Alan Pardew

[Deuce]

This season is where we find out what he's really like. He's got a squad far better than the one he started with last season. He's had a bad season to learn a few things. If there's anything about him we'll find out this year. He's got a squad more than capable of finishing top 8. Let's see if he can do it.

 

I'm skeptical. But we'll see I suppose.

[Big Geordie]

Have a read fellas. Hard to disagree with anything that is said here;

 

http://onbarrackroad.com/2013/08/16/the-big-lie/

 

Who had heard of him?

 

Did we even care?

 

He had that word in his name…

 

“Billionaire”

 

The phrase “better the devil you know” has been thrown about a lot recently, particularly in regards to Pardew’s end of season popularity off-set by Kinnear’s unwanted presence. But in the case of our owners it does not apply, the phrase itself only appears when one isn’t happy with the current situation, it suggests settling rather than trying to better oneself. Of course settling with Shepherd wasn’t exactly where we were heading as he’d managed to jeopardise our future through the Summer of Souness before allowing Sam Allardyce to buy a series of has-beens for the princely sum of far too much. Not forgetting the secret Gibraltar offices and ludicrous salaries in the name of nepotism.

 

Without them however, we might not have had the beauty of the Keegan teams, the confidence of Robsons’. They helped shape the club through the Premier League era, it just leaves a sour taste when the surprise debt Mike Ashley acquired, is almost the same amount of money the Hall’s and Shepherd’s walked away with. Coincidence?

 

But six years on after the most lucrative television deal in the history of the game, after nearly getting relegated, we find ourselves on the eve of a season having spent money on no one – A youngster and a loanee are the only additions, both of which may never play a senior game.

 

The Journal newspaper ran this in March,

 

“The Journal understands that Newcastle are hoping to dodge the long-running “sagas” that have blighted them over the last two close seasons, and are preparing bids for young players and the three “purples” that they want to add to their squad this summer.”

 

and

 

“Boosted by the club’s excellent financial results he is set to put a significant chunk of the TV windfall behind efforts to return United to the top eight next year.”

 

You’ll find the Journal often begins stories with “The Journal understands…” but it is abundantly clear that the only thing they understand is how to maintain contact with the man who peddles Mike Ashley’s rhetoric that we are club that can not compete. It’s a pointless rag, a waste of chip wrapper.

 

The constant and constant suggestion that we can not compete with the top six on a financial footing was bad enough, but for our manager to suggest we can’t compete with Southampton and Swansea is a step too far. The issue is that we can’t compete because we aren’t allowed, shackled by an owner who wants minimum spend and maximum publicity.

 

It’s not about success. For the last three seasons we’ve been humiliated in the FA Cup by Stevenage and Brighton, twice. A humiliation that soon became disbelief as our manager blamed unprepared youth products and fictitious European slumps. The man lies, he is a liar, why does he talk about honesty so much? He recently claimed that he has never blamed the players or the fans, though his post-match interviews after Brighton and Reading respectively would argue otherwise, maybe he’s just forgetful.

 

The integrity of the man as a manager is close to non-existent, but what do you expect from someone who finds himself in a position he doesn’t deserve, peddling lies from the top keeps him employed.

 

I believe his job description is to keep the club in the Premier League…nothing else. We already know how they feel about Europe. It’s a burden that reaps no financial gain in the Europa League format, so why risk relegation again with such a nuisance as travelling to the likes of Lisbon, Brugge, and Bordeaux.

 

His main concern is selling the big lie, and to not get found out that he has no control over anything. He’s the Joesph Goebbels to Ashley’s Hitler if you will. The big lie involves the idea that the masses are more likely to believe a big lie than a small one, whilst never admitting that you’re wrong, pass blame onto others, and repeat.

 

“We can not compete”

 

“We can not compete”

 

You ********.

 

He has stripped us back to bystanders, he wants us numb to his actions and it’s happening. When normally anger would be my go-to feeling at the current incompetence, I now feel flat, helpless, devoid of hope and optimism. The romanticised vision of supporting clubs is that sense of belonging, to your city, to your team. It’s not ours though, it never was, but at least we weren’t constantly told we were less than what we were.

 

Publicity through minimal spend is Ashley’s plan. The sponsorship of Wonga is made all the more confusing after Virgin Money claimed they were not allowed to bid for the deal. Wonga as we know, has certainly caused headlines for Mike Ashley, owner of Sports Direct and Newcastle United.

 

Wonga were the company that would cause a much bigger PR presence than Virgin Money, even if that publicity was negative it’s better than none. The club already had a number of ways to entice such a company in, and gain “approval” from fans.

