Mike Ashley (former owner)

[Wolfcastle]

sunderland's a terrible choice for him I think. They're a loss making operation whatever division there in, effectively above their station in the PL. That's why he's here (£) and why he wouldn't go there.

But I do agree that buying some championship club for a fraction of what he'd get for us will ensure his brand gets its advertising at a decent level but not much else seems likely. As PL status is perpetually at risk for us under his guidance it would be even less likely at a smaller club.

I'd think a Charlton or someone. But part of the reason he picked us was probably not wanting to do an experiment on his own door step and keep the bomb site as far away as possible.

[Optimistic Nut]

I get the sentiment of the statement, but it's futile, Ashley knows most supporters want him gone, the statement is moot. What should have been put out there or should be put out there if he stays is an intent to starve the club of support and most importantly money. Supporters need to make a stand once and for all if he stays, this has to be proof that continuing to line his pockets will not see him "eventually sell anyway". A continued and relentless boycott has to be the last and only option to forcibly remove him, not more excuses to line his pockets.

 

It’s when you see on social media the people who still go criticising it. If they didn’t go he’d be more likely to sell without the need for such statements.

[Mattoon]

I get the sentiment of the statement, but it's futile, Ashley knows most supporters want him gone, the statement is moot. What should have been put out there or should be put out there if he stays is an intent to starve the club of support and most importantly money. Supporters need to make a stand once and for all if he stays, this has to be proof that continuing to line his pockets will not see him "eventually sell anyway". A continued and relentless boycott has to be the last and only option to forcibly remove him, not more excuses to line his pockets.

 

It’s when you see on social media the people who still go criticising it. If they didn’t go he’d be more likely to sell without the need for such statements.

 

You know it's the same fuckers who "support da teem, not da regime" and belittle any effort to get rid of Ashley whilst also stating they want him gone but no one will stop them going to watch their team. The same tools that sing "Brewcie gizza wave", boo Jolinton and Perez but sit in silence when Ashley attends his first game in a year. Then have the audacity to scoff at any attempt to protest, whatever the form, Neanderthals.

[TRon]

sunderland's a terrible choice for him I think. They're a loss making operation whatever division there in, effectively above their station in the PL. That's why he's here (£) and why he wouldn't go there.

But I do agree that buying some championship club for a fraction of what he'd get for us will ensure his brand gets its advertising at a decent level but not much else seems likely. As PL status is perpetually at risk for us under his guidance it would be even less likely at a smaller club.

I'd think a Charlton or someone. But part of the reason he picked us was probably not wanting to do an experiment on his own door step and keep the bomb site as far away as possible.

 

 

 

Aye . He milked it for the first year before everybody knew what he was about, but once it became clear he just saw us as mugs to build his brand, he keeps a tidy distance and leaves his lickspittles like Charnley to deal with the fallout.

[D. Yimentov]

sunderland's a terrible choice for him I think. They're a loss making operation whatever division there in, effectively above their station in the PL. That's why he's here (£) and why he wouldn't go there.

But I do agree that buying some championship club for a fraction of what he'd get for us will ensure his brand gets its advertising at a decent level but not much else seems likely. As PL status is perpetually at risk for us under his guidance it would be even less likely at a smaller club.

I'd think a Charlton or someone. But part of the reason he picked us was probably not wanting to do an experiment on his own door step and keep the bomb site as far away as possible.

 

 

 

Aye . He milked it for the first year before everybody knew what he was about, but once it became clear he just saw us as mugs to build his brand, he keeps a tidy distance and leaves his lickspittles like Charnley to deal with the fallout.

 

I don't think it's that simple. He genuinely enjoyed being popular with the fans and probably thought we could go places under his business model. If I'm not mistaken didn't Ashley finance all or most of hippo head's signings? Smith, Beye, Barton, Cacapa, Faye, Enqriue, Viduka, Geremi... That was Mike's most generous time since he's been here.

 

Once his incompetence and deceitful ways became too much for Kev everything changed but I don't think he set out with wholly ill intent. As Alan Pardew once summarised: "Mike doesn't always understand football. It confuses him."

 

 

[FinnMag]

Quote from Chronicle:

Given the presence of Saudi funds in this approach, will Ashley make it “put up or shut up” in the final negotiations? Remember Ashley's riposte to Bin Zayed: "What difference would £10million either way make"? Back then he said of the prospect of negotiating with a hugely wealthy potential owner: "Why would you even cared what you're paying?"

 

Did Ashley really said those brain farts? :lol:

[Guest The Little Waster]

Professor Simon Chadwick is a professor of Sports Enterprise at the Salford Business School, part of the University of Salford.

 

He’s got some knowledge of Saudi Arabia and the Royal Family’s approach to business.

 

He’s not too sure regarding the link to Newcastle United.

 

***

 

“Have canvassed views of Saudi Arabians I know (in Saudi Arabia) about the proposed country takeover of NUFC. Three common responses: 1) ‘nobody is talking about it here, not an issue’; 2) ‘if it’s true, it’s a private investor, not the government’; 3) ‘no way this will happen’.

