Words didn't fail Mike Ashley 
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!
The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!
The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!
Yes - no one is going to call it "Sports direct dot com at SJP".
But what an @rse of a name! It just screams "we're broke and we'll do anything for a few bob ... seen any sailors at the docks recently?". Maybe not too far from the truth but it is just so arrogant and at odds with a pretty lofy original name (even if you aren't a Christian).
Might have been more easier to take if it was originally e.g. Ronald MacDonald's Stadium-----> sportsdirect.com@Ronald MacDonald's Stadium.
Oh wtf - I'd be reaching for a vat of Newcastle Broon now if I could (and if I drunk).
The fact is we are broke.
Chelsea have come out in the media and said they are looking into naming rights now. I think we will see it become a common occurence in england in 5 years time. Its a real shame.
3-1 against the Posh. Toon stay top of the table for another week.
"Phoenix till they lose"
Posting 97% bollox, 8% lies and 3.658% genuine opinion.
Genuine opinion: FTFFA
Cheered by the result, I'm now capable of expressing my outrage at Ashley.
I've whipped around the internet, and there's no sign of a price tag. On the contrary, the evidence points towards this season's rename being a gift from Mike Ashley, owner of NUFC, to Mike Ashley, majority shareholder of sportsdirect.com.
Some might refer to this sort of operation as theft.
For an idea of the scale of the swindle, google, "St. James' Park" - doing so right now gives me 40,500,000 results. It's a constant feature on google news, for obvious reasons.
Try "sportsdirect", and you'll get 3 million. (Adding the .com drops it to less than 600,000.) The term goes months without being featured in google news, and when it does make it there, it's usually in the business pages.
So wonder what SJP will be called in FIFA 2011? (grrr)
"Phoenix till they lose"
Posting 97% bollox, 8% lies and 3.658% genuine opinion.
Genuine opinion: FTFFA
You dont even want to go there Junior, it'll be just one big f**k up and it won't be FM 2011's fault.
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!
The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!
The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!
Well I'll just have to get FIFA 2010 now and skip the next year. After that hopefully there will be a new owner who'll restore a bit of pride to the NE.
"Phoenix till they lose"
Posting 97% bollox, 8% lies and 3.658% genuine opinion.
Genuine opinion: FTFFA
We live in hope, sad to see such great fans getting dumped on so often, having a team of mega stars that continually under perform.
If only someone could really sort things out for the club.
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!
The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!
The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!
We live in hope, sad to see such great fans getting dumped on so often, having a team of mega stars that continually under perform.
Well at least the second part of your observation is no longer the case!
"Phoenix till they lose"
Posting 97% bollox, 8% lies and 3.658% genuine opinion.
Genuine opinion: FTFFA
Had to happen but wonder if it will actually come to anything:
"Phoenix till they lose"
Posting 97% bollox, 8% lies and 3.658% genuine opinion.
Genuine opinion: FTFFA
Would be an awesome idea if it was modeled on Barca's ownership.After all they are the richest club in the world.
The thing that worries me though is that they might be able to buy the club but will there be enough money to buy players and pay wages.
The thing that worries me though is that they might be able to buy the club but will there be enough money to buy players and pay wages.
There won't be enough money to buy superstars. But then, who wants to be billed as , "Chelsea III: Even further North"? Trusting in the academy and only buying squad players to fill gaps in the squad is a reasonable way to build a team.
Looking forward to the match against Preston. Looks safe at the back with Taylor and Colo in working order and Harper in top form. I reckon the lads will come home celebrating a 0-2.
On other matters, NUST appears to interested in subscribers from around the world. 2% per annum is hardly a great return, but 1500 pounds (whatever that's worth at the time) isn't much to part with if it means getting rid of Ashley.
Stripes2009-11-23 21:47:02
On other matters, NUST appears to interested in subscribers from around the world. 2% per annum is hardly a great return, but 1500 pounds (whatever that's worth at the time) isn't much to part with if it means getting rid of Ashley.
Stripes2009-11-23 21:47:02
Kick off about now. Don't want to say anything more until afterwards!
"Phoenix till they lose"
Posting 97% bollox, 8% lies and 3.658% genuine opinion.
