A Different View

[Fairscup]

Heaven?

[Deleted]

At times I really struggle to understand just what it is some of the supporters that say they follow The Toon with a passion really want?

The more I read on various Blogs, Forums and Fan sites the more convinced I become it's all about individuals having their opinions vindicated or proved correct than anything to do with NUFC actually achieving some kind of success.

Take the beginning of last season for example.....the club had failed to sign a striker of note (Ba being brought in on a free with a dodgy knee), key players had left, some following a very public battle of words with Mikey and Co. Those players that did arrive were in most peoples opinion of the untried variety as far as the Premier League went. APee and his backroom team had also been lucky (something in short supply over the years I can tell you) in avoiding the drop the previous season as it was all down to Hughton's hard work up until his ignominious sacking the previous Christmas. This time he and his coaches would be judged on their efforts alone. Mikey's latest management appointment is nothing more than a puppet, hasn't a clue, is s**t and doesn't deserve to be at such a big Club was the cry across the ether. Nothing more than the front piece and latest voice for a corrupt corporate regime at The Toon. All in all the knowing voices among the faithful broadcasting opinion across the WWW had the side nailed on for relegation.

Of course with the wonderful use of hindsight we all now know the side went on to record the best opening run of any season since Keegan's Entertainers. Ah! but, I hear you say...... we were lucky! Well that also may be true although I have to ask why had it taken so feckin long for it to finally turn up? Not that luck stopped the knowing voices from declaring APee still didn't have a clue and it wouldn't last once the side had faced the big boys. Sure enough the run did come to an end, away against Citeh. Who as it happens had spent a vast fortune in compiling a side in with a chance of winning the title. Something which they eventually did come May.

With Christmas just around the corner and following a run of three poor results the knowing voices declared our season was over and mid table mediocrity beckoned. Despite the imminent arrival of another striker in Demba Papiss Cisse in January. Not that it stirred the imagination too much as Bloggers and other's in the know pointed out he, along with Ba and Tiote would all be heading off to the ANC for four weeks. A brave few even declared what did we need a stirker for? Hells teeth the squad needed a centre back, left back and possibly another right back according to many. Our fate was sealed..... more disappointment on the horizon, we just had to sit back and watch the team slide down the league table.

Of course again in hindsight that didn't happen and the team continued to confound both supporters and critics alike. Fringe players had a run in the side and proved themselves capable of stepping up to the plate when required. The side finally missing out on a Champions League spot, however finishing fifth to gain a Europa Cup place. Plenty of Mags, including myself, just laughed and thought how wrong could I be and had Greggs sold humble pie it's profits would have been even greater than normal. As both supporters and pundits alike acknowledged Newcastle had rightly earned it's top five finish and a return to The European stage. Yes they had overachieved, but not many in the Toon Army, if any, would have turned the clock back.

Strangely enough by now the knowing voices had either reversed their opinions to join in the fun while it lasted or in some cases disappeared altogether or simply refused to change and ignored what was in front of their eyes. Some choosing instead to continue the battle against our most benevolent owner by slagging him off at every opportunity. Not that it bothered me too much as I have no time what so ever for Mikey. The Manager APee meanwhile had gained some respite although you could still sense among some sites the knives were just being sharpened behind closed doors.

Of course you can't keep good men down so in no time at all the knowing voices again started to make demands of our most benevolent owner. The squad is not strong enough, we need to retain our best players and buy others during the summer, the manager should do this, that or the other...........yeah well just about every football supporter I know says that about his or her team.

Of course it's easy being on the outside saying this stuff. Actually being able to do something about it is the hard job. Far simpler to offer up opinion knowing there's no comeback other than causing bit of conflict or debate among fellow Mags or being smug when it possibly comes true and you can tell everyone that will listen or read, I told you so! Yeah, well if that's what turns you on terrific.... however the continuous supply of negativity is just as much a turn off for me as is the over gushing praise when the side performs well.

One thing for sure given the four years or more of his tenure running NUFC it was never a forgone conclusion in my mind that Mikey would dig deep in his pocket to meet the demands of supporters. In fact if anything was more likely he would stick rather than twist when it came to demands from anyone, be they players, agents or owners of other Clubs, never mind supporters.