 

“Neom, Qiddiya, the Red Sea Project, Saudi Aramco, Uber, Tesla - some of the investments Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund are funding or invested into. Also working closely with Japan’s Softbank & founder Masayoshi Son, which were given $100bn to invest in value-adding assets

 

“Neom to cost $500 billion; Qiddiya likely to cost about the same. Red Sea Project also likely to cost billions. Public Investment Fund’s Uber stake cost £3 billion. And to this hugely valuable, infrastructure & tech focused portfolio, PIF wants to add Newcastle United...!!??!!??”

 

Oh Well

[STM]

Quote from Chronicle:

Given the presence of Saudi funds in this approach, will Ashley make it “put up or shut up” in the final negotiations? Remember Ashley's riposte to Bin Zayed: "What difference would £10million either way make"? Back then he said of the prospect of negotiating with a hugely wealthy potential owner: "Why would you even cared what you're paying?"

 

Did Ashley really said those brain farts? :lol:

 

Funny how he doesn't have such flippant views with regards to player transfers. I mean come on Mike, what difference is 1 or 2m ?

[Paully]

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7943189/amp/CRAIG-HOPE-fans-sceptical-just-sides-Newcastle-takeover-saga.html?__twitter_impression=true

[Facundo Ferreyra]

Professor Simon Chadwick is a professor of Sports Enterprise at the Salford Business School, part of the University of Salford.

 

He’s got some knowledge of Saudi Arabia and the Royal Family’s approach to business.

 

He’s not too sure regarding the link to Newcastle United.

 

***

 

“Have canvassed views of Saudi Arabians I know (in Saudi Arabia) about the proposed country takeover of NUFC. Three common responses: 1) ‘nobody is talking about it here, not an issue’; 2) ‘if it’s true, it’s a private investor, not the government’; 3) ‘no way this will happen’.

 

“Neom, Qiddiya, the Red Sea Project, Saudi Aramco, Uber, Tesla - some of the investments Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund are funding or invested into. Also working closely with Japan’s Softbank & founder Masayoshi Son, which were given $100bn to invest in value-adding assets

 

“Neom to cost $500 billion; Qiddiya likely to cost about the same. Red Sea Project also likely to cost billions. Public Investment Fund’s Uber stake cost £3 billion. And to this hugely valuable, infrastructure & tech focused portfolio, PIF wants to add Newcastle United...!!??!!??”

 

Oh Well

 

I don't see why any of that is relevant, especially when the interest has been confirmed. They'd want to turn NUFC into a massively valuable and successful sporting powerhouse, they know the fanbase is there and it's a much cheaper option than other clubs with similar sized fanbases. Makes sense from a business standpoint surely? Buy cheap, increase its value. The Ashley model.

[duo]

Professor Simon Chadwick is a professor of Sports Enterprise at the Salford Business School, part of the University of Salford.

 

He’s got some knowledge of Saudi Arabia and the Royal Family’s approach to business.

 

He’s not too sure regarding the link to Newcastle United.

 

***

 

“Have canvassed views of Saudi Arabians I know (in Saudi Arabia) about the proposed country takeover of NUFC. Three common responses: 1) ‘nobody is talking about it here, not an issue’; 2) ‘if it’s true, it’s a private investor, not the government’; 3) ‘no way this will happen’.

 

“Neom, Qiddiya, the Red Sea Project, Saudi Aramco, Uber, Tesla - some of the investments Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund are funding or invested into. Also working closely with Japan’s Softbank & founder Masayoshi Son, which were given $100bn to invest in value-adding assets

 

“Neom to cost $500 billion; Qiddiya likely to cost about the same. Red Sea Project also likely to cost billions. Public Investment Fund’s Uber stake cost £3 billion. And to this hugely valuable, infrastructure & tech focused portfolio, PIF wants to add Newcastle United...!!??!!??”

 

Oh Well

Its obvious why they want to buy Newcastle - as proved by Man City its great PR.  That's all there is to it

[Wolfcastle]

Professor Simon Chadwick is a professor of Sports Enterprise at the Salford Business School, part of the University of Salford.

 

He’s got some knowledge of Saudi Arabia and the Royal Family’s approach to business.

 

He’s not too sure regarding the link to Newcastle United.

 

***

 

“Have canvassed views of Saudi Arabians I know (in Saudi Arabia) about the proposed country takeover of NUFC. Three common responses: 1) ‘nobody is talking about it here, not an issue’; 2) ‘if it’s true, it’s a private investor, not the government’; 3) ‘no way this will happen’.

 

“Neom, Qiddiya, the Red Sea Project, Saudi Aramco, Uber, Tesla - some of the investments Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund are funding or invested into. Also working closely with Japan’s Softbank & founder Masayoshi Son, which were given $100bn to invest in value-adding assets

 

“Neom to cost $500 billion; Qiddiya likely to cost about the same. Red Sea Project also likely to cost billions. Public Investment Fund’s Uber stake cost £3 billion. And to this hugely valuable, infrastructure & tech focused portfolio, PIF wants to add Newcastle United...!!??!!??”

