Mike Ashley

[Andymc1]

I can't agree with you. You're arguing that advertising is pointless - it's an outrageous argument.

[Dr Venkman]

Can someone post Sir John Halls quote about why Ashley bought the club?

[Wullie]

Sports Direct has, at times, been the main news on Sky Sports News for days on end, it made the front page of national newspapers, it made the main BBC headlines when he renamed the ground.

 

And that has had absolutely no effect advertising-wise? Some absolute fucking crackers on here like.

[Minhosa]

I can't agree with you. You're arguing that advertising is pointless - it's an outrageous argument.

 

I'm only speaking from a personal point of view but I don't watch a match in our stadium and see their signs and suddenly think 'I must pick those cheap shin pads up next time I'm passing SD', in the same way I don't think 'I must change to Barclays Bank' every time I hear about the Premiership or neck a can of Carling every time I hear about the 'Carling Cup'.

 

Perhaps it's part of a wider SD campaign (?) but I think it's affect would be negligible in terms of the bigger picture footfall numbers.

 

That business, in the midst of a recession, was only ever going to grow and rapidly at that. A blind man could see it. Cheap stuff when people have less money, during Olympic time etc. I don't think a boat load of banners at the ground had any bearing on that.

[Dr Venkman]

Honestly man, we've got a team full of French players and French SD adverts on the billboards at games and people think he just changed the name of the stadium, covered the gallowgate roof, ruined the Newcastle United sign and has countless (unless you're Dave) SD billboards in the ground.......for the craic.

[SEMTEX]

I can't agree with you. You're arguing that advertising is pointless - it's an outrageous argument.

 

I'm only speaking from a personal point of view but I don't watch a match in our stadium and see their signs and suddenly think 'I must pick those cheap shin pads up next time I'm passing SD', in the same way I don't think 'I must change to Barclays Bank' every time I hear about the Premiership or neck a can of Carling every time I hear about the 'Carling Cup'.

 

Perhaps it's part of a wider SD campaign (?) but I think it's affect would be negligible in terms of the bigger picture footfall numbers.

 

That business, in the midst of a recession, was only ever going to grow and rapidly at that. A blind man could see it. Cheap stuff when people have less money, during Olympic time etc. I don't think a boat load of banners at the ground had any bearing on that.

 

It's not meant to be hypnotizing you into immediately dropping a couple grand on Lonsdale Boxers, it's giving you an awareness of the company. So when it comes to you needing X, the first thing you think of is Sports Direct.

 

It's the same as that WEBUYANYCAR bullshit. You hear that filthy fucking advert on the radio, and you hate every cunt responsible for it. But then as soon as you want to get rid of your 30 year old Vauxhall Nova, WEBUYANYCAR DOT COM WEBUYANYCAR DOT COM WEBUYANYCAR DOT COM ANY ANY ANY ANY

[Dr Venkman]

 

I can't agree with you. You're arguing that advertising is pointless - it's an outrageous argument.

 

I'm only speaking from a personal point of view but I don't watch a match in our stadium and see their signs and suddenly think 'I must pick those cheap shin pads up next time I'm passing SD', in the same way I don't think 'I must change to Barclays Bank' every time I hear about the Premiership or neck a can of Carling every time I hear about the 'Carling Cup'.

 

Perhaps it's part of a wider SD campaign (?) but I think it's affect would be negligible in terms of the bigger picture footfall numbers.

 

That business, in the midst of a recession, was only ever going to grow and rapidly at that. A blind man could see it. Cheap stuff when people have less money, during Olympic time etc. I don't think a boat load of banners at the ground had any bearing on that.

 

You don't understand advertising.

[Dr Colossus]

There are basically no other sportswear outlets apart from SD now, that's got to help as well.

[Wullie]

There are basically no other sportswear outlets apart from SD now, that's got to help as well.

 

Why doesn't he pull all the ads from the ground in that case? Job done.

[Wullie]

I can't agree with you. You're arguing that advertising is pointless - it's an outrageous argument.

 

I'm only speaking from a personal point of view but I don't watch a match in our stadium and see their signs and suddenly think 'I must pick those cheap shin pads up next time I'm passing SD', in the same way I don't think 'I must change to Barclays Bank' every time I hear about the Premiership or neck a can of Carling every time I hear about the 'Carling Cup'.