 

His renaming of the stadium to The Sports Direct Arena had the liars under his wing telling us that it was an advertising opportunity. Which it turned out to be, for Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct, until a much-maligned loan shark was allowed to pay to have it called what it always has been. The man got a company to pay money to have a stadium renamed to its name, a fallout from this is that arseholes will now call it “formerly the Sports Direct Arena”.

 

Not to mention some gates that former owner and fan Sir John Hall so kindly SOLD back to the club thanks to Wonga…Who’s idea was this? Who are we supposed to be impressed by here? You do realise we nearly got relegated last year.

 

As one of the top 20 clubs in Europe for income, and an attendance that features in the top 10, We can’t compete? Sod off. Newcastle United are an advertising tool for the owner of Sports Direct. He can’t make money directly from football, but indirectly his brand is mentioned almost every time our club makes headlines. A regular occurrence.

 

His string of ****-ups and complete mis-management seems to have had no effect on the people who still cite, ‘but he saved us’. He saved us? Mike Ashley, owner of Donnay saved Newcastle United. What a hero!!!

 

In his six years we have finished in the top half of the table once. He’s failed. Unless his goal was to increase the brand of Sports Direct, that have just posted record profits.

 

Repeat after me, “we can not compete, we can not compete, we can not compete”

[TRon]

What I don't understand is how does having an unsuccessful football club boost the image of Sports Direct? If the club's being used as a branding tool for SD as suggested in that article, then wouldn't it be done much better if the club was flying?

[Beren]

MOYES

Moyes has blamed the strain of playing so many games in Europe for some of Everton's problems, but he believes they can still qualify for the next stage of the tournament.

 

He said: "We have lost a couple of Europa League games, but we are still second in our group and very much in the competition. Away to AEK Athens in our next match could just about see us qualify.

 

Apologies for being pedantic, but the quote you've selected doesn't really bear our the accompanying narrative does it?

[Wullie]

That's a really excellent piece.

[loki679]

 

Joe's position here is to make sure the transfers come in

 

 

He seems to be making it clear that the lack of incoming transfers is not his fault (it isn't either).  Think maybe he's either playing some power games turning the fans further against JFK or that rumour we heard earlier that JFK had been brought in to shoulder the blame for zero investment this summer might be true.

[Guest]

MOYES

Moyes has blamed the strain of playing so many games in Europe for some of Everton's problems, but he believes they can still qualify for the next stage of the tournament.

 

He said: "We have lost a couple of Europa League games, but we are still second in our group and very much in the competition. Away to AEK Athens in our next match could just about see us qualify.

 

Apologies for being pedantic, but the quote you've selected doesn't really bear our the accompanying narrative does it?

 

I didn't read the quote tbh, just searched "Moyes blames Europe" and that came up.

[Hughesy]

Managers with small squads who play in Europe use Europe as an excuse.  Shocking revelation.

 

I can't actually believe people needed to have that pointed out.

[Dokko]

Classic Europa League dilemma really, you want to qualify for it but then you'd rather you weren't in it. Many managers feel like that I'm sure.

 

Exactly, don't understand all this Pardew hates Europe? He gave it his best shot, never neglected the cup and fielded weakened teams no matter the opposition. Fact of the matter is, that we generally played pretty much our strongest side in Europe and it did bare an impact on our league form and history tells us we weren't the only ones to suffer from it. Be very interesting to see how Laudrup approaches it. Do i want to be in Europe again next season? Course i do. Does Pardew? Course he does.

 

http://i.imgur.com/WhwDNqS.png

[Guest palnese]

:lol:

[Beren]

MOYES

Moyes has blamed the strain of playing so many games in Europe for some of Everton's problems, but he believes they can still qualify for the next stage of the tournament.

 

He said: "We have lost a couple of Europa League games, but we are still second in our group and very much in the competition. Away to AEK Athens in our next match could just about see us qualify.

 

Apologies for being pedantic, but the quote you've selected doesn't really bear our the accompanying narrative does it?

 

I didn't read the quote tbh, just searched "Moyes blames Europe" and that came up.

 

Fair enough

[Lotus]

This season is where we find out what he's really like. He's got a squad far better than the one he started with last season. He's had a bad season to learn a few things. If there's anything about him we'll find out this year. He's got a squad more than capable of finishing top 8. Let's see if he can do it.

 

 

I'd like to add that i personally don't think he's up to it.