Which raises a very interesting question...... just what makes the knowing voices on Blogs, Fan Sites and Forums believe Mikey actually cares one jot what they think and will do as they ask?

After all we have experience of what can happen when an owner bows to the cry of the mob. What was it now.....three or four games into a season before Sir Bobby was given the chop by Freddy...... Yet you ask Mags now and it's a brave man that will say he deserved to go or that the decision was a good one. Most if not all will tell you the opposite.

So after a lot of waffle I ask again just what is it that supporters really want?

To be rid of Ashley?

Win silverware?

Play in Europe?

Sack Pardew?

Spend money on players and chase titles regardless of cost?

Forget about any stability Ashley should just do as supporters demand?

In fairness if you asked a whole load of Mags those questions you would get a dozen different responses and that probably sums up the real difficulty. You only have to look on threads in this NUFC section to see what I mean. Is it deep down the fact someone else is running The Club and not the individual blogger, Fan Site owner or Forum member that is offering up their opinion on how it should be done?

After all any one of us could do the job better given the opportunity........ could'nt you?

CWL

[Captain Marvel]

Sept 17, 2012 11:17:12 GMT 1 @cannyman said:

Hmmmmmmm....now what will it be......? poison,rope, knife gun or going to the Stadium of Shite?
There is obvously no other way out of this pending doom than to top myself.......
Wonder what colours we are in heaven........?

Broon of course Canny but its not something we are`nt used to!! ;D ;D
ATB

[Captain Marvel]

Sept 17, 2012 11:57:56 GMT 1 @clearwhitelight said:

At times I really struggle to understand just what it is some of the supporters that say they follow The Toon with a passion really want?

The more I read on various Blogs, Forums and Fan sites the more convinced I become it's all about individuals having their opinions vindicated or proved correct than anything to do with NUFC actually achieving some kind of success.

Take the beginning of last season for example.....the club had failed to sign a striker of note (Ba being brought in on a free with a dodgy knee), key players had left, some following a very public battle of words with Mikey and Co. Those players that did arrive were in most peoples opinion of the untried variety as far as the Premier League went. APee and his backroom team had also been lucky (something in short supply over the years I can tell you) in avoiding the drop the previous season as it was all down to Hughton's hard work up until his ignominious sacking the previous Christmas. This time he and his coaches would be judged on their efforts alone. Mikey's latest management appointment is nothing more than a puppet, hasn't a clue, is s**t and doesn't deserve to be at such a big Club was the cry across the ether. Nothing more than the front piece and latest voice for a corrupt corporate regime at The Toon. All in all the knowing voices among the faithful broadcasting opinion across the WWW had the side nailed on for relegation.

Of course with the wonderful use of hindsight we all now know the side went on to record the best opening run of any season since Keegan's Entertainers. Ah! but, I hear you say...... we were lucky! Well that also may be true although I have to ask why had it taken so feckin long for it to finally turn up? Not that luck stopped the knowing voices from declaring APee still didn't have a clue and it wouldn't last once the side had faced the big boys. Sure enough the run did come to an end, away against Citeh. Who as it happens had spent a vast fortune in compiling a side in with a chance of winning the title. Something which they eventually did come May.

With Christmas just around the corner and following a run of three poor results the knowing voices declared our season was over and mid table mediocrity beckoned. Despite the imminent arrival of another striker in Demba Papiss Cisse in January. Not that it stirred the imagination too much as Bloggers and other's in the know pointed out he, along with Ba and Tiote would all be heading off to the ANC for four weeks. A brave few even declared what did we need a stirker for? Hells teeth the squad needed a centre back, left back and possibly another right back according to many. Our fate was sealed..... more disappointment on the horizon, we just had to sit back and watch the team slide down the league table.

Of course again in hindsight that didn't happen and the team continued to confound both supporters and critics alike. Fringe players had a run in the side and proved themselves capable of stepping up to the plate when required. The side finally missing out on a Champions League spot, however finishing fifth to gain a Europa Cup place. Plenty of Mags, including myself, just laughed and thought how wrong could I be and had Greggs sold humble pie it's profits would have been even greater than normal. As both supporters and pundits alike acknowledged Newcastle had rightly earned it's top five finish and a return to The European stage. Yes they had overachieved, but not many in the Toon Army, if any, would have turned the clock back.