 

Perhaps it's part of a wider SD campaign (?) but I think it's affect would be negligible in terms of the bigger picture footfall numbers.

 

That business, in the midst of a recession, was only ever going to grow and rapidly at that. A blind man could see it. Cheap stuff when people have less money, during Olympic time etc. I don't think a boat load of banners at the ground had any bearing on that.

 

It's not meant to be hypnotizing you into immediately dropping a couple grand on Lonsdale Boxers, it's giving you an awareness of the company. So when it comes to you needing X, the first thing you think of is Sports Direct.

 

It's the same as that WEBUYANYCAR bullshit. You hear that filthy fucking advert on the radio, and you hate every cunt responsible for it. But then as soon as you want to get rid of your 30 year old Vauxhall Nova, WEBUYANYCAR DOT COM WEBUYANYCAR DOT COM WEBUYANYCAR DOT COM ANY ANY ANY ANY

 

[JH]

 

SEMTEX is spot on mind.

[Dr Venkman]

There are basically no other sportswear outlets apart from SD now, that's got to help as well.

 

No-one's denying that. A few have already said you can't quantify how much Ashley owning NUFC will have benefitted SD, and they're correct. But to think that this level of exposure (NUFC has been directly associated with SD for five years) in the premier league will only have a negligible affect on brand awareness is mental, imo. Bear in mind that a football club is the perfect vehicle for a tacky sportswear shop as well.

[quayside]

Sports Direct has, at times, been the main news on Sky Sports News for days on end, it made the front page of national newspapers, it made the main BBC headlines when he renamed the ground.

 

And that has had absolutely no effect advertising-wise? Some absolute f***ing crackers on here like.

 

So tell us what effect it has had? Do you think more people go into Ashley's stores because of that? Most people who offer an opinion on it think it was cheap, tacky and denigrated a great football club. Just because someone has a different opinion to you doesn't mean they are "fucking crackers" btw.

[Andymc1]

I can't agree with you. You're arguing that advertising is pointless - it's an outrageous argument.

 

I'm only speaking from a personal point of view but I don't watch a match in our stadium and see their signs and suddenly think 'I must pick those cheap shin pads up next time I'm passing SD', in the same way I don't think 'I must change to Barclays Bank' every time I hear about the Premiership or neck a can of Carling every time I hear about the 'Carling Cup'.

 

Perhaps it's part of a wider SD campaign (?) but I think it's affect would be negligible in terms of the bigger picture footfall numbers.

 

That business, in the midst of a recession, was only ever going to grow and rapidly at that. A blind man could see it. Cheap stuff when people have less money, during Olympic time etc. I don't think a boat load of banners at the ground had any bearing on that.

 

It's not meant to be hypnotizing you into immediately dropping a couple grand on Lonsdale Boxers, it's giving you an awareness of the company. So when it comes to you needing X, the first thing you think of is Sports Direct.

 

It's the same as that WEBUYANYCAR bullshit. You hear that filthy f***ing advert on the radio, and you hate every c*** responsible for it. But then as soon as you want to get rid of your 30 year old Vauxhall Nova, WEBUYANYCAR DOT COM WEBUYANYCAR DOT COM WEBUYANYCAR DOT COM ANY ANY ANY ANY

 

 

[Dr Venkman]

 

Sports Direct has, at times, been the main news on Sky Sports News for days on end, it made the front page of national newspapers, it made the main BBC headlines when he renamed the ground.

 

And that has had absolutely no effect advertising-wise? Some absolute f***ing crackers on here like.

 

So tell us what effect it has had? Do you think more people go into Ashley's stores because of that? Most people who offer an opinion on it think it was cheap, tacky and denigrated a great football club. Just because someone has a different opinion to you doesn't mean they are "fucking crackers" btw.

 

Yes, and more people have visited sportsdirect.com and sportsdirect.fr as a result as well.

[Wullie]

Sports Direct has, at times, been the main news on Sky Sports News for days on end, it made the front page of national newspapers, it made the main BBC headlines when he renamed the ground.

 

And that has had absolutely no effect advertising-wise? Some absolute f***ing crackers on here like.