 

Oh Well

 

If Saudi media isn't reporting anything it might suggest that leaks are water-tight at their end. As we all suspect know anyway.

[Facundo Ferreyra]

Professor Simon Chadwick is a professor of Sports Enterprise at the Salford Business School, part of the University of Salford.

 

He’s got some knowledge of Saudi Arabia and the Royal Family’s approach to business.

 

He’s not too sure regarding the link to Newcastle United.

 

***

 

“Have canvassed views of Saudi Arabians I know (in Saudi Arabia) about the proposed country takeover of NUFC. Three common responses: 1) ‘nobody is talking about it here, not an issue’; 2) ‘if it’s true, it’s a private investor, not the government’; 3) ‘no way this will happen’.

 

“Neom, Qiddiya, the Red Sea Project, Saudi Aramco, Uber, Tesla - some of the investments Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund are funding or invested into. Also working closely with Japan’s Softbank & founder Masayoshi Son, which were given $100bn to invest in value-adding assets

 

“Neom to cost $500 billion; Qiddiya likely to cost about the same. Red Sea Project also likely to cost billions. Public Investment Fund’s Uber stake cost £3 billion. And to this hugely valuable, infrastructure & tech focused portfolio, PIF wants to add Newcastle United...!!??!!??”

 

Oh Well

 

If Saudi media isn't reporting anything it might suggest that leaks are water-tight at their end. As well all suspect know anyway.

 

Or they control the media and don't want anything reported in case they end up looking like tits

[jdckelly]

Professor Simon Chadwick is a professor of Sports Enterprise at the Salford Business School, part of the University of Salford.

 

He’s got some knowledge of Saudi Arabia and the Royal Family’s approach to business.

 

He’s not too sure regarding the link to Newcastle United.

 

***

 

“Have canvassed views of Saudi Arabians I know (in Saudi Arabia) about the proposed country takeover of NUFC. Three common responses: 1) ‘nobody is talking about it here, not an issue’; 2) ‘if it’s true, it’s a private investor, not the government’; 3) ‘no way this will happen’.

 

“Neom, Qiddiya, the Red Sea Project, Saudi Aramco, Uber, Tesla - some of the investments Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund are funding or invested into. Also working closely with Japan’s Softbank & founder Masayoshi Son, which were given $100bn to invest in value-adding assets

 

“Neom to cost $500 billion; Qiddiya likely to cost about the same. Red Sea Project also likely to cost billions. Public Investment Fund’s Uber stake cost £3 billion. And to this hugely valuable, infrastructure & tech focused portfolio, PIF wants to add Newcastle United...!!??!!??”

 

Oh Well

 

If Saudi media isn't reporting anything it might suggest that leaks are water-tight at their end. As we all suspect know anyway.

do you really think their media would report anything without the governments say so

[Ikon]

So this prince bought a painting that cost more than our club is worth?

[D. Yimentov]

So this prince bought a painting that cost more than our club is worth?

 

Only because the seller was confident he could take the painting to next level.

[Matt]

Large sovereign funds are generally well-diversified- they aren't a single objective fund. They invest across all asset classes and sizes (although sometimes they have investment subsidiaries to specialise in niches or in smaller investments). The fact that investments are different, rather than comparable in size and nature means nothing in context of this deal. It's quite possible for the Saudi fund to designate an amount for sports related investments under a sub-investment strategy of $xbn. Maybe this whole deal is a non-starter, but that's a particularly shit line of logic as to why it wouldn't happen.

[Kimbo]

It sounds like he's basing his opinion on his own theory about their investment strategy, rather than actual facts or intel.

[Optimistic Nut]

 

I wish these would go out of business.

[Ikon]

Almost rather see them going out of business than us getting taken over.

[geordiedean]

 

I wish these would go out of business.

 

The Chronicle are an absolute embarrassment man why in 2020 is this rag still in existence with journalists incapable of writing any kind of story

[Facundo Ferreyra]

 

I wish these would go out of business.

 

I didn't think they could get any worse after the BZG saga but this is just embarrassing

[relámpago blanco]

 

I wish these would go out of business.

 

I didn't think they could get any worse after the BZG saga but this is just embarrassing

I could do better without spending any money.

[Dokko]

Personally think if Ashley is going to say no then it’s already done. If that’s the case then leaks would be appearing all over from the buyer that this has happened. If he’s said yes then it’ll have moved on to the next stage, possibly with the premier league for review but still everyone has to keep quiet. This silence although torturous is probably the best thing right now.

[TBG]

They should be ripping Ashley apart when this "takeover" doesn't go through. Instead they'll go back to what Charlotte Crosby had to say on Brexit and you won't believe how old 19yr old Matty Shortstaff will be on his next birthday.