Relief at end of Ashley era has been replaced by questions of morality about what it means now to support Newcastle UnitedOn Sunday, Newcastle United fans will rise early, that excitable match-day knot occupying stomachs across Tyneside, and 50,000 will march on St James’ Park to witness the post-Mike Ashley era begin.But for many, the discomfort runs deeper than apprehension over a journey into the football unknown. Last week’s takeover saw 80% of the club’s shares acquired by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. True, the Premier League said it had received “legally binding” assurances that the Saudi state would not run the football club. But Saudi involvement has, quite rightly, brought enhanced scrutiny of the country’s human rights failings. Continue...
Bruce potentially set for his final game at Newcastle, Ranieri begins tough spell at Watford and Guardiola has Sterling decision It feels trivial discussing mere football matters when set against the ethical concerns arising from Newcastle’s Saudi takeover, but it feels as if whatever happens on the pitch against Tottenham will accelerate Steve Bruce’s departure. He is unlikely to get much credit if his side record a first league win of the season; instead it will only heighten the sense of “new broom” momentum that would require a bigger-name manager as soon as possible, while defeat would only serve to demonstrate the immediate need for change. It helps Bruce that Newcastle’s first opponents of the new era are a side...
Supporters sang about getting their club back but it is hard to imagine a way it could be more profoundly taken awayThere used to be a sport over there.Football has never been pure. There have always been the rich looking to improve their reputations by investing in clubs. Even in its amateur days, football was rotten, amateurism itself by the end a carapace to try to stop the working classes taking over the game. Continue reading...
More than a Hollywood ascent we want our ambition, dignity and hope back – and small touches that show these people careCome match day, St James’ Park is the beating heart of Newcastle. Its pride of place in the centre of the city and its iconic roof dominating the skyline and inviting its congregation to assemble are emblematic of how inextricably linked the club is to the community.It is painfully ironic that an institution so loved inherited such a neglectful owner in Mike Ashley. The club turns 140 next month, meaning it has been in his hands for a 10th of its life; the damage done in that time has overwritten in many people’s minds the successes that preceded his...
Former Newcastle midfielder wants focus on the academy and local area and does not expect superstar signings in a hurryThe takeover is all the fans want. They’ve been waiting 12 years to have a change of hands and they’ve been through a lot of rubbish under Mike Ashley – relegations, being bottom of the league, having average players playing for the club for a long time – and yet they still support Newcastle United.There were still 52,000 turning up, even through the dark days when they got relegated. So they deserve changing fortunes. I’m trying to keep on an even keel about it, and I certainly don’t expect the owners to start signing Mbappé, Messi and Ronaldo because the club’s...