 

So tell us what effect it has had? Do you think more people go into Ashley's stores because of that? Most people who offer an opinion on it think it was cheap, tacky and denigrated a great football club. Just because someone has a different opinion to you doesn't mean they are "fucking crackers" btw.

 

More people will go into shops they've heard of, yes.

 

Anybody who thinks advertising doesn't work is indeed fucking crackers.

[Andymc1]

Pre takeover I'd never been to a SD store. Post takeover I've been in numerous times for football equipment. This isn't by chance, it's because I've became aware of the place and what products it sells. I only knew this information due to the adverts in newspapers/tele/SJP. I'm one of millions in the same boat.

[Superior Acuña]

Absolutely bewildered by people thinking SD exposure through NUFC has been negligible. It may have been succesful without it, but it's undoubtedly played a significant role. Anyone interested in the PL is exposed to it way more than any rival just by reading the sports news pages or seeing our stadium. Even many of us with our negative impressions, when I think of needing to go to a sports shop I'd immediately think of SD and have gone numerous times as a result. I can't think of any way I've been exposed to SD apart from through NUFC and passing the shop (the latter of which does't happen more than I pass JD, or until recently, JJB).

[Minhosa]

I can't agree with you. You're arguing that advertising is pointless - it's an outrageous argument.

 

I'm only speaking from a personal point of view but I don't watch a match in our stadium and see their signs and suddenly think 'I must pick those cheap shin pads up next time I'm passing SD', in the same way I don't think 'I must change to Barclays Bank' every time I hear about the Premiership or neck a can of Carling every time I hear about the 'Carling Cup'.

 

Perhaps it's part of a wider SD campaign (?) but I think it's affect would be negligible in terms of the bigger picture footfall numbers.

 

That business, in the midst of a recession, was only ever going to grow and rapidly at that. A blind man could see it. Cheap stuff when people have less money, during Olympic time etc. I don't think a boat load of banners at the ground had any bearing on that.

 

It's not meant to be hypnotizing you into immediately dropping a couple grand on Lonsdale Boxers, it's giving you an awareness of the company. So when it comes to you needing X, the first thing you think of is Sports Direct.

 

It's the same as that WEBUYANYCAR bullshit. You hear that filthy fucking advert on the radio, and you hate every cunt responsible for it. But then as soon as you want to get rid of your 30 year old Vauxhall Nova, WEBUYANYCAR DOT COM WEBUYANYCAR DOT COM WEBUYANYCAR DOT COM ANY ANY ANY ANY

 

Understand that but does a brand that's xxx% cheaper than anyone else in their market, on every street corner, in a sector where they've pretty much got the monopoly actually need the exposure he's gained from NUFC, including all the negative stuff too and is that actually dragging more people through the doors than if it weren't the case?

 

Edit - surely £200m could buy loads more 'exposure' if it's required?

[Andymc1]

I can't agree with you. You're arguing that advertising is pointless - it's an outrageous argument.

 

I'm only speaking from a personal point of view but I don't watch a match in our stadium and see their signs and suddenly think 'I must pick those cheap shin pads up next time I'm passing SD', in the same way I don't think 'I must change to Barclays Bank' every time I hear about the Premiership or neck a can of Carling every time I hear about the 'Carling Cup'.

 

Perhaps it's part of a wider SD campaign (?) but I think it's affect would be negligible in terms of the bigger picture footfall numbers.

 

That business, in the midst of a recession, was only ever going to grow and rapidly at that. A blind man could see it. Cheap stuff when people have less money, during Olympic time etc. I don't think a boat load of banners at the ground had any bearing on that.

 

It's not meant to be hypnotizing you into immediately dropping a couple grand on Lonsdale Boxers, it's giving you an awareness of the company. So when it comes to you needing X, the first thing you think of is Sports Direct.

 

It's the same as that WEBUYANYCAR bullshit. You hear that filthy f***ing advert on the radio, and you hate every c*** responsible for it. But then as soon as you want to get rid of your 30 year old Vauxhall Nova, WEBUYANYCAR DOT COM WEBUYANYCAR DOT COM WEBUYANYCAR DOT COM ANY ANY ANY ANY

 

Understand that but does a brand that's xxx% cheaper than anyone else in their market, on every street corner, in a sector where they've pretty much got the monopoly actually need the exposure he's gained from NUFC, including all the negative stuff too and is that actually dragging more people through the doors than if it weren't the case?