Anything less than 8th and he's failed imo. However, i hope to be completely wrong and for him to really show some strong managerial form that makes us a dangerous and exciting team. Roll on Monday!

[Guest reefatoon]

This season is where we find out what he's really like. He's got a squad far better than the one he started with last season. He's had a bad season to learn a few things. If there's anything about him we'll find out this year. He's got a squad more than capable of finishing top 8. Let's see if he can do it.

 

 

I'd like to add that i personally don't think he's up to it.

Anything less than 8th and he's failed imo. However, i hope to be completely wrong and for him to really show some strong managerial form that makes us a dangerous and exciting team. Roll on Monday!

 

We will learn within 5 minutes of seeing the teamsheet on Monday, whether he is looking to change his ways or not.

[thenige]

Not a huge fan of that piece in all honesty. Basically Ashley owns the club and can do what he wants with it. Pardew's in a position where he clearly wants signings as it'll make his job easier but can only push so hard before either making his position untenable or being sacked.

 

In a sense if the money isn't being put forward both for transfer fees and wages then it's true we can't compete. Sadly Ashley owes us nothing. If he chooses to run the club as an out and out business it's his decision to do that. He clearly feels the squad is strong enough to achieve what he wants - I'm assuming that's finishing in the Premier League so they keep getting the TV money payouts.

 

Minimum expenditure and maximum (realistic) income. From a business sense nothing wrong with that. Problem is we (as fans) want to push on to be a top 6 club, but the rewards of achieving that are relatively minimal given the outlay you'd have to fork out. Really the only extra 'bonus' is being top four with the Champions League and sadly, even despite our top 5 finish a couple of seasons back we're miles off that given the spending power of Man Utd, Chelsea, Man City, Arsenal and Spurs. Not to mention the others like Liverpool. If we get into Europe via the Europa League it may slightly increase our profile, but in terms of finances it makes little difference.

 

It's annoying as hell yes, but Pardew (whether he's tactically inept is irrelevant) is in a very difficult position really. I don't really envy him, being surrounded by Ashley's yes men and essentially having to be one or being out on his ear.

[BrettNUFC]

This season is where we find out what he's really like. He's got a squad far better than the one he started with last season. He's had a bad season to learn a few things. If there's anything about him we'll find out this year. He's got a squad more than capable of finishing top 8. Let's see if he can do it.

 

 

I'd like to add that i personally don't think he's up to it.

Anything less than 8th and he's failed imo. However, i hope to be completely wrong and for him to really show some strong managerial form that makes us a dangerous and exciting team. Roll on Monday!

 

Bit harsh considering a lot of people think we are in for a relegation battle. High expectations to say top 8 or failed. I personally think we will be there abouts and fancy us to get in top 8 but wouldn't say he's failed if he gets top half to steady the sinking ship.

[AyeDubbleYoo]

Not a huge fan of that piece in all honesty. Basically Ashley owns the club and can do what he wants with it. Pardew's in a position where he clearly wants signings as it'll make his job easier but can only push so hard before either making his position untenable or being sacked.

 

In a sense if the money isn't being put forward both for transfer fees and wages then it's true we can't compete. Sadly Ashley owes us nothing. If he chooses to run the club as an out and out business it's his decision to do that. He clearly feels the squad is strong enough to achieve what he wants - I'm assuming that's finishing in the Premier League so they keep getting the TV money payouts.

 

Minimum expenditure and maximum (realistic) income. From a business sense nothing wrong with that. Problem is we (as fans) want to push on to be a top 6 club, but the rewards of achieving that are relatively minimal given the outlay you'd have to fork out. Really the only extra 'bonus' is being top four with the Champions League and sadly, even despite our top 5 finish a couple of seasons back we're miles off that given the spending power of Man Utd, Chelsea, Man City, Arsenal and Spurs. Not to mention the others like Liverpool. If we get into Europe via the Europa League it may slightly increase our profile, but in terms of finances it makes little difference.

 

It's annoying as hell yes, but Pardew (whether he's tactically inept is irrelevant) is in a very difficult position really. I don't really envy him, being surrounded by Ashley's yes men and essentially having to be one or being out on his ear.

 

Would have to agree with this, very fair assessment. The accounts and debt speak for themselves, the question is whether you think Ashley has an obligation to (a) not take any debt repayments and (b) spend tens of millions of his own money to make us more successful.

[AyeDubbleYoo]

Managers with small squads who play in Europe use Europe as an excuse.  Shocking revelation.

 

I can't actually believe people needed to have that pointed out.

 

I've been saying this for months, doesn't seem to have any legs.

