Shepherd sells Newcastle
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Mike Ashley is on the verge of assuming complete control of Newcastle United after Freddy Shepherd yesterday agreed to sell his stake in the club to the billionaire retailer. Newcastle's chairman is expected to make a statement to the Stock Exchange this morning, announcing his decision to cede power by accepting Ashley's £37,279,000 offer for his 28.06% stake in the club.
But this does not spell the end of Shepherd's influence at St James' Park. It is understood he will continue to serve as Newcastle's salaried chairman, leaving the reclusive Ashley to adopt a lower-profile, behind-the-scenes role. Ashley - who two weeks ago bought the Hall family's 41.6% holding in Newcastle for £55m before launching a £133.1m takeover bid - was initially regarded by Shepherd with hostility but the pair have swiftly reached a rapprochement.
Discussions about Shepherd's continuing role began when Ashley met him for the first time last week, visiting the chairman in hospital where he was seriously ill with pneumonia and a collapsed lung. Further talks have taken place this week at Shepherd's Tyneside home with Kenneth, Shepherd's son who is heavily involved in the club, playing a key part in negotiations.
It is unclear how long Shepherd, who will be joined by some of Ashley's "people" at St James' Park, will remain as chairman but in pragmatic terms the deal makes sense. The terms of the chairman's contract entitle Shepherd to two years' salary and benefits payable as a lump sum in the event of the club being taken over and a new chairman appointed.
On Tuesday Ashley, Britain's 25th richest man, visited Newcastle's training ground for the first time and met Sam Allardyce, the club's manager, and the midfielder Joey Barton, who had agreed to sign from Manchester City for £5.5m. Barton's transfer paved the way for the completion of Scott Parker's £7m switch from Newcastle to West Ham United yesterday and Allardyce's staff were preparing to meet Mark Viduka. The Middlesbrough striker has given Newcastle a verbal assurance he will sign for them when he returns from holiday this morning and a three-year contract awaits the 31-year-old at St James' Park.
Better days for Newcastle?
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Steady lah. BUT wait... if da new board oso kaypoh in the Newcastle management then wats da diff?
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good ar, this guy anyhow hire manager one.
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definitely a good development for Newcastle. Newcastle is a team that have lots of promise but seemingly failed to deliver. Their best run was with Robson that pushed Man U all the way to the title.
Personally I feel Newcastle and Tottenham are the two teams the Premier League that deserves better finishing. And they started off on the right footing - getting Big Sam and getting rid of Bramble.
And I like Big Sam, he is down to earth and if you see his post match interviews, he does not rant and push blames (like Mourinho or sometimes SAF), he takes it on his chin and say, well tough luck, we will try again next round. He did a good job at Bolton and I am sure he will do the same at Newcastle.
I think Newcastle next season will not be so attacking minded but like Bolton, very tough and difficult to break down. Won't see many goals but very stubborn to be beaten. And they have a good crop of players - and with some funds slushing - I think Sam can have more elbow room in the transfer market.
Newcastle won't be challenging for trophy but a place in Europe is definitely possible by end of nxt season. -
that was keegan.Originally posted by red_amoeba:definitely a good development for Newcastle. Newcastle is a team that have lots of promise but seemingly failed to deliver. Their best run was with Robson that pushed Man U all the way to the title.
Personally I feel Newcastle and Tottenham are the two teams the Premier League that deserves better finishing. And they started off on the right footing - getting Big Sam and getting rid of Bramble.
And I like Big Sam, he is down to earth and if you see his post match interviews, he does not rant and push blames (like Mourinho or sometimes SAF), he takes it on his chin and say, well tough luck, we will try again next round. He did a good job at Bolton and I am sure he will do the same at Newcastle.
I think Newcastle next season will not be so attacking minded but like Bolton, very tough and difficult to break down. Won't see many goals but very stubborn to be beaten. And they have a good crop of players - and with some funds slushing - I think Sam can have more elbow room in the transfer market.
Newcastle won't be challenging for trophy but a place in Europe is definitely possible by end of nxt season. -
Finally, my friends will have something to cheer about.
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Finally
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Yep, King Kev pushed the Devils all the way in 1995/96 and then in the following season.Originally posted by stellazio:that was keegan.
Sir Bobby Robson managed to get newcastle into UCL at least twice during his 5-year tenure. He should have stayed longer to bring glory back to St James park. -
he retired...big sam no $ to spend at bolton..his def seems to be more solid den his att..but with the amount of $ able to spend in newcastle..i m should his style of play might be more attractive...Originally posted by iveco:Yep, King Kev pushed the Devils all the way in 1995/96 and then in the following season.
Sir Bobby Robson managed to get newcastle into UCL at least twice during his 5-year tenure. He should have stayed longer to bring glory back to St James park. -
my fondest memory of bobby robson was when after losing the first 3 games in the ucl grp stage, newcastle won the next 3 and qualified for the 2nd round.
if i'm not wrong, bellamy scored the winner against psv or sth like that. -
At least Newcastle wasn't sold to a foreigner.
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thank god
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At least it's not sold to another American.
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didnt matter who took over but as long as shepherd was gone was all that matters.
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yes. tat goal made me screamed my head off during the wee hours.Originally posted by stellazio:my fondest memory of bobby robson was when after losing the first 3 games in the ucl grp stage, newcastle won the next 3 and qualified for the 2nd round.
if i'm not wrong, bellamy scored the winner against psv or sth like that. -
shepherd left newcastle.
we might get to see a foreign manager again. -
nahOriginally posted by dragg:shepherd left newcastle.
we might get to see a foreign manager again.
sam will be there for quite a while -
you never know.Originally posted by used:nah
sam will be there for quite a while
i doubt the new owner wont spent a fortune to wait patiently for sam to build the team. unless newcastle finish strongly this coming season. -
good.....finally better days for newcastle.. and hopefully no more of shearer's shadows....