Will they stay or will they go?

[Rich]

Possibly NWOAT, but just keen to get a read of where everyone's head is at with this. It's been a while since the club has been on this much of a precipice.

[Rich]

I've voted for the status quo, as I think Ashley still has ground to give in terms of backing/control and I'm just not convinced either of the mooted takeovers are going to come to pass. It won't take too much to keep Benitez on and the club will be better off in the long-term because of it.

[Tribesman]

I was torn between voting the 1st or 4th option, but went with the first option because its hard not to shake the feeling Ashley will fuck up the takeover. That said I'm still more optimistic of a takeover happening than Benitez signing a new contract.

[Minhosa]

I think you have to assume worst case with this wanker so I've gone for option 1.

[Wilson]

Went 1st option, also can't shake the feeling fatty will pull the rug....really hope option 2 doesn't happen.

[mrmojorisin75]

i've gone full optimism

[gdm]

I’ve been on the fence leaning towards positive on the takeover but the last day or two I’m less positive so I’ve went for first option

[nufcjb]

I just feel Rafa will stay. I would assume if he had already decided he was going to go, he would have announced it and say he won't renew his contract. There must be a reason for him staying quiet less than 2 weeks away from when his contract is up. Think he cares and is professional enough for the fans and their feelings that he would have said goodbye if he knew he was going.

[Nobody]

Haven't got a fucking clue, but gone for both gone, and would be very happy with that.

[Raconteur]

I genuinely have no idea which way it’s going to fall. All I can say is I think there is zero chance of #2 happening.

[Disco]

I'm more confident on Rafa staying than a takeover and I'm not at all confident of that.

[Zero]

Both will be gone.

[Big Geordie]

Option 1 for me, sadly.

[Cheshire Mag]

Option 1 for me too.

[xLiaaamx]

Almost 100% sure it's option 1.

[Dr.Spaceman]

I genuinely can't envisage a world where Ashley and Rafa are still here. Way more likely that neither of them will be for me, but I reckon if the takeover completes the new owners won't want to rock the boat too much too soon and we won't see the Mourinho or whoever else they think they can get until at least 2020.

[Ankles Bennett]

Option 1 without a shred of doubt!!!

[Stal]

Full optimism here too. I need something to pick up my spirits.

[Ketsbaia]

Obviously this place went for the most negative scenario

[Unbelievable]

Obviously this place went for the most negative scenario

 

Well, Rich asked what we think will happen, not what we hope. On past performance chances are Ashley will just piss off another buyer or randomly pull the plug as he has done so many times before. Regarding Rafa, I think he’s had enough of Ashley, so if the takeover doesn’t take place he does a runner.

[Disco]

Think it's pretty telling Rafa has been quiet and seemingly actually taking a holiday this year compared to the last two.

[Guest chopey]

1

[Mattoon]

Option 1 for me, as much as I believe the interest in the club is real I also know how Ashley likes to think he's "won" a deal and will keep moving the goalposts. Gut feeling is that the takeover will collapse because of time wasters (Ashley being impossible yo work with) and that'll be the final straw for Rafa. I pray I'm wrong but 12 years of disappointment makes you a little negative for some reason.

[County Durham Mag]

I'd be shocked if either left. Option 2

[Heake]

On a positive note, pretty much all the uk footballing world is on holiday at the moment so it may not be that much of a surprise for the lack of info coming from anywhere just now.