Strangely enough by now the knowing voices had either reversed their opinions to join in the fun while it lasted or in some cases disappeared altogether or simply refused to change and ignored what was in front of their eyes. Some choosing instead to continue the battle against our most benevolent owner by slagging him off at every opportunity. Not that it bothered me too much as I have no time what so ever for Mikey. The Manager APee meanwhile had gained some respite although you could still sense among some sites the knives were just being sharpened behind closed doors.

Of course you can't keep good men down so in no time at all the knowing voices again started to make demands of our most benevolent owner. The squad is not strong enough, we need to retain our best players and buy others during the summer, the manager should do this, that or the other...........yeah well just about every football supporter I know says that about his or her team.

Of course it's easy being on the outside saying this stuff. Actually being able to do something about it is the hard job. Far simpler to offer up opinion knowing there's no comeback other than causing bit of conflict or debate among fellow Mags or being smug when it possibly comes true and you can tell everyone that will listen or read, I told you so! Yeah, well if that's what turns you on terrific.... however the continuous supply of negativity is just as much a turn off for me as is the over gushing praise when the side performs well.

One thing for sure given the four years or more of his tenure running NUFC it was never a forgone conclusion in my mind that Mikey would dig deep in his pocket to meet the demands of supporters. In fact if anything was more likely he would stick rather than twist when it came to demands from anyone, be they players, agents or owners of other Clubs, never mind supporters.

Which raises a very interesting question...... just what makes the knowing voices on Blogs, Fan Sites and Forums believe Mikey actually cares one jot what they think and will do as they ask?

After all we have experience of what can happen when an owner bows to the cry of the mob. What was it now.....three or four games into a season before Sir Bobby was given the chop by Freddy...... Yet you ask Mags now and it's a brave man that will say he deserved to go or that the decision was a good one. Most if not all will tell you the opposite.

So after a lot of waffle I ask again just what is it that supporters really want?

To be rid of Ashley?

Win silverware?

Play in Europe?

Sack Pardew?

Spend money on players and chase titles regardless of cost?

Forget about any stability Ashley should just do as supporters demand?

In fairness if you asked a whole load of Mags those questions you would get a dozen different responses and that probably sums up the real difficulty. You only have to look on threads in this NUFC section to see what I mean. Is it deep down the fact someone else is running The Club and not the individual blogger, Fan Site owner or Forum member that is offering up their opinion on how it should be done?

After all any one of us could do the job better given the opportunity........ could'nt you?

CWL

Well thats a script and a half + but one sentence stands out for me..

Which raises a very interesting question...... just what makes the knowing voices on Blogs, Fan Sites and Forums believe Mikey actually cares one jot what they think and will do as they ask?

You can bet your bottom dollar he does not give a toss what anybody thinks. (But that will not help the situation).
ATB

[Deleted]

Capt'n M it's why I asked it, even if already knowing damn nicely what the answer is....

Anyway just airing my thoughts.... as I occasionally find it can be cathartic in a perverse kind of way when dealing with NUFC issues.

If other people agree or disagree it's not a problem... no expectation from me on that front.

CWL

[LeazesEnder47]

Sept 17, 2012 12:53:22 GMT 1 Captain Marvel said:

Sept 17, 2012 11:57:56 GMT 1 @clearwhitelight said:

At times I really struggle to understand just what it is some of the supporters that say they follow The Toon with a passion really want?

The more I read on various Blogs, Forums and Fan sites the more convinced I become it's all about individuals having their opinions vindicated or proved correct than anything to do with NUFC actually achieving some kind of success.

Take the beginning of last season for example.....the club had failed to sign a striker of note (Ba being brought in on a free with a dodgy knee), key players had left, some following a very public battle of words with Mikey and Co. Those players that did arrive were in most peoples opinion of the untried variety as far as the Premier League went. APee and his backroom team had also been lucky (something in short supply over the years I can tell you) in avoiding the drop the previous season as it was all down to Hughton's hard work up until his ignominious sacking the previous Christmas. This time he and his coaches would be judged on their efforts alone. Mikey's latest management appointment is nothing more than a puppet, hasn't a clue, is s**t and doesn't deserve to be at such a big Club was the cry across the ether. Nothing more than the front piece and latest voice for a corrupt corporate regime at The Toon. All in all the knowing voices among the faithful broadcasting opinion across the WWW had the side nailed on for relegation.