 

As already explained, I used to by sports equipment from online stores and the odd time JJB. Now, I don't think twice about it - straight to SD. This isn't by chance.

[Minhosa]

I can't agree with you. You're arguing that advertising is pointless - it's an outrageous argument.

 

I'm only speaking from a personal point of view but I don't watch a match in our stadium and see their signs and suddenly think 'I must pick those cheap shin pads up next time I'm passing SD', in the same way I don't think 'I must change to Barclays Bank' every time I hear about the Premiership or neck a can of Carling every time I hear about the 'Carling Cup'.

 

Perhaps it's part of a wider SD campaign (?) but I think it's affect would be negligible in terms of the bigger picture footfall numbers.

 

That business, in the midst of a recession, was only ever going to grow and rapidly at that. A blind man could see it. Cheap stuff when people have less money, during Olympic time etc. I don't think a boat load of banners at the ground had any bearing on that.

 

It's not meant to be hypnotizing you into immediately dropping a couple grand on Lonsdale Boxers, it's giving you an awareness of the company. So when it comes to you needing X, the first thing you think of is Sports Direct.

 

It's the same as that WEBUYANYCAR bullshit. You hear that filthy f***ing advert on the radio, and you hate every c*** responsible for it. But then as soon as you want to get rid of your 30 year old Vauxhall Nova, WEBUYANYCAR DOT COM WEBUYANYCAR DOT COM WEBUYANYCAR DOT COM ANY ANY ANY ANY

 

Understand that but does a brand that's xxx% cheaper than anyone else in their market, on every street corner, in a sector where they've pretty much got the monopoly actually need the exposure he's gained from NUFC, including all the negative stuff too and is that actually dragging more people through the doors than if it weren't the case?

 

As already explained, I used to by sports equipment from online stores and the odd time JJB. Now, I don't think twice about it - straight to SD. This isn't by chance.

 

JJB is gone and SD (I assume, don't shop there) is probably the cheapest outlet online for this stuff? Surely you would've stumbled upon it anyway - no?

[Andymc1]

I can't agree with you. You're arguing that advertising is pointless - it's an outrageous argument.

 

I'm only speaking from a personal point of view but I don't watch a match in our stadium and see their signs and suddenly think 'I must pick those cheap shin pads up next time I'm passing SD', in the same way I don't think 'I must change to Barclays Bank' every time I hear about the Premiership or neck a can of Carling every time I hear about the 'Carling Cup'.

 

Perhaps it's part of a wider SD campaign (?) but I think it's affect would be negligible in terms of the bigger picture footfall numbers.

 

That business, in the midst of a recession, was only ever going to grow and rapidly at that. A blind man could see it. Cheap stuff when people have less money, during Olympic time etc. I don't think a boat load of banners at the ground had any bearing on that.

 

It's not meant to be hypnotizing you into immediately dropping a couple grand on Lonsdale Boxers, it's giving you an awareness of the company. So when it comes to you needing X, the first thing you think of is Sports Direct.

 

It's the same as that WEBUYANYCAR bullshit. You hear that filthy f***ing advert on the radio, and you hate every c*** responsible for it. But then as soon as you want to get rid of your 30 year old Vauxhall Nova, WEBUYANYCAR DOT COM WEBUYANYCAR DOT COM WEBUYANYCAR DOT COM ANY ANY ANY ANY

 

Understand that but does a brand that's xxx% cheaper than anyone else in their market, on every street corner, in a sector where they've pretty much got the monopoly actually need the exposure he's gained from NUFC, including all the negative stuff too and is that actually dragging more people through the doors than if it weren't the case?

 

Edit - surely £200m could buy loads more 'exposure' if it's required?

 

How many people watch Premier League football? The amount of exposure is phenomenal. By owning a Football Club he is hitting his target audience. A sports stadium/club is the best place to advertise a sports shop.

[Andymc1]

I can't agree with you. You're arguing that advertising is pointless - it's an outrageous argument.

 

I'm only speaking from a personal point of view but I don't watch a match in our stadium and see their signs and suddenly think 'I must pick those cheap shin pads up next time I'm passing SD', in the same way I don't think 'I must change to Barclays Bank' every time I hear about the Premiership or neck a can of Carling every time I hear about the 'Carling Cup'.

