Newcastle

An awfully familiar ownership situation appears to be coming to a head, another long-standing unpopular owner on the way out.

Would love Newcastle to put a cat amongst this pigeons , and rival the ‘ big 6 ‘ spending power … which of course is a big no no … and they play in decent colours !

Quoted from MuddyWaters

An awfully familiar ownership situation appears to be coming to a head, another long-standing unpopular owner on the way out.

Unpopular he is but I’m not sure he can be classed the same as Fenty.

Let’s face it, Newcastle fans bizarrely think they’re in the same discussion as Liverpool, Utd and Chelsea when in reality they’ve little success.

I’m not convinced an ownership change will make a difference at Newcastle until the fans remove their giant chip and falsified image of themselves…

There's a wider issue of course.

Replacing an unpopular owner with an owner who kills and chops up journalists in other countries, denies women's rights and runs a country based on a royal family who are autocratic, authoritarian and theocratic (when it suits them).

Some of the Newcastle fans don't want this.

It is something of a challenge to the FA's 'fit and proper test'

Wise words at the top of the article.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/oct/07/the-fiver-newcastle-united-saudi-arabia

Quoted from BobbyCummingsTackle

There's a wider issue of course.

Replacing an unpopular owner with an owner who kills and chops up journalists in other countries, denies women's rights and runs a country based on a royal family who are autocratic, authoritarian and theocratic (when it suits them).

Some of the Newcastle fans don't want this.

It is something of a challenge to the FA's 'fit and proper test'

If UK plc can sell the Saudis helicopter gunships, fighter jets, bullets and bombs why shouldn’t they invest in one of our football clubs?

Best thing about Newcastle is

Newcastle Brown

Quoted from WesternMariner

If UK plc can sell the Saudis helicopter gunships, fighter jets, bullets and bombs why shouldn’t they invest in one of our football clubs?

Probably advisable not to set your moral compass with the British State as a baseline…

Quoted from BobbyCummingsTackle

There's a wider issue of course.

Replacing an unpopular owner with an owner who kills and chops up journalists in other countries, denies women's rights and runs a country based on a royal family who are autocratic, authoritarian and theocratic (when it suits them).

Some of the Newcastle fans don't want this.

It is something of a challenge to the FA's 'fit and proper test'

Who runs PIF? Mohammed bin Bruce?

The entire Newcastle squad are busy making plans with their agents for where they’ll be playing next season

Quoted from Knut Anders Fosters Voles

Who runs PIF? Mohammed bin Bruce?

Hilariously PIF stands for Public Investment Fund which the FA is satisfied is not run by the state, according to their statement this afternoon.

In an authoritarian, autocratic state who is the 'Public' in PIF if it isn't the state?

The FA, Ashley and the business side of NUFC just don't give a sh*t where the money comes from as long as it comes.

More state-sponsored sportswashing. Gotta love the FA, got the game's best interests at heart.

It stinks. That is all.

Quoted from ginnywings

It stinks. That is all.

Everything stinks where that sort of money is concerned

To be honest, whilst I’m not a fan of the Saudi government or sportswashing, the other side of this is that the PIF are alleged to be investing a lot into the infrastructure and local economy of the North East, a region which is one of the poorest in Western Europe. This doesn’t make the Saudis okay, or me excited to be welcoming more sportswashing, it mostly makes me sad that some communities in Britain are so ignored that it takes literal oil dictatorships for them to get a hint of investment. I wouldn’t want such owners anywhere near Grimsby, and yet if we were promised investment that we’ve not seen from our own government in generations, it’d almost seem worth it.

Well if it stops their support whinging about how bad things are then it works for me.

Quoted from HertsGTFC

Well if it stops their support whinging about how bad things are then it works for me.

It won’t.

Whilst I’d like to think some geordies will be embarrassed by this, plenty will be buzzing their flabby man mammaries off…until they still don’t compete and they’ll soon be wanting King Kev back to win them absolutely nothing…

No interest whatsoever in this or any other premier league club billionaire plaything, I prefer my local team whatever league we play in.

Could not give a toss, they is only one team that plays in black & white worth supporting and that team is Grimsby Town.

Quoted from BobbyCummingsTackle

There's a wider issue of course.

Replacing an unpopular owner with an owner who kills and chops up journalists in other countries, denies women's rights and runs a country based on a royal family who are autocratic, authoritarian and theocratic (when it suits them).

