TAKEOVER IS JUST A RUMOR...AND WE'RE GLAD

Yesterday wasn't the first time talk spread across cyberspace of an impending Newcastle United takeover by a shadowy multibillionaire. But it's the first time we didn't want it to happen.

Sure, it'd be great if United had money to burn. So long as it didn't just go up in smoke. Which is usually the case with clueless multibillionaires who buy soccer clubs to amuse themselves. And if this particular rumor turned out to be true - the report says the takeover will happen "within the next fortnight" - the timing would be wretched. Because our current not-so-multi billionaire appears finally to be getting a clue.

For as much deserved shrapnel as Mike Ashley has taken since purchasing Newcastle United, and as much as United fans are prone to find the cloud in any silver lining, an objective observer has to admit: this club is set up to make a serious move in the right direction. The financial bleeding has stopped and the patient is rallying. With the proceeds from taking Liverpool to the cleaners and a potential miracle top-half finish to build on, now is not the time to start over.

Besides, do we really want to be Manchester City? As Americans without any natural tie to Newcastle upon Tyne, the operators of this site joined the Toon Army in part because Newcastle United is more than a bank account in a kit. Victory bought pales next to victory earned. And we're proud to have jumped on this bandwagon before it reached its destination, not after.

So thanks but no thanks to the shadowy multibillionaire. Fortunately there's no named source and no confirmation from non-citizen journalists of this takeover report. In other words, it's probably a false alarm, like many that preceded it. For once, that's a good thing.

Comments

[Ryan]

Well said. Although Ashley still divides fans, I will say one thing. We may not be able to go buy the biggest name out there like Man U, Chelsea, etc. But too many players have been overpaid for in the past by us, and didn't come anywhere near living up to their price. Look at some of the deals we got. Tiote and HBA appear to be steals. While it's nice to be able to splash cash, I am liking Ashley's approach.

He is slowly righting the ship, and once the Fair Play rules go into effect, I think some of the big spending clubs will be in some trouble.

I would rather develop young talent, and supplant that with proven veterans and win that way. As you said, we could feel like it's earned, rather than what Man. City must be feeling, and they still can't get a title.

Onward and upward! HWTL

[Mat]

I agree, for the first time in a long time - NUFC seem to be heading in the right direction. This transfer window is the most exciting time, in a long time for NUFC fans.

Make no mistakes about it, this transfer window will define the direction NUFC is heading. If we sign exciting young prospects, I think the future is bright. We can build our own stars and a young team like Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal have.

Sign the like’s of C.Cole, Reo Coker, Konchesky then the club will be stuck in mediocrity and the future will be bleak.

[Tom]

I agree with both of you guys, as well as my co-blogger. I know there are a lot of people who will never forgive Ashley for what led to relegation, but I think (or maybe just hope) that he's figuring it out.

If a new owner were to come in, I'd be fearful that it would take time for him (or her) to figure out how everything works in running a football club.

You're dead-on, Mat -->Cole, Reo-Coker and Konchesky would be a vintage summer transfer window during the late Shepherd years.

Bottom line: This summer is Ashley's chance to show us all his real vision for the club. If NUFC manage to sign some of the young players from the French league the club has been linked with, I think all of us will be quite happy.