 

Perhaps it's part of a wider SD campaign (?) but I think it's affect would be negligible in terms of the bigger picture footfall numbers.

 

That business, in the midst of a recession, was only ever going to grow and rapidly at that. A blind man could see it. Cheap stuff when people have less money, during Olympic time etc. I don't think a boat load of banners at the ground had any bearing on that.

 

It's not meant to be hypnotizing you into immediately dropping a couple grand on Lonsdale Boxers, it's giving you an awareness of the company. So when it comes to you needing X, the first thing you think of is Sports Direct.

 

It's the same as that WEBUYANYCAR bullshit. You hear that filthy f***ing advert on the radio, and you hate every c*** responsible for it. But then as soon as you want to get rid of your 30 year old Vauxhall Nova, WEBUYANYCAR DOT COM WEBUYANYCAR DOT COM WEBUYANYCAR DOT COM ANY ANY ANY ANY

 

Understand that but does a brand that's xxx% cheaper than anyone else in their market, on every street corner, in a sector where they've pretty much got the monopoly actually need the exposure he's gained from NUFC, including all the negative stuff too and is that actually dragging more people through the doors than if it weren't the case?

 

As already explained, I used to by sports equipment from online stores and the odd time JJB. Now, I don't think twice about it - straight to SD. This isn't by chance.

 

JJB is gone and SD (I assume, don't shop there) is probably the cheapest outlet online for this stuff? Surely you would've stumbled upon it anyway - no?

 

I would have continued to use Pro Direct Soccer. Without the adverts I never shopped there, with the adverts I regularly go there. It isn't rocket science - why do you think so much money is spent on advertising if we'd all just 'stumble upon it anyway'?

[Interpolic]

http://www.nufc.co.uk/page/Club/Commercial/OurPartners

 

 

 

 

On the more general subject, it's easy to see why it is in Ashleys interests to keep NUFC revenues as low as possible whilst maximising SD revenues by whatever dirty tricks he can manage.

 

That way he can keep us owing him a hundred million whilst boosting the profits and share price of SD. Also, it justifies nil expenditure at NUFC.

 

Man's an utter shitcunt, and anyone who willingly gives him another single penny needs their head looked at.

 

The less we make in profit and the more he can use us to make money for Sports Direct, the less money he has to justify "trousering" to service the debt that saved us.

 

It's starting to come together now.

 

That's exactly it.

 

I know I keep banging this drum but Sports Direct share price rose to an all time high today of over £7 a pop, 20 times more valuable than the day he bought NUFC.

 

I'm with you on that to a degree, but also must point out that NUFC alone hasn't seen the share price multiply by 20 and this is why you keep seeing people like Ian jumping on your point and trivialising it.  There are other factors in it of course, and I don't have loads of knowledge on this, but you'd guess the fact SD has gradually killed off many of its rivals to the extent they're not trading anymore, the economic climate driving people to cheaper goods above all else, SD stepping up other marketing/PR efforts, Ashley buying up more sportswear companies to increase profit margins, etc - it all plays a part in making SD more attractive on the stock market.

 

I'm sure the Newcastle connection has served them well and deserves its place as one of those factors though, especially with the global reach of the Premier League.

 

That was my view on it a few months back and it's still my view now.  To argue that Ashley's other company has garnered no benefit from his connection with us is pretty crazy and the only way it's not being completely laughed out is that it's sort of intangible and we'll never know how SD would have fared otherwise.

 

I like the idea that only new products and highly targeted campaigns can really thrive from advertising/PR like, that's a good one - somebody get on the phone to Coca-Cola, Red Bull, Pepsi, M&S, etc because you'll make a fucking fortune on consulting fees when you tell them you can cut their costs to a fraction of what they are at present without any discernable effect on their revenue/profit.

[Mick]

 

Understand that but does a brand that's xxx% cheaper than anyone else in their market, on every street corner, in a sector where they've pretty much got the monopoly actually need the exposure he's gained from NUFC, including all the negative stuff too and is that actually dragging more people through the doors than if it weren't the case?

 

Edit - surely £200m could buy loads more 'exposure' if it's required?

 

£200 million gets you two Gareth Bales.    The negative publicity for Ashley is only negative to us, most people don't give a shit about it.