Of course with the wonderful use of hindsight we all now know the side went on to record the best opening run of any season since Keegan's Entertainers. Ah! but, I hear you say...... we were lucky! Well that also may be true although I have to ask why had it taken so feckin long for it to finally turn up? Not that luck stopped the knowing voices from declaring APee still didn't have a clue and it wouldn't last once the side had faced the big boys. Sure enough the run did come to an end, away against Citeh. Who as it happens had spent a vast fortune in compiling a side in with a chance of winning the title. Something which they eventually did come May.

With Christmas just around the corner and following a run of three poor results the knowing voices declared our season was over and mid table mediocrity beckoned. Despite the imminent arrival of another striker in Demba Papiss Cisse in January. Not that it stirred the imagination too much as Bloggers and other's in the know pointed out he, along with Ba and Tiote would all be heading off to the ANC for four weeks. A brave few even declared what did we need a stirker for? Hells teeth the squad needed a centre back, left back and possibly another right back according to many. Our fate was sealed..... more disappointment on the horizon, we just had to sit back and watch the team slide down the league table.

Of course again in hindsight that didn't happen and the team continued to confound both supporters and critics alike. Fringe players had a run in the side and proved themselves capable of stepping up to the plate when required. The side finally missing out on a Champions League spot, however finishing fifth to gain a Europa Cup place. Plenty of Mags, including myself, just laughed and thought how wrong could I be and had Greggs sold humble pie it's profits would have been even greater than normal. As both supporters and pundits alike acknowledged Newcastle had rightly earned it's top five finish and a return to The European stage. Yes they had overachieved, but not many in the Toon Army, if any, would have turned the clock back.

Strangely enough by now the knowing voices had either reversed their opinions to join in the fun while it lasted or in some cases disappeared altogether or simply refused to change and ignored what was in front of their eyes. Some choosing instead to continue the battle against our most benevolent owner by slagging him off at every opportunity. Not that it bothered me too much as I have no time what so ever for Mikey. The Manager APee meanwhile had gained some respite although you could still sense among some sites the knives were just being sharpened behind closed doors.

Of course you can't keep good men down so in no time at all the knowing voices again started to make demands of our most benevolent owner. The squad is not strong enough, we need to retain our best players and buy others during the summer, the manager should do this, that or the other...........yeah well just about every football supporter I know says that about his or her team.

Of course it's easy being on the outside saying this stuff. Actually being able to do something about it is the hard job. Far simpler to offer up opinion knowing there's no comeback other than causing bit of conflict or debate among fellow Mags or being smug when it possibly comes true and you can tell everyone that will listen or read, I told you so! Yeah, well if that's what turns you on terrific.... however the continuous supply of negativity is just as much a turn off for me as is the over gushing praise when the side performs well.

One thing for sure given the four years or more of his tenure running NUFC it was never a forgone conclusion in my mind that Mikey would dig deep in his pocket to meet the demands of supporters. In fact if anything was more likely he would stick rather than twist when it came to demands from anyone, be they players, agents or owners of other Clubs, never mind supporters.

Which raises a very interesting question...... just what makes the knowing voices on Blogs, Fan Sites and Forums believe Mikey actually cares one jot what they think and will do as they ask?

After all we have experience of what can happen when an owner bows to the cry of the mob. What was it now.....three or four games into a season before Sir Bobby was given the chop by Freddy...... Yet you ask Mags now and it's a brave man that will say he deserved to go or that the decision was a good one. Most if not all will tell you the opposite.

So after a lot of waffle I ask again just what is it that supporters really want?

To be rid of Ashley?

Win silverware?

Play in Europe?

Sack Pardew?

Spend money on players and chase titles regardless of cost?

Forget about any stability Ashley should just do as supporters demand?

In fairness if you asked a whole load of Mags those questions you would get a dozen different responses and that probably sums up the real difficulty. You only have to look on threads in this NUFC section to see what I mean. Is it deep down the fact someone else is running The Club and not the individual blogger, Fan Site owner or Forum member that is offering up their opinion on how it should be done?

After all any one of us could do the job better given the opportunity........ could'nt you?

CWL

Well thats a script and a half + but one sentence stands out for me..