Some of the Newcastle fans don't want this.

It is something of a challenge to the FA's 'fit and proper test'

Sorry, but it’s not football’s job to be the ethical and moral leaders of the country. We trade with Saudi. We sell them arms. If we’re going to take a stand against Saudi Arabia and some of the things they represent I suggest we start there rather than sport.

I think within 3 years Newcastle will be part of an expanded Big 5 with Chelsea, Liverpool, United & City.

Quoted from The Yard Dog

Could not give a toss, they is only one team that plays in black & white worth supporting and that team is Grimsby Town.

Maybe Brigg Town if we don't have a game...

Thank goodness for Grimsby Town

Quoted from GollyGTFC

Sorry, but it’s not football’s job to be the ethical and moral leaders of the country. We trade with Saudi. We sell them arms. If we’re going to take a stand against Saudi Arabia and some of the things they represent I suggest we start there rather than sport.

I think within 3 years Newcastle will be part of an expanded Big 5 with Chelsea, Liverpool, United & City.

It might not be football's job to be the ethical and moral leaders of the country but given the popularity and accessibility of it, it wouldn't hurt if it tried.

Quoted from GollyGTFC

Sorry, but it’s not football’s job to be the ethical and moral leaders of the country. We trade with Saudi. We sell them arms. If we’re going to take a stand against Saudi Arabia and some of the things they represent I suggest we start there rather than sport.

Football, specifically the PL, is a multi-billion pound industry, one of the country’s largest and most popular exports and with football teams forming the biggest cultural and civic institutions in most towns and cities. Reducing that to some helpless, harmless group of people kicking a bag of wind does a huge disservice to the power and influence that football plays nationally and globally. Why do you think these regimes buy football clubs in the first place, because they’re a good investment? Because they like bovril and balti pies?

These despotic regimes must be challenged and opposed at every level that they operate and wherever they pervade our society. These people have a hand in almost everything you touch nowadays and no, not enough people care to do anything about it. Then again, the last person to stand up against Newcastle’s new owners ended up murdered and cut up into small pieces. Funny that.

I’d hate it if some outfit like this took over Town. The state here won’t do anything that jeopardises business with the Saudis, so who is?  Cultural organisations, that’s who. Cultural organisations, one of which is the FA, represent our values. Quite apart from how they desk with internal opposition and human rights, they have exported, sponsored even, a nasty brand of Islam that inspires terrorists who murder people. That’s before we get on to Yemen.

If I was a Geordie, I wouldn’t be happy about this.

Newcastle will be the new Manchester City. Apparently the wealth of their backers is circa 250 billion which dwarfs even Manchester City and psg, so don’t be surprised if they start making some eye raising signings.

Nothing says getting your club back quite like having it sold to a royal family from an oil-rich foreign state with a shocking human rights record.

Quoted from WesternMariner

If UK plc can sell the Saudis helicopter gunships, fighter jets, bullets and bombs why shouldn’t they invest in one of our football clubs?

Sadly, that’s right.

Just one more reason not to watch PL "football" for me.

When's NUFC Womens team going to do a tour to play in Saudi then...



  

I wonder when the penny will drop in Newcastle. The fans may be drunk with joy at getting rid of Mike Ashley but they have now got owners who do not care two hoots about some city in the Nort East of England.

Yes, they will invest heavily but then they will want a return on their money. Be it from the fans or making Newcastle an international brand. Others have done it and they want a slice of the action, football is just the means of making money, and not what happens on the pitch or in the community.

Thankfully 1878 take a different viewpoint and want to create a community club.

Quoted from DB

I wonder when the penny will drop in Newcastle. The fans may be drunk with joy at getting rid of Mike Ashley but they have now got owners who do not care two hoots about some city in the Nort East of England.

Yes, they will invest heavily but then they will want a return on their money. Be it from the fans or making Newcastle an international brand. Others have done it and they want a slice of the action, football is just the means of making money, and not what happens on the pitch or in the community.

Thankfully 1878 take a different viewpoint and want to create a community club.

Take a look at what the Man City owners have done for that part of East Manchester and tell me they haven’t played a huge part in the community. It’s a lazy criticism to say a foreign owner won’t have an interest in the wider community at Newcastle.

