Yes, but this is a Sports Direct annual general meeting."

 

Q: “I know. I’m aware of that. I was just correcting that error. Can I direct a question to Mr Ashley? Sports Direct now process and profit from the shirt sales and merchandising through Newcastle United, the website and the club shop. Can you explain how much this trade is worth? Is it a significant part of the business to Sports Direct and do you, Newcastle, share in that profit?

 

Ashley: “I’ll only answer the same answer as I gave before."

 

Q. "Okay. A follow-up question. A Rangers director stated last week that Mr Ashley had bought the naming rights to Ibrox two years ago for £1. First question, is this true? Second question, St James’ Park was once named Sports Direct Arena and the suggestion is the same could happen to Ibrox. Could he comment on that?

 

A: “I’ll only answer the same answer that I answered before.”

 

Q: “Okay, thank you."

 

PA

 

 

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/after-five-years-silence-newcastle-4197405#ixzz3D7P1XswT

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The point that keeps coming into my head is Mike Ashley only cares about Sports Direct. Bring Pardew hatred + Sports Direct together and it'll make him sweat. He'd get shot of Pardew or turn quicker on Pardew if the two start meshing.

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If someone offered him £350m for the club on Monday morning he'd be out of the door by lunchtime. His statements are bullshit.

 

I actually think it'd have to be closer to 1/2 £1bn tbh

 

Point being that he'd sell in an instant if the money was offered. He, more than anyone else, knows the price of everything and the value of nothing. If someone was daft enough to offer him big money he'd accept immediately. His bullshit PR means nothing, it's more lies.

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If someone offered him £350m for the club on Monday morning he'd be out of the door by lunchtime. His statements are bullshit.

 

I actually think it'd have to be closer to 1/2 £1bn tbh

 

Point being that he'd sell in an instant if the money was offered. He, more than anyone else, knows the price of everything and the value of nothing. If someone was daft enough to offer him big money he'd accept immediately. His bullshit PR means nothing, it's more lies.

 

Sorry yep I meant to put that I agree with your point, just differed on rough valuation.

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Guest Number 37

Someone should have a word with these Americans who want to buy spurs. Don't waste your billion on a club that haven't built their 50000 capacity stadium. Come and buy a team for half the money with a big stadium already in place.

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If someone offered him £350m for the club on Monday morning he'd be out of the door by lunchtime. His statements are bullshit.

 

You are probably right but it doesn't look like anyone is interested...Yanks still interested in Spurs at almost 1Bn, but then, Yanks think the UK is London and sadly these days they are right.

We are an anachronism - a provincial club which, despite a lack of trophies going back 45 years, has maintained its support at a high level whereas similar clubs who were once giants in the game, like Sheff Weds and Wolves, have disappeared almost without trace at the highest level. Only Man U/Man C and the Scousers now really represent the North in having a realistic chance of winning anything and by the time Ashley goes, NUFC will be well on the way to following the fallen clubs down a similar track.

Already, we have heard that many fans have asked their kids if they want to go only to be told that these kids are now interested in the successful teams in other areas...these will be the first true 'Lost fans' generation and once that happens, its curtains.

Ashley has done a brilliant job for his mates at Spurs by getting us out of the way as a possible challenger to them....we are a long way from the days when one of the Charlton brothers was on This is Your Life and one of their young cousins was asked whether they supported Man U(Bobby)or Leeds(Jack)...he replied, 'Neither - only Newcastle..!'....

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