Genuine opinion: FTFFA
First half ended 0-0. Not particularly inspiring so far. Good start for Toon, but faded back and Preston were the stronger team of the half. Jonas needs to sort out his delivery. Harper looks safe at the back.
Stripes2009-11-24 09:46:48
Stripes2009-11-24 09:46:48
Very average half. We need more down the right flank. Would be keen to see Lovenkrands or the new french lad on. And once again Marlon Harewood has been very unimpressive.
Looks like Nile's coming on soon.
edit: 61st minute, for Carroll.
edit2: Kadar on for Simpson in 65th. Taylor went wide.
Stripes2009-11-24 10:15:23
edit: 61st minute, for Carroll.
edit2: Kadar on for Simpson in 65th. Taylor went wide.
Stripes2009-11-24 10:15:23
NOLAN!
edit: Nolan's goal (assist from Harewood) is enough. 0-1: I expected to see Andy pick one up, but in bad weather I guess it was asking a bit much.
Stripes2009-11-24 10:42:04
edit: Nolan's goal (assist from Harewood) is enough. 0-1: I expected to see Andy pick one up, but in bad weather I guess it was asking a bit much.
Stripes2009-11-24 10:42:04
Nolan is back to his best! Harewood is average as. Nile is a much better striker i reckon, just a bit young.
3points in the bag, good stuff.
3points in the bag, good stuff.
The perfect week for me: Nix, Spurs, Toon all wins
Happy happy joy joy.
"Phoenix till they lose"
Posting 97% bollox, 8% lies and 3.658% genuine opinion.
Genuine opinion: FTFFA
Dear Lord
Sorry for ever doubting your existence, but after today I realise I was wrong.
Could you stop the world right now? I'd like to get off. Although am quite happy to continue if you can make every month November from now on.
Yours piously
Junior82
"Phoenix till they lose"
Posting 97% bollox, 8% lies and 3.658% genuine opinion.
Genuine opinion: FTFFA
Up against Swansea this weekend - and they aren't too far oof the top. Any idea of what to expect? Any previews around?
"Phoenix till they lose"
Posting 97% bollox, 8% lies and 3.658% genuine opinion.
Genuine opinion: FTFFA
Guess you've seen the team news, etc, on the team's homepage. Carroll being under the weather and Ameobi still not quite there is a bit of a worry. Ranger to start? Nolan to the rescue?
On the rest of the internet...
FootyMAD expects a draw - telling home fans there'll be goals, away fans to expect 0-0:
http://www.newcastleunited-mad.co.uk/news/loadnews.asp?cid=PREV&id=474393
http://www.swanseacity-mad.co.uk/news/loadnews.asp?cid=PREV&id=474428
Sousa is tipping us for promotion and talking like he wants a point:
http://www.swanseacity.net/page/Latest/0,,10354~1887268,00.html
On the rest of the internet...
FootyMAD expects a draw - telling home fans there'll be goals, away fans to expect 0-0:
http://www.newcastleunited-mad.co.uk/news/loadnews.asp?cid=PREV&id=474393
http://www.swanseacity-mad.co.uk/news/loadnews.asp?cid=PREV&id=474428
Sousa is tipping us for promotion and talking like he wants a point:
http://www.swanseacity.net/page/Latest/0,,10354~1887268,00.html
Thanks for those links. I'd expect a draw too if we're light up front. Smith to play???
"Phoenix till they lose"
Posting 97% bollox, 8% lies and 3.658% genuine opinion.
Genuine opinion: FTFFA
Butt's injured, so it would be a surprise if Smith didn't start in midfield.
edit: Toon home news is at http://www.nufc.premiumtv.co.uk/articles/swansea-h-team-news-20091124_2268862_1884544
Also, if you haven't seen it, Jonas has promised us... the mask:
http://www.nufc.premiumtv.co.uk/articles/gutierrez-goal-pledge-20091126_2240137_1886377
and Pancrate is tipped to debut:
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/25112009/63/pancrate-set-debut.html
Stripes2009-11-27 21:23:57
edit: Toon home news is at http://www.nufc.premiumtv.co.uk/articles/swansea-h-team-news-20091124_2268862_1884544
Also, if you haven't seen it, Jonas has promised us... the mask:
http://www.nufc.premiumtv.co.uk/articles/gutierrez-goal-pledge-20091126_2240137_1886377
and Pancrate is tipped to debut:
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/25112009/63/pancrate-set-debut.html
Stripes2009-11-27 21:23:57
The bookmakers - http://www.wsn.com/football/england/championship/newcastle-united_vs_swansea-city-odds/ - who know a thing or two, are often worth a look even if you're not betting.