[Wullie]

Fucking hell Ian, not again. You really believe the club is in financial trouble don't you?

 

The figures don't bear you out. Read them, instead of swallowing the club's rhetoric.

[AyeDubbleYoo]

Fucking hell Ian, not again. You really believe the club is in financial trouble don't you?

 

The figures don't bear you out. Read them, instead of swallowing the club's rhetoric.

 

I've looked at the figures, that's how I concluded we don't make any money.

 

I'm not aware of any rhetoric I've swallowed, I'd like to think I take quite a logical view of most things.

[Beren]

This season is where we find out what he's really like. He's got a squad far better than the one he started with last season. He's had a bad season to learn a few things. If there's anything about him we'll find out this year. He's got a squad more than capable of finishing top 8. Let's see if he can do it.

 

 

I'd like to add that i personally don't think he's up to it.

Anything less than 8th and he's failed imo. However, i hope to be completely wrong and for him to really show some strong managerial form that makes us a dangerous and exciting team. Roll on Monday!

 

Bit harsh considering a lot of people think we are in for a relegation battle. High expectations to say top 8 or failed. I personally think we will be there abouts and fancy us to get in top 8 but wouldn't say he's failed if he gets top half to steady the sinking ship.

 

I'm reasonably confident that many people factor Pardew's ability to extract performances from the squad (who have, as a group and individuals, fell dramatically in the estimation of many - understandably, not having seen them produce in an effective team for so long) as part of a reason they expect a relegation battle. The squad itself is quite well equipped to do well, I think - with the exception of few options up front. If by some miracle a new manager came in, they'd be effectively be working from scratch in terms of building a style/ethos/cohesion.

[Lotus]

This season is where we find out what he's really like. He's got a squad far better than the one he started with last season. He's had a bad season to learn a few things. If there's anything about him we'll find out this year. He's got a squad more than capable of finishing top 8. Let's see if he can do it.

 

 

I'd like to add that i personally don't think he's up to it.

Anything less than 8th and he's failed imo. However, i hope to be completely wrong and for him to really show some strong managerial form that makes us a dangerous and exciting team. Roll on Monday!

 

Bit harsh considering a lot of people think we are in for a relegation battle. High expectations to say top 8 or failed. I personally think we will be there abouts and fancy us to get in top 8 but wouldn't say he's failed if he gets top half to steady the sinking ship.

 

If Europe was the reason last season went to sh1t then he needn't worry about it this year. He's easily got a team that can finish top 8. If you're settling for less with this:

 

                              Krul

 

Debuchey  Saylor/MYM    Colo      Santon

 

                      Tiote      Sissoko

 

                            Cabaye

 

HBA                                                Remy

 

                            Cisse

 

then you've a losers mentality pure and simple. We could have terrible injuries this year which would obviously be a mitigating factor. That aside, the team's more than good enough and i sincerely hope Pardew is too.

   

[thenige]

f***ing hell Ian, not again. You really believe the club is in financial trouble don't you?

 

The figures don't bear you out. Read them, instead of swallowing the club's rhetoric.

 

Doesn't really matter whether the club is in debt, in profit or making shed loads. It's what Ashley wants in terms of the finances. If he wants to maximise his profits then why should he invest when realistically on paper we have a squad more than capable of staying in the league? If it's a business and his business model is to stay as a Premier League club then really looking at our squad he doesn't need to invest.

 

He's a cunt if he doesn't, but that's from a fans perspective.

 

From a business perspective there's very little to gain from a major investment. We won't make the Champions League and in all likeliness fans will still show up for 50k a week attendances.

[BrettNUFC]

The team you've set up is exactly why i haven't came on here and slagged us off and remained positive throughout the summer. I've seen Pardew get us to 5th with a worse side so i'm backing him to get things back on track but last season was so bad, it's going to take a lot of hard work and effort to overturn that disaster so much to get top 8, but it's possible, so i'm all in.

 

[AyeDubbleYoo]

The team you've set up is exactly why i haven't came on here and slagged us off and remained positive throughout the summer. I've seen Pardew get us to 5th with a worse side so i'm backing him to get things back on track but last season was so bad, it's going to take a lot of hard work and effort to overturn that disaster so much to get top 8, but it's possible, so i'm all in.

 

 

Feel the same basically, I'm positive for the season after the Man City game!

[TRon]

When you consider that Swansea finished 7th last season then it shows that with a half decent squad you can still have a very good season, but you need a good manager who has a squad which is tailored to his preferred style of play. We have neither.