Which raises a very interesting question...... just what makes the knowing voices on Blogs, Fan Sites and Forums believe Mikey actually cares one jot what they think and will do as they ask?

You can bet your bottom dollar he does not give a toss what anybody thinks. (But that will not help the situation).
ATB


Unfortunately Cap, you're spot on with that last statement! Having personally taken part in demonstrations/marches both inside & outside of St. James', I can Defo say that the FCB doesn't give a monkey's chuff what we supporters say or think!!! The rollocks about
Him being in fear for his family and selling up was just another good piece of propaganda on his part! Sadly, it worked as the protests dropped away and his business model started to take effect.

A lot of people seem to forget that through Dekka, Mikey made it quite clear why he bought the Toon in the first place........"As a springboard for his other business interests". Namely,
S***e Direct!!!

[Deleted]

Leazes I totally agree and that's another reason I just don't understand why some fans are still expecting Mikey to change his ways. From the start it's been his way or no way.... with the acquisition of NUFC nothing more than a means to an end as a promotional vehicle for his other main business venture.

As for the protests they were never going to make much difference IMO although I accept those that bothered may have felt at least they tried to do something while many stood by watching. Trouble is it's not the first time such protests have ended up achieving nothing. Ashley's power base at The Toon is almost unassailable, unless a major financial player comes along. Even then our most benevolent owner will still probably walk away with a pile of cash and a smile as wide as the Tyne.

That said I do have to be honest about one positive aspect I acknowledge of his present tenure and that is his governance of The Club. For me The Toon is run along much more professional lines than at just about any other time I can recall, barring that of SJH and Freddie Fletcher. Yes he is as tight as a ducks arse with the purse strings, but as for the rest everything is done quietly behind the scenes. With what appears little or nothing coming out of the corridors of power unless it's already been cleared first by the main man.

Don't get me wrong here, that doesn't make me a convert as I still firmly believe NUFC will not achieve silverware under the kind of business strategy employed by Mikey and Lambastard. It's simply too restrictive and inflexible when it comes to certain situations.

When Manure saw the Title disappear across to the blue half of Manchester they acted positively by signing Van Persie during the summer. The message was loud and clear...... they wanted it back.

Most Toon fans would have creamed their pants at the thought of pulling that kind of deal off, but it was never going to happen here. The nearest we have ever come to that was signing Shearer. Under Mikey the evidence was already written large across several transfer windows. Now of course with barely three games into the new season the moaning starts again big time. It is why I mentioned the scenario with Sir Bobby..... Perhaps that is a classic case of NUFC supporters deserving what we get. Simply because we are never satisfied no matter what is done or simply lack sufficient patience to let things develop, despite not liking what we may initially see. Although forty odd years of waiting is enough to try the patience of a saint never mind your average Mag.

As things stand I just can't see it changing no matter how much bitching goes on across the WWW. You either continue to support The Club or don't bother. The only hope I cling to is looking for small positives signs it will get better. Seeing some of the younger lads get a chance is part of that although that too is a major gamble by Mikey and Co.

No doubt there has been a boat load of propaganda and positive spin put out by the Club which can be pulled apart. However you have to accept there's also a hell of a lot of complete negative sh**e being published or reported as fact on the web. You make your own mind up which to believe.

Personally above all else I would like to see some kind of stability at The Club for at least three seasons rather than the incessant cry for change coming from some sections of our support. A cry which often gets louder or quieter according to results.

We all look at things in our own way and this post is just an indication of the way I'm thinking at the moment. I will judge the side, management and owner over the season and not three games.

Yet sadly may have to accept that when all is said and done Mikey is either just not wealthy or bold enough to really go for it..... After all it's that or walk away!

CWL

[Pollypeterborough]

Sept 17, 2012 17:22:28 GMT 1 @clearwhitelight said:

Leazes I totally agree and that's another reason I just don't understand why some fans are still expecting Mikey to change his ways. From the start it's been his way or no way.... with the acquisition of NUFC nothing more than a means to an end as a promotional vehicle for his other main business venture.

As for the protests they were never going to make much difference IMO although I accept those that bothered may have felt at least they tried to do something while many stood by watching. Trouble is it's not the first time such protests have ended up achieving nothing. Ashley's power base at The Toon is almost unassailable, unless a major financial player comes along. Even then our most benevolent owner will still probably walk away with a pile of cash and a smile as wide as the Tyne.