The Saudi’s haven’t bought Newcastle because they think it’s a good investment. Just like City, Newcastle will be a public relations exercise and any success they have will help promote the Saudi brand. But what will also promote the Saudi brand is (like City) being seen as a big player is the Tyneside community. I guess we’ll see.

Saudi Arabia is slowly coming out of the dark ages. Now isn’t the time to make them international pariahs. There are far worst regimes around the world including one that this country and our allies inflicted on Afghanistan.

Quoted from GollyGTFC

Take a look at what the Man City owners have done for that part of East Manchester and tell me they haven’t played a huge part in the community. It’s a lazy criticism to say a foreign owner won’t have an interest in the wider community at Newcastle.

The Saudi’s haven’t bought Newcastle because they think it’s a good investment. Just like City, Newcastle will be a public relations exercise and any success they have will help promote the Saudi brand. But what will also promote the Saudi brand is (like City) being seen as a big player is the Tyneside community. I guess we’ll see.

Saudi Arabia is slowly coming out of the dark ages. Now isn’t the time to make them international pariahs. There are far worst regimes around the world including one that this country and our allies inflicted on Afghanistan.

Coming out the dark ages? That maybe the promotional material but they’re still very ouch the puppet masters of so much…there’s an excellent documentary about the Saudi regime and royal family.

I do agree with the notion that they don’t care about the area being a lazy and ill informed view. The area around Man City has improved greatly and there’s been genuine investment, is it to raise the owners profile and make them even more rich? Perhaps but nobody made them invest in those developments. The same will happen with Newcastle but I’m still not convinced they’ll end up eating at the top table so to speak…

Quoted from GollyGTFC

Take a look at what the Man City owners have done for that part of East Manchester and tell me they haven’t played a huge part in the community. It’s a lazy criticism to say a foreign owner won’t have an interest in the wider community at Newcastle.

The Saudi’s haven’t bought Newcastle because they think it’s a good investment. Just like City, Newcastle will be a public relations exercise and any success they have will help promote the Saudi brand. But what will also promote the Saudi brand is (like City) being seen as a big player is the Tyneside community. I guess we’ll see.

Saudi Arabia is slowly coming out of the dark ages. Now isn’t the time to make them international pariahs. There are far worst regimes around the world including one that this country and our allies inflicted on Afghanistan.

Agreed, I’m genuinely impressed with the work City have done in Manchester. They do a lot more for the local community than their red neighbours and you can see the impact on the city as a whole. That doesn’t mean we should all be jumping for joy praising the Emiratis for their ‘gracious investment’, but City’s role as a ‘community club’ has, surprisingly, improved since they were taken over. That’s kind of part of the beast of sportswashing, they want to be seen to be doing good things in the community and things which are relatively inexpensive for their regime, such as spending a few million improving local infrastructure, goes a long way. As I mentioned in my earlier post, this is by no means me claiming such projects are amazing or an overall moral positive, it’s just that one of the side effects is that there tends to be good investment.

The one thing that really frustrates me about it is people acting like this is some harbinger of doom for Britain, as if we’re our economies are not already deeply aligned with the Middle Eastern petrostates. Hell, the country who’s government we scorn are our allies, who buy weapons from us and have investments in a large number of the FTSE 500. It might seem like whataboutery, but the truth is that the Saudis have been an integral part of the British economy for years, if we wanted to put a stop to it, it could’ve stopped a long time before PIF invested in an underachieving football club.

I particularly like all these 'Newcastle are a big club whose fans deserve success' types that are popping up everywhere?

Have they forgotten the 7,134 that bothered to turn up at St James's Park back in 1979, or the 9,419 in 1982 or the 10,057 in 1992?

Quoted from WetFlannel

Agreed, I’m genuinely impressed with the work City have done in Manchester. They do a lot more for the local community than their red neighbours and you can see the impact on the city as a whole. That doesn’t mean we should all be jumping for joy praising the Emiratis for their ‘gracious investment’, but City’s role as a ‘community club’ has, surprisingly, improved since they were taken over. That’s kind of part of the beast of sportswashing, they want to be seen to be doing good things in the community and things which are relatively inexpensive for their regime, such as spending a few million improving local infrastructure, goes a long way. As I mentioned in my earlier post, this is by no means me claiming such projects are amazing or an overall moral positive, it’s just that one of the side effects is that there tends to be good investment.