As I'm posting this, the odds are Newcastle (1.85), Draw (3.57), Swansea (5).
As I'm posting this, the odds are Newcastle (1.85), Draw (3.57), Swansea (5).
Think we will see the 5 man midfield with Nolan in behind Harewood or Ranger. Hopefully Ranger because Harewoods done nothing recently. Pancrate and Jonas as wingers. And Guthrie and Smith in the middle. Smith would never start as a striker, he hasn't scored a goal for NUFC. Lovenkrands is also another option if Hughton wants two up front. I'm glad Butts still injured to be honest.
Can't find a live stream I like for the match. Will probably read live commentary if I'm up and in. For others in a similar situation, here's a couple of sites that usually work out:
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/championship/2009-2010/newcastle-united-swansea-city-282486.html
(the above is a direct link to the match page)
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/nufc/
(Their text commentary will be that "Blog on the Tyne at the Match" link underneath the picture of Sir Bobby Robson - currently broken, otherwise I'd link direct.)
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/championship/2009-2010/newcastle-united-swansea-city-282486.html
(the above is a direct link to the match page)
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/nufc/
(Their text commentary will be that "Blog on the Tyne at the Match" link underneath the picture of Sir Bobby Robson - currently broken, otherwise I'd link direct.)
Usually the live stream only works if BBC are covering the match live. And this week it looks like BBC are covering the Sc**thorpe match. Bugger.
Yeah, I could find a pay site that suggested they'd have the match, but don't want the temptation to blow out my bandwidth seeking to make good on a membership.
I reckon it'll be 2 up front, though. Carroll hasn't been ruled out, so we can cross our fingers. Otherwise, expect two of Harewood/Lovenkrands/Ranger, with Nolan pairing Smith in the center of midfield. The Swans are tough defensively and Souza is talking about a draw - flooding the midfield would play into their hands.
I reckon it'll be 2 up front, though. Carroll hasn't been ruled out, so we can cross our fingers. Otherwise, expect two of Harewood/Lovenkrands/Ranger, with Nolan pairing Smith in the center of midfield. The Swans are tough defensively and Souza is talking about a draw - flooding the midfield would play into their hands.
Yea i agree considering we are at home. When we have been away, Hughton has tended to play Nolan as the floating midfielder in behind a striker.
Three points please. Prediction 2 - 1 NUFC. Nolan and Ranger.
Three points please. Prediction 2 - 1 NUFC. Nolan and Ranger.
3-0. Magpies sink the Swans (soccernet.com headline)
Reet champion!
Reet champion!
"Phoenix till they lose"
Posting 97% bollox, 8% lies and 3.658% genuine opinion.
Genuine opinion: FTFFA
Well Harewood has proved me and the toon army boo boys wrong.
Nice result. WBA still only 2 points back, but Leicester are 8 off the pace.
Hope Harper's back injury isn't too bad, though Krul should be able to keep a lid on things if it is.
Long quote from Lee Ryder's match report (underlining is mine):
Before the game Derek Llambias said in his match programme notes: "As you know, Mike made it clear after the end of last season that he was trying to sell the club and although there were a number of interested parties, none of them were able to match the �100million asking price.
"As a result, Mike decided that the best course of action, one that would put the welfare of the club at the top of the agenda, would be to remove the club from the market and concentrate solely on the aim that everyone connected with the club passionately desires - promotion straight back to the Premier League.
"His commitment is unwavering and the additional large sums of money he has recently pumped into the club amply demonstrate that.