That said I do have to be honest about one positive aspect I acknowledge of his present tenure and that is his governance of The Club. For me The Toon is run along much more professional lines than at just about any other time I can recall, barring that of SJH and Freddie Fletcher. Yes he is as tight as a ducks arse with the purse strings, but as for the rest everything is done quietly behind the scenes. With what appears little or nothing coming out of the corridors of power unless it's already been cleared first by the main man.

Don't get me wrong here, that doesn't make me a convert as I still firmly believe NUFC will not achieve silverware under the kind of business strategy employed by Mikey and Lambastard. It's simply too restrictive and inflexible when it comes to certain situations.

When Manure saw the Title disappear across to the blue half of Manchester they acted positively by signing Van Persie during the summer. The message was loud and clear...... they wanted it back.

Most Toon fans would have creamed their pants at the thought of pulling that kind of deal off, but it was never going to happen here. The nearest we have ever come to that was signing Shearer. Under Mikey the evidence was already written large across several transfer windows. Now of course with barely three games into the new season the moaning starts again big time. It is why I mentioned the scenario with Sir Bobby..... Perhaps that is a classic case of NUFC supporters deserving what we get. Simply because we are never satisfied no matter what is done or simply lack sufficient patience to let things develop, despite not liking what we may initially see. Although forty odd years of waiting is enough to try the patience of a saint never mind your average Mag.

As things stand I just can't see it changing no matter how much bitching goes on across the WWW. You either continue to support The Club or don't bother. The only hope I cling to is looking for small positives signs it will get better. Seeing some of the younger lads get a chance is part of that although that too is a major gamble by Mikey and Co.

No doubt there has been a boat load of propaganda and positive spin put out by the Club which can be pulled apart. However you have to accept there's also a hell of a lot of complete negative sh**e being published or reported as fact on the web. You make your own mind up which to believe.

Personally above all else I would like to see some kind of stability at The Club for at least three seasons rather than the incessant cry for change coming from some sections of our support. A cry which often gets louder or quieter according to results.

We all look at things in our own way and this post is just an indication of the way I'm thinking at the moment. I will judge the side, management and owner over the season and not three games.

Yet sadly may have to accept that when all is said and done Mikey is either just not wealthy or bold enough to really go for it..... After all it's that or walk away!

CWL

Well i have been waiting for 50 years. a part from the fairs cup, i am glad of a good bit of news now and then. just have to keep waiting.

[Captain Marvel]

Sept 17, 2012 17:22:28 GMT 1 @clearwhitelight said:

Leazes I totally agree and that's another reason I just don't understand why some fans are still expecting Mikey to change his ways. From the start it's been his way or no way.... with the acquisition of NUFC nothing more than a means to an end as a promotional vehicle for his other main business venture.

As for the protests they were never going to make much difference IMO although I accept those that bothered may have felt at least they tried to do something while many stood by watching. Trouble is it's not the first time such protests have ended up achieving nothing. Ashley's power base at The Toon is almost unassailable, unless a major financial player comes along. Even then our most benevolent owner will still probably walk away with a pile of cash and a smile as wide as the Tyne.

That said I do have to be honest about one positive aspect I acknowledge of his present tenure and that is his governance of The Club. For me The Toon is run along much more professional lines than at just about any other time I can recall, barring that of SJH and Freddie Fletcher. Yes he is as tight as a ducks arse with the purse strings, but as for the rest everything is done quietly behind the scenes. With what appears little or nothing coming out of the corridors of power unless it's already been cleared first by the main man.

Don't get me wrong here, that doesn't make me a convert as I still firmly believe NUFC will not achieve silverware under the kind of business strategy employed by Mikey and Lambastard. It's simply too restrictive and inflexible when it comes to certain situations.

When Manure saw the Title disappear across to the blue half of Manchester they acted positively by signing Van Persie during the summer. The message was loud and clear...... they wanted it back.