The one thing that really frustrates me about it is people acting like this is some harbinger of doom for Britain, as if we’re our economies are not already deeply aligned with the Middle Eastern petrostates. Hell, the country who’s government we scorn are our allies, who buy weapons from us and have investments in a large number of the FTSE 500. It might seem like whataboutery, but the truth is that the Saudis have been an integral part of the British economy for years, if we wanted to put a stop to it, it could’ve stopped a long time before PIF invested in an underachieving football club.

Good points, well expressed.

But there's almost a need to weigh the good versus the bad. Even if the Saudis do the same in Newcastle as the Emiratis have done in Manchester does that outweigh or 'forgive' the human rights abuses, the totalitarianism and the export and support of Wahabism? I would suggest not.

The Emiratis are not the same as the Saudis, the UAE is a lot more liberal and a lot more 'free' as a society. It is far from perfect but it is not Saudi Arabia.

Several posters have said things like 'why should football be a moral leader' or 'not bothered, it's in the Prem' and I really understand those points but if governments or our 'leaders' aren't taking a stand then somebody has to or this becomes the norm, it goes completely unchecked and us 'little people' lose our game even more. Ironically it's happened recently with the outpouring of anger over the Super League and it hit home! And it's happened to us on a smaller scale; the unmasking of Alex May was the tipping point for many of our fans who were prepared to give Fenty the benefit of the doubt previously.

And this is not isolated, several clubs already have people involved in them who have very dubious backgrounds but a blind eye is turned because of the amount of money being pumped into clubs.

Football's moral compass is already kept in a drawer in the spare bedroom and doesn't come out very often. The deal to buy Newcastle will see it thrown away completely.

Newcastle !

Would be a nice 3rd Round Cup draw  

Maybe a Sheikh or two at Blundell Park.

Would imagine Bruce will be first out the door. What odds Jose M taking over? And what odds they buy Kane in January?

I have to say the coverage in the last 24 hours has really got on my mammaries. It’s not like their club has been saved from the edge of extinction, if memory serves me right all barring two seasons most of the Ashley resign has been in the Premier league, though they have smaller support bases there are a number of supporters of lower league clubs who have had it much worse.

Everyone in the media seems to assume that NUFC are everyone’s second favourite team, I’m not sure this is the case. I also love the way some of their supporters are saying they’re not bothered about big signings etc.. well that’s bull sh1t if I ever heard it.

I’m pleased for their supporters that they have got rid of their version of JSF but I’m not convinced the media need to bug it up, then again they have to report something don’t they and I guess it’s better than the fuel crisis, petrol supplies, food poverty, £20 cut in Universal Credit, nobody to drive lorries etc… etc… etc…

Quoted from Caveman

Newcastle !

Would be a nice 3rd Round Cup draw  

Maybe a Sheikh or two at Blundell Park.

Away it would be.

I’m glad they didn’t buy Scunthorpe!!

Quoted from WesternMariner

If UK plc can sell the Saudis helicopter gunships, fighter jets, bullets and bombs why shouldn’t they invest in one of our football clubs?

I wonder how many people complaining about the takeover are closet big six fans and are really just concerned about more competition

Quoted from GollyGTFC

I think within 3 years Newcastle will be part of an expanded Big 5 with Chelsea, Liverpool, United & City.

I reckon they'll be buying into a repeated attempt at getting a European Super League going which undoubtedly is going to happen.

Quoted from Grimsbynewhope

I wonder how many people complaining about the takeover are closet big six fans and are really just concerned about more competition

I think the big 6 might be about to become the big 5 with Arsenal and Spurs just also rans unable to compete financially.

Quoted from HertsGTFC

I have to say the coverage in the last 24 hours has really got on my mammaries. It’s not like their club has been saved from the edge of extinction, if memory serves me right all barring two seasons most of the Ashley resign has been in the Premier league, though they have smaller support bases there are a number of supporters of lower league clubs who have had it much worse.

Everyone in the media seems to assume that NUFC are everyone’s second favourite team, I’m not sure this is the case. I also love the way some of their supporters are saying they’re not bothered about big signings etc.. well that’s bull sh1t if I ever heard it.

I’m pleased for their supporters that they have got rid of their version of JSF but I’m not convinced the media need to bug it up, then again they have to report something don’t they and I guess it’s better than the fuel crisis, petrol supplies, food poverty, £20 cut in Universal Credit, nobody to drive lorries etc… etc… etc…

I agree, it's this whole 'Newcastle is a massive club' sh*t but they haven't won anything for bloody years.