"I would urge all supporters of this truly great football club to come together, get behind the team and, whatever grievances you may or may not have, put them to one side for the benefit of seeing Newcastle United regain their position in the elite of English football.
"When this stadium is packed and in full voice, there is nowhere quite like it, and if we can stay positive and get right behind [manager] Chris [Hughton] and the players, then hopefully we can stay at the top of the Championship and win promotion at the first attempt.
"Mike and myself are here to do our absolute best for Newcastle United and with you on board, we fervently believe we can deliver a successful football club for you to take pride and joy in."
Llambias also praised Hughton for his role in the on-pitch revival after his third spell as caretaker became permanent.
He said: "After the bitter disappointment of relegation at the end of the last campaign, Chris has succeeded in pulling everyone together and he has put us at the top of the Championship, well placed to continue our push for promotion during the remainder of the season.
"The confirmation of his status as permanent manager of the club was thoroughly deserved."
...
The attendance was confirmed as 42,616.
Pleading with the fans to stop jeering him and Ashley is to be expected. But it might be more successful if he didn't imply a lack of support for the team.
Hope Harper's back injury isn't too bad, though Krul should be able to keep a lid on things if it is.
Long quote from Lee Ryder's match report (underlining is mine):
Before the game Derek Llambias said in his match programme notes: "As you know, Mike made it clear after the end of last season that he was trying to sell the club and although there were a number of interested parties, none of them were able to match the �100million asking price.
"As a result, Mike decided that the best course of action, one that would put the welfare of the club at the top of the agenda, would be to remove the club from the market and concentrate solely on the aim that everyone connected with the club passionately desires - promotion straight back to the Premier League.
"His commitment is unwavering and the additional large sums of money he has recently pumped into the club amply demonstrate that.
"I would urge all supporters of this truly great football club to come together, get behind the team and, whatever grievances you may or may not have, put them to one side for the benefit of seeing Newcastle United regain their position in the elite of English football.
"When this stadium is packed and in full voice, there is nowhere quite like it, and if we can stay positive and get right behind [manager] Chris [Hughton] and the players, then hopefully we can stay at the top of the Championship and win promotion at the first attempt.
"Mike and myself are here to do our absolute best for Newcastle United and with you on board, we fervently believe we can deliver a successful football club for you to take pride and joy in."
Llambias also praised Hughton for his role in the on-pitch revival after his third spell as caretaker became permanent.
He said: "After the bitter disappointment of relegation at the end of the last campaign, Chris has succeeded in pulling everyone together and he has put us at the top of the Championship, well placed to continue our push for promotion during the remainder of the season.
"The confirmation of his status as permanent manager of the club was thoroughly deserved."
...
The attendance was confirmed as 42,616.
Pleading with the fans to stop jeering him and Ashley is to be expected. But it might be more successful if he didn't imply a lack of support for the team.
He is in an unenviable position as Cashley's stooge, but he should be focusing on the team and the supporters not trying to justify the owner's tw@tishness.
Geordie fans have always been behind the team. 42k crowd is blimmin good for a coca cola side and still better from when they we in Div 2 from memory (mind you stadium could have been smaller then).
No sympathy from me.
Geordie fans have always been behind the team. 42k crowd is blimmin good for a coca cola side and still better from when they we in Div 2 from memory (mind you stadium could have been smaller then).
No sympathy from me.
"Phoenix till they lose"
Posting 97% bollox, 8% lies and 3.658% genuine opinion.
Genuine opinion: FTFFA
There were far fewer seats back then. 52k at St James' is as of 2000, before then it was 36k from 1993.
Not that I disagree with the main point - 42k would actually be pretty good for a game in the Premier League!
Not that I disagree with the main point - 42k would actually be pretty good for a game in the Premier League!
Haven't kept tabs on attendance over the season but from the odd report it seems to have been pretty healthy throughout and the fans could be forgiven for not turning up at the beginning after all the prima donnas had been let go and the daily farce that Cashley dishes up in the background.
"Phoenix till they lose"
Posting 97% bollox, 8% lies and 3.658% genuine opinion.
Genuine opinion: FTFFA
I think a good slice of the fans that stopped showing up were just not particularly thrilled by the opposition teams being billed.