Most Toon fans would have creamed their pants at the thought of pulling that kind of deal off, but it was never going to happen here. The nearest we have ever come to that was signing Shearer. Under Mikey the evidence was already written large across several transfer windows. Now of course with barely three games into the new season the moaning starts again big time. It is why I mentioned the scenario with Sir Bobby..... Perhaps that is a classic case of NUFC supporters deserving what we get. Simply because we are never satisfied no matter what is done or simply lack sufficient patience to let things develop, despite not liking what we may initially see. Although forty odd years of waiting is enough to try the patience of a saint never mind your average Mag.

As things stand I just can't see it changing no matter how much bitching goes on across the WWW. You either continue to support The Club or don't bother. The only hope I cling to is looking for small positives signs it will get better. Seeing some of the younger lads get a chance is part of that although that too is a major gamble by Mikey and Co.

No doubt there has been a boat load of propaganda and positive spin put out by the Club which can be pulled apart. However you have to accept there's also a hell of a lot of complete negative sh**e being published or reported as fact on the web. You make your own mind up which to believe.

Personally above all else I would like to see some kind of stability at The Club for at least three seasons rather than the incessant cry for change coming from some sections of our support. A cry which often gets louder or quieter according to results.

We all look at things in our own way and this post is just an indication of the way I'm thinking at the moment. I will judge the side, management and owner over the season and not three games.

Yet sadly may have to accept that when all is said and done Mikey is either just not wealthy or bold enough to really go for it..... After all it's that or walk away!

CWL

Now of course with barely three games into the new season the moaning starts again big time. It is why I mentioned the scenario with Sir Bobby..... Perhaps that is a classic case of NUFC supporters deserving what we get. Simply because we are never satisfied no matter what is done or simply lack sufficient patience to let things develop, despite not liking what we may initially see. Although forty odd years of waiting is enough to try the patience of a saint never mind your average Mag.

Now this I totally disagree with, how can anyone suggest that NUFC fans are impatient for some success is beyond me in my mind the fans deserve just a bit more than Ashley is prepared to give them.

I do agree with the way the club is being run to a point but Ashley is way too mean for his own good....

Danny Guthrie, Peter Lovenkrands, and Alan Smith released and one brought in is not going to move this club forward this year no wonder people are starting to moan, do they have a right to moan? 40 odd years and nothing to show for it, hmmmmmm.
ATB

[Deleted]

Hells teeth Capt M of course fans are impatient that's the whole bloody point I'm making.... It's the fact many supporters think Mikey should deliver regardless of what it means to him personally I find unbelievable.

As for the three players let go are you saying they should have been retained or is it just easy to say it smacks of a lack of progress because you are not paying for any replacements?

CWL

[Captain Marvel]

Sept 17, 2012 23:28:38 GMT 1 @clearwhitelight said:

Hells teeth Capt M of course fans are impatient that's the whole bloody point I'm making.... It's the fact many supporters think Mikey should deliver regardless of what it means to him personally I find unbelievable.

As for the three players let go are you saying they should have been retained or is it just easy to say it smacks of a lack of progress because you are not paying for any replacements?

CWL

I am not wanting a return to the splash the cash for the sake of it.

The team beats all expectations by finishing 5th which enters you into a European competition.

I also thought it was clear what I was saying, you get rid of three players of the wage bill and you bring in one? What sort of message does that send out to the team never mind the supporters.

Now if Ashley had wanted to at least achieve anything this year they had to bring in 2-3 quality players, not at any price but that is not the case the team/squad needs strengthening..

It seems as if you stray away from the path of the righteous on here
it is heracy. Or to put it another way, a different view altogether which may not be appreciated?

ATB

[Deleted]

Capt'n I guess the answer to your question about what message it sends out to supporters depends on who you ask? I have done just that with a load of Mags I know and believe me or not the responses are as wide as you could probably get. Many share your view of it being nothing more than an exercise to reduce or balance the wage bill (the latter being something under the UEFA FFP directive the Club must do). Others see it as getting rid of dead wood as contracts end, although I was disappointed to see Guthrie leave, but understood the reasons why he went. Others see it as a constant challenge to raise the overall standard The Toon have among it's playing staff. Many in that camp would change eight or nine players each transfer window given half a chance.

The signing of one player during the window also generates a whole range of responses.

As for what message it sends to the players, well unlike apparently Magpie I don't have someone inside the Club feeding me all sorts of information about what is going on at Gallowgate behind closed doors. What I can say from attending reserve and academy games is that the young kids are buzzing at the prospect of being given an early opportunity to join the 1st team. The new kid Bigirimana and Sammy being the one's most talked about.