It's like Liverpool and Man Utd calling the years when they didn't win a trophy the Crisis Years or whatever.

A sense of perspective.

Have to say, despite the fact that they're in the premier league the comparisons with the Fenty reign are relevant in my opinion.
It's been about putting the minimum in to get the maximum out, and the objective is to survive in the premier league. Every now and then when you set out to finish fourth bottom it goes wrong but they always bounce back quickly.
I lived up there for 8 years and the club is an institution, the potential is huge with the right leadership. It's just a bigger version of GTFC and the transition from Fenty to JS/AP may be an indicator of what it's like going from MA to whoever now owns Newcastle

Quoted from NorfolkImp

I particularly like all these 'Newcastle are a big club whose fans deserve success' types that are popping up everywhere?

Have they forgotten the 7,134 that bothered to turn up at St James's Park back in 1979, or the 9,419 in 1982 or the 10,057 in 1992?

Coming from a Lincoln supporter this is hilarious referencing old attendances.

Quoted from HertsGTFC

Coming from a Lincoln supporter this is hilarious referencing old attendances.

When have I ever stated that Lincoln are a big club?

Then again averaging over 16,700 in the early 50’s isn’t to be sniffed at.

Quoted from NorfolkImp

When have I ever stated that Lincoln are a big club?

Then again averaging over 16,700 in the early 50’s isn’t to be sniffed at.

You didn’t but your attendances where p1ss poor before Clive Nates came in and to his and the club’s credit transformed things.

Just another page to add to the Pandora papers.

Missing a penalty is punishable by stoning…

Quoted from DB

Best thing about Newcastle is

Tadcaster Brown

Fixed it for you.  

Not a fan of the stuff, it must be said. Very much overrated. If I was having a Tadcaster beer, I'd prefer Sam Smith's Pale Ale.

The villagers of Newcastle will no doubt be delighted with their new owners, at least until the point that pitch invasions start to be punished by amputations.

If they have 250 billion, is there a link to scouts watching our games? Lol

Saudi money is dirty. TalkSPORT said today that they invest in Disney and Uber.  This does not make it right though.

Ironic that Newcastle have struggled for 16 years.  They sacked Bobby Robson when they were 4th or 5th in the Prem,   Not the best decision in hindsight.  

We had our famous league win at Newcastle with our last minute Dobbin goal.  I was there in the 80s when we beat them in the FA Cup,  

If they have 250 billion, is there a link to scouts watching our games? Lol

Saudi money is dirty. TalkSPORT said today that they invest in Disney and Uber.  This does not make it right though.

Ironic that Newcastle have struggled for 16 years.  They sacked Bobby Robson when they were 4th or 5th in the Prem,   Not the best decision in hindsight.  

We had our famous league win at Newcastle with our last minute Dobbin goal.  I was there in the 80s when we beat them in the FA Cup,  

David Conn (@david_conn) and The Guardian are now reporting that the PIF that purchased Newcastle is in fact a Saudi sovereign wealth fund chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.

The PIF owned the plane used by the assassins who killed (and chopped up) the journalist Khashoggi in Turkey.

The FA is satisfied that the Saudi regime will not be involved in the running of Newcastle United.

Quoted from Maringer

Fixed it for you.  

Not a fan of the stuff, it must be said. Very much overrated. If I was having a Tadcaster beer, I'd prefer Sam Smith's Pale Ale.

The villagers of Newcastle will no doubt be delighted with their new owners, at least until the point that pitch invasions start to be punished by amputations.

If we're trying to be ethical I'd give Sam Smiths pubs and beers a wide berth. He's never murdered any dissident journalists but he is notorious for treating his staff abysmally.

It may not happen straight away but presumably Newcastle will be competing for trophies in the next 2 or 3 seasons.

There is a reality that it will take a bit of time to totally transform the squad. The irony is that Newcastle fans have been critical of teams like Chelsea the Manchester City buying success. Now they think they have a chance it's all ok.

Newcastle will be the next most hated team.

They weren’t already? Probably the club in the PL with the most misplaced opinion of themselves. Not won anything in a lifetime but think they deserve it because they’ve got loads of fans.

Large areas of London are owned by Saudis, then there's Abromovitch with links to Putin, no one ever moaned about that, so why try to stop them taking over Newcastle? If we are going to take the moral high ground now it's too bloody late!

[tweet]1446406322057011218[/tweet]

Quoted from GollyGTFC

[tweet]1446406322057011218[/tweet]

As long as they’re discussing it and not planning to throw him out of it.

The big 6 will be ensuring Newcastle follow FFP rules, they will hate the thought of another club grabbing the European cash etc.

The Saudis wont be able to understand what they are saying so the Geordies will have to learn Arabic.

Quoted from mimma

Large areas of London are owned by Saudis, then there's Abromovitch with links to Putin, no one ever moaned about that, so why try to stop them taking over Newcastle? If we are going to take the moral high ground now it's too bloody late!

Of course it is, and I can do nothing about it so I just ignore the Premier League and the Champions League for that matter.

Football is much more a proper sport at our level than the willy-waving owners with their subbuteo sets in the Premier League.

I'd really love it if NUFC women's team did something to wind up the Saudi owners on womens rights. Stand outside St James in their bras and knickers banging saucepans as the sky fairy fascists are going into St James's...

Quoted from GollyGTFC

[tweet]1446406322057011218[/tweet]

Probably discussing bits and pieces........

Dave Clark Five

I wonder how many Newcastle fans have spent years bleating on about big clubs spunking cash galore and the likes…

Needs to be careful going to their embassy,  look at what happened to that journalist!

The replies along the lines of "don't care, only team in black and white I care about is GTFC" are pretty naïve. Do people really think this takeover has no adverse impact on clubs at our level? The reverberations of these kinds of takeovers as they become more and more prevalent can only be a bad thing for us. Premier League clubs think they have the divine right to everything, we've already seen it from the likes of that mammary at Manchester City who claims it's in the "best interests of english premier league football" for u23 teams to be entered into the pyramid. The more of this obscene money that flows into the top of the game, the thicker the end of this wedge gets. How long do we think the FL can realistically hold out for in stopping this from happening? The pressure is only going to build.

All of this is problematic enough without even getting into where the money even comes from. How on earth the premier league can be satisfied that the "Public Interest Fund" of Saudi Arabia isn't state controlled is completely beyond me. The reactions of Newcastle Fans, Sky Sports, Talk Sport etc is also stomach churning. Newcastle fans claiming they've "got their club back". Have they? I think this will take it further away from them, and even if they have got their club back at what cost? Yeah maybe they'll sign Neymar and Inge Haaland but the people who pumping the money in stone gay people to death in the streets, don't let women get an education, work or even drive, chop off limbs for petty crimes, etc etc. I'd rather be flitting between the bottom of the Premier League and the top of the Championship than winning a soulless European Super league with games being played all over the world (They really think they won't want some games in the middle east?) and selling out to these monsters.

Quoted from gtfc98

The replies along the lines of "don't care, only team in black and white I care about is GTFC" are pretty naïve. Do people really think this takeover has no adverse impact on clubs at our level? The reverberations of these kinds of takeovers as they become more and more prevalent can only be a bad thing for us. Premier League clubs think they have the divine right to everything, we've already seen it from the likes of that mammary at Manchester City who claims it's in the "best interests of english premier league football" for u23 teams to be entered into the pyramid. The more of this obscene money that flows into the top of the game, the thicker the end of this wedge gets. How long do we think the FL can realistically hold out for in stopping this from happening? The pressure is only going to build.

All of this is problematic enough without even getting into where the money even comes from. How on earth the premier league can be satisfied that the "Public Interest Fund" of Saudi Arabia isn't state controlled is completely beyond me. The reactions of Newcastle Fans, Sky Sports, Talk Sport etc is also stomach churning. Newcastle fans claiming they've "got their club back". Have they? I think this will take it further away from them, and even if they have got their club back at what cost? Yeah maybe they'll sign Neymar and Inge Haaland but the people who pumping the money in stone gay people to death in the streets, don't let women get an education, work or even drive, chop off limbs for petty crimes, etc etc. I'd rather be flitting between the bottom of the Premier League and the top of the Championship than winning a soulless European Super league with games being played all over the world (They really think they won't want some games in the middle east?) and selling out to these monsters.

I’ve met a fair few Newcastle fans and whilst the odd one is sensible and probably a bit embarrassed by this take over, the rest have probably been half the issue.