It's a bit early to say Ashley will not achieve anything doing it his way or are you writing off the season already? I also have real doubts it will work, but given that many others have tried and failed just have to keep on believing despite everything I think about Mikey I still could be proved wrong!

I'm all for bringing in quality players however accept it's not as easy as the old days to get them to sign. There are loads of factors that can scupper a deal and it's not always about money.

Also when it comes to players, bringing in new blood threatens the place of an existing squad member which no doubt causes friction. Plenty of Clubs in the Premier League have unhappy team members especially those challenging for the title and other trophies. Perhaps the policy of letting players go before signing or lining up a replacement is not such a bad idea when all is said and done. Then again it's not like shopping in a Football Tesco's as getting them through the door afterwards appears the most difficult part.

Not sure what the Path of The Righteous is when it comes to following The Toon, however totally concur that having a different view is not always appreciated.

CWL

[Captain Marvel]

Sept 18, 2012 9:43:40 GMT 1 @clearwhitelight said:

Capt'n I guess the answer to your question about what message it sends out to supporters depends on who you ask? I have done just that with a load of Mags I know and believe me or not the responses are as wide as you could probably get. Many share your view of it being nothing more than an exercise to reduce or balance the wage bill (the latter being something under the UEFA FFP directive the Club must do). Others see it as getting rid of dead wood as contracts end, although I was disappointed to see Guthrie leave, but understood the reasons why he went. Others see it as a constant challenge to raise the overall standard The Toon have among it's playing staff. Many in that camp would change eight or nine players each transfer window given half a chance.

The signing of one player during the window also generates a whole range of responses.

As for what message it sends to the players, well unlike apparently Magpie I don't have someone inside the Club feeding me all sorts of information about what is going on at Gallowgate behind closed doors. What I can say from attending reserve and academy games is that the young kids are buzzing at the prospect of being given an early opportunity to join the 1st team. The new kid Bigirimana and Sammy being the one's most talked about.

It's a bit early to say Ashley will not achieve anything doing it his way or are you writing off the season already? I also have real doubts it will work, but given that many others have tried and failed just have to keep on believing despite everything I think about Mikey I still could be proved wrong!

I'm all for bringing in quality players however accept it's not as easy as the old days to get them to sign. There are loads of factors that can scupper a deal and it's not always about money.

Also when it comes to players, bringing in new blood threatens the place of an existing squad member which no doubt causes friction. Plenty of Clubs in the Premier League have unhappy team members especially those challenging for the title and other trophies. Perhaps the policy of letting players go before signing or lining up a replacement is not such a bad idea when all is said and done. Then again it's not like shopping in a Football Tesco's as getting them through the door afterwards appears the most difficult part.

Not sure what the Path of The Righteous is when it comes to following The Toon, however totally concur that having a different view is not always appreciated.

CWL

It is very frustrating when you see the window close and you know opportunities go begging.

You know the squad needs reinforcing you also know Ashley is not going to break the bank but I am not asking for that, keep within the limits, no problem with that either but stop putting menial bids in for players way below their value and have players and supporters alike thinking and believing you are trying to move the club forward.

(Mind having said all that it aint gonna happen anyday soon!)

It showed last night that we have very little in reserve when players are injured.
ATB

[Deleted]

Capt'n don't have an issue with anything you have stated above...

I'm sure there are some within our support that do believe the hype about Mikey wanting to take the Club forward based upon the soundbites released by the PR dept. I'm just not one of them.

That said I still look for positives.....

Frustration must be the word of choice for many Mags.

One last thought about strength in depth. Been in touch with an ex work colleague this morning who is a Blue and he was bricking it last night. Not about the way Newcastle came back at Everton during the second half, but the fact one or two of their better players may have picked up injuries. He believes The Toffees only have 19 registered out of a possible 25 with the Premier League. Now that is scary...

CWL

[LeazesEnder47]

Lads 'n' lasses,

Interesting piece from the editor of True Faith fanzine, Mick Martin


www.true-faith.co.uk/tbawe.html

Quite a lengthy read but all good points and well written

Note: put on TF website before k.o. Yesterday.