A deluded expectation of their club and they’re just embarrassing themselves saying things like ‘we’ve got our club back’…wonder if they’ll say that when they change the badge in the summer. Christ, they kicked off when Ashley dared take down some old pictures…

By the way, there is a lot of Western chauvinism toward the way a lot of people talk about Saudi Arabia. Their government is awful and I loathe them, but at the same time I feel like people can say whatever they want about Saudi Arabia (such as claiming they don’t allow women to get an education or work) and everyone just nods and agrees. Kinda like how a lot of the people complaining on social media about LGBT rights in Saudi Arabia have absolutely no interest in LGBT rights unless it’s to mock countries such as Saudi Arabia. Some of these same people then told Newcastle’s LGBT fan group how to feel, after they released what I thought was quite a measured, reasonable response

I've done the Newcastle stadium tour, my wife is from Whitley Bay.

Massive club, I'd put them on par with Leeds, big one city clubs.

Definitely put them above Leeds. Leeds and Grimsby both have one thing in common… we’ve spent more years in the second tier than in any other tier of the football league!

pot... kettle... black...

https://www.theguardian.com/fo.....ng-on-newcastle-deal

Quoted from promotion plaice

I've done the Newcastle stadium tour, my wife is from Whitley Bay.

Massive club, I'd put them on par with Leeds, big one city clubs.

Not much between them. I reckon Leeds are the better investment. City is bigger and more potential. Prolly connect to HS2.

Quoted from scarthotownfan

Not much between them. I reckon Leeds are the better investment. City is bigger and more potential. Prolly connect to HS2.

If you’re choosing clubs on success then surely Leeds are the winner there?

Newcastle is a one club city and literally the only success they’ve had is getting relatively big crowds consistently. They had one chance of winning the league many moons ago and Keegan did his usual and bottled it. Utd sat back and watched them collapse…

I can see why someone would invest in Newcastle and perhaps over time it’ll pay off but as a Newcastle fan, I appreciate they’re desperate for some sort of success but I don’t think this sale would sit right with me at all. It’s embarrassing that they’re claiming they’ve got their club back and their constant bleating on about being massive and all that is odd…

I think the sale highlights wider issues in football and questions the fit and proper tests once more…but I guess so long as they don’t chop hands off in this country and don’t blow up our hospitals then why should the FA care?

Quoted from aldi_01

If you’re choosing clubs on success then surely Leeds are the winner there?

Newcastle is a one club city and literally the only success they’ve had is getting relatively big crowds consistently. They had one chance of winning the league many moons ago and Keegan did his usual and bottled it. Utd sat back and watched them collapse…

I can see why someone would invest in Newcastle and perhaps over time it’ll pay off but as a Newcastle fan, I appreciate they’re desperate for some sort of success but I don’t think this sale would sit right with me at all. It’s embarrassing that they’re claiming they’ve got their club back and their constant bleating on about being massive and all that is odd…

I think the sale highlights wider issues in football and questions the fit and proper tests once more…but I guess so long as they don’t chop hands off in this country and don’t blow up our hospitals then why should the FA care?

Apart from money I don't think the FA care about anything, just like the Prem.

Quoted from scarthotownfan

Not much between them. I reckon Leeds are the better investment. City is bigger and more potential. Prolly connect to HS2.

I agree Leeds is the financial centre of the north .. Newcastle is the urine up centre of the north the Arabs will love  it

Newcastle a bigger club than Leeds? LMAO.

I remember watching Town at St James' Park in what's now the championship in the early 90's and there being something like 13k there. A lot of self-aggrandisement with that fanbase.

Quoted from Rodley Mariner

I remember watching Town at St James' Park in what's now the championship in the early 90's and there being something like 13k there. A lot of self-aggrandisement with that fanbase.

Every fan loves their club, I’ve no issue with that. It’s what we all live for but Newcastle fans have such an overinflated view of their club…

Quoted from gtfc98

The replies along the lines of "don't care, only team in black and white I care about is GTFC" are pretty naïve. Do people really think this takeover has no adverse impact on clubs at our level? The reverberations of these kinds of takeovers as they become more and more prevalent can only be a bad thing for us. Premier League clubs think they have the divine right to everything, we've already seen it from the likes of that mammary at Manchester City who claims it's in the "best interests of english premier league football" for u23 teams to be entered into the pyramid. The more of this obscene money that flows into the top of the game, the thicker the end of this wedge gets. How long do we think the FL can realistically hold out for in stopping this from happening? The pressure is only going to build.

All of this is problematic enough without even getting into where the money even comes from. How on earth the premier league can be satisfied that the "Public Interest Fund" of Saudi Arabia isn't state controlled is completely beyond me. The reactions of Newcastle Fans, Sky Sports, Talk Sport etc is also stomach churning. Newcastle fans claiming they've "got their club back". Have they? I think this will take it further away from them, and even if they have got their club back at what cost? Yeah maybe they'll sign Neymar and Inge Haaland but the people who pumping the money in stone gay people to death in the streets, don't let women get an education, work or even drive, chop off limbs for petty crimes, etc etc. I'd rather be flitting between the bottom of the Premier League and the top of the Championship than winning a soulless European Super league with games being played all over the world (They really think they won't want some games in the middle east?) and selling out to these monsters.

A very small correction that backs up your point  - women were given the right to drive a car last year (might have been earlier this year).

It was announced by the Saudi government (and reported in some quarters here) as a massive step forward for women and a sign of how soft and fluffy Saudi Arabia now is. They can only drive accompanied by their husband or a male family member.

And they are now allowed to do what women in the majority of the world have been able to do since the car was invented.

Actually mind blowing that anyone would consider Leeds anywhere near as big a club as Newcastle. Maybe it’s those who grew up in the 70s, the only time since the football league began that Leeds were genuinely big. Smaller attendances, less trophies, nowhere near as much time spent in the top division. Leeds being a ‘big’ club is the biggest myth in football. Smaller than Sunderland

Quoted from WetFlannel

Actually mind blowing that anyone would consider Leeds anywhere near as big a club as Newcastle. Maybe it’s those who grew up in the 70s, the only time since the football league began that Leeds were genuinely big. Smaller attendances, less trophies, nowhere near as much time spent in the top division. Leeds being a ‘big’ club is the biggest myth in football. Smaller than Sunderland

Newcastles trophies are from the 1920s, could argue grimsby are a proper top division club on that logic

To be fair, Leeds' only recent trophy is from 30 years ago...

And tbf, myself, as well as every single person on this forum, is proud of Grimsby’s pre World War Two history. It’s still a key part of who we are as a club, despite the fact that very few Town fans will have seen Pat Glover in the flesh.

Quoted from Maringer

To be fair, Leeds' only recent trophy is from 30 years ago...

The 90s isnt still 10 years ago? O.o

Quoted from WHYWONTYOULETMESIGNUP

The 90s isnt still 10 years ago? O.o

Tell me about it. I went to University in Leeds just after they won the title.

I’d like to see the correlation between EDL, anti Muslim types who support Newcastle and how pleased they are they’ve got their club back…

I'd Luv It, LUV IT, if they went down

Quoted from Maringer

To be fair, Leeds' only recent trophy is from 30 years ago...

Your comment got me going there, as for a second I was thinking “you’re talking shìt mate, they won the league when I was a kid”. Then the penny dropped, that was 30 years ago.

For some reason, my brain has a hard time processing that the 90s didn’t end recently. I think it might be something to do with the new millennium, in so much my head treats it as a long decade instead, so in that sense I will live my entire life with Euro 96, Oasis and Tamagotchi’s only just in the rear view mirror.

Just me?

Quoted from Poojah

Your comment got me going there, as for a second I was thinking “you’re talking shìt mate, they won the league when I was a kid”. Then the penny dropped, that was 30 years ago.

For some reason, my brain has a hard time processing that the 90s didn’t end recently. I think I might be something to do with the new millennium, in so much my head treats it as a long decade instead, so in that sense I will live my entire life with Euro 96, Oasis and Tamagotchi’s only just in the rear view mirror.

Just me?

Yes just you. I never got past The Beatles.

Quoted from Poojah

Your comment got me going there, as for a second I was thinking “you’re talking shìt mate, they won the league when I was a kid”. Then the penny dropped, that was 30 years ago.

For some reason, my brain has a hard time processing that the 90s didn’t end recently. I think I might be something to do with the new millennium, in so much my head treats it as a long decade instead, so in that sense I will live my entire life with Euro 96, Oasis and Tamagotchi’s only just in the rear view mirror.

Just me?

No. That Bromley fan with his hair curtains is still in the 90s.

But don’t worry. Things can only get better.