‘Answers’ from Fan’s Forum do not cut the mustard

Forum representatives

Monday night saw the much-lauded Fan’s Forum meet for the second time this season – without the only democratically constituted fan’s body (NUST) making this an arbitrary talking shop but that is another matter – with the minutes of the forum appearing on the official Newcastle United page the very next morning. To say the answers that were given to some of the questions posed were wholly unsatisfactory is an understatement.

The club’s stance regarding their refusal to consider reinstating NUST to the Forum, as well as their ‘indefinite’ ban on NCJ media from St James’ Park remains a constant concern, giving off the impression that it is ‘my way or the highway’ as far as Mike Ashley is concerned. However, these remain side issues as the Forum threw up a number of pressing concerns for the club in the long run.

It was stated that because we only generated revenue of around £6m due to our participation in the Europa League last season that this was not sufficient funds to strengthen the squad, and that if we were to qualify for the Europa League again, the club would not invest in additional players to help us cope with the added burden of extra games. It would appear that Ashley has not learnt from past mistakes. The failure to invest in more players last season almost saw us relegated from the Premier League, and if we were to qualify for the Europa League, Ashley would once more, send us out ill-equipped to deal with it. My reading of this situation is that Ashley does not intend/want us to qualify for the Europa League, therefore making this a moot point.

Another issue that was raised at the first Fan’s Forum, and again on Monday night, was the issue of Sports Direct paying for advertising space and what, if any, steps has Ashley taken to find sponsors to pay to advertise at St James’ Park. Mike Ashley must think that we, as fans, are a bunch of idiots if he wants us to believe that there are not sponsors falling over themselves to try to gain the worldwide exposure that would come with advertising at one of the most recognisable stadiums in English football, in one of the most covered leagues in world football. We are to believe that no one – NOT ONE SINGLE COMPANY IN THE ENTIRE WORLD – would be willing to pay to advertise at our stadium and as such we must put up with Sports Direct not paying a single penny!

I don’t like the fact that Sports Direct advertise at the stadium, but I could put up with it if they paid for it and contributed financially to the club. I find no logical reason for SD (and its affiliate companies Firetrap, Republic et al) getting free advertising at the club. I am unsure how much money would be generated if we charged for advertising, but surely it would contribute largely towards squad investment, wages, signing on fees etc that would strengthen the team? Perhaps, this is Ashley’s own personal form of interest for the loan that he has ‘given’ to the club. If that is the case then the apologists can stop calling it an interest free loan from our illustrious saviour.

As for the ridiculous news story that came out a week or so ago about Ashley sanctioning 4 signings in the January window? Well that was quite clearly rubbished by the Fan’s Forum. When asked if we were going to strengthen in this window the club said,

“The board explained its view was that the current squad is stronger than it has been for some time. It was stated that if the right player became available for the right price, perhaps the club would bring someone into the squad. If not, it would not add to it.”

That doesn’t scream ‘4 signings’ to me…

Add to that, the continuing failure from the club to secure Category 1 for our Academy (and turning that fact into PR spin that they want to let young players have a chance to represent their local club) must be seen as a massive flaw in Ashley’s 5 year plan…or 8 year plan, or whatever year plan we’re currently on.

We are also told that the massive fall in our commercial revenue was a matter of ‘perception’ rather than reality? What sort of idiotic nonsense is that! They try to compensate our fall in commercial revenue with the line that ‘profits are better’ – YES OF COURSE THEY ARE BETTER, WE HAVE HAD A MASSIVE WINDFALL DUE TO TELEVISION REVENUE THAT ASHLEY HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH! – Do they really think we are that stupid to fall for such a poor explanation!?

As for the bulls*** explanation that due to our ‘partnership’ with Sports Direct is much more beneficial, ie can purchase stock much cheaper, store it much cheaper than other clubs can, which is why we paid SD 500k in our last accounts, the reality is that we are financially lagging behind the likes of Southampton who do not have these benefits, so this is yet another attempt to hoodwink and bamboozle our fans into believing some PR nonsense.

My overriding message is that our club is run by a crook. He then employs PR men to make his crooked deals and method of operation seem legitimate. They use smoke and mirrors, deception and PR speak in order to deceive and some people lap it up because it puts a smile on their face and makes them believe the club is going in the right direction.

Thankfully, more and more people are awakening from their gullibility coma and asking the pertinent questions.

The Fan’s Forum is completely illegitimate. It is not representative of the fans. Appointments to it are undemocratic and arbitrary. If you wish to communicate with a Forum member you must do this through Wendy ‘Goebbels’ Taylor.

Take heed of the questions that are being asked, as they are the same questions that were asked at the first forum, and will undoubtedly be the same questions asked at the next, and any forthcoming forums. It is a talking shop for club puppets, not fans.

Reinstate the Newcastle United Supporters Trust and have the hard-hitting questions asked. Otherwise we are in for more repetitive drivel time and time again.

What does Newcastle United mean to you?

#ReadthisMrAshley

The Chronicle have asked Newcastle United fans to write in and tell them what our football club means to them. The Chronicle are then going to publish a selection of comments from the fans demonstrating the depth of passion and devotion that exists among United fans. The idea, borne from the famous “What is a club in any case?” quote from Sir Bobby Robson, has gathered a lot of support, with many taking to twitter to publicise it under the hash-tag #ReadThisMrAshley as a call for the Newcastle United owner to listen to the views of the fans.

However, given how in the last 7 days, Mike Ashley has taken to not only banning a number of local publications from the press-box, including the Chronicle, but he has also banned the Newcastle United Supporter’s Trust from participating in any future Fan’s Forum meetings, it would appear that Mike Ashley does not really care what the fans think.

It is still important that fans are able to voice how passionately they love this football club, and what it means to their daily lives. The current owner is so far removed from how his actions are impacting on the daily lives of the people of this great city and region, as well as Newcastle United fans the world over. What is important is that we create a sense of solidarity among the supporters again, that we are all singing from the same sheet, and that is to see Newcastle United doing well once more.

There is a growing sense of discontent among Newcastle United supporters, and with it becoming abundantly clear that the cracks are appearing in the owner’s façade, Ashley’s detractors will be more than encouraged and buoyed to continue along this path, and see what other PR gaffes, own goals and self-made disasters that Ashley will subject himself to in the face of continuing criticism. 

I would like to take this opportunity to remind all those who are heading to the game tomorrow to bring with them a copy of the Chronicle or the Journal with them to the match tomorrow and hold it up towards the director’s box tomorrow as a sign of solidarity for our press. Ashley can ban the newspapers, he can bar NUST from Fan’s Forum meetings but he will never silence the fans. We Newcastle United fans are a proud, opinionated and passionate bunch. 

So, with a difficult game coming up tomorrow, a strong show of solidarity from the terraces could be just the platform we need in order to provide the team with a good atmosphere to give them every chance of a result. 

Support the team, but fight the regime!

 

Time4Change back Newspaper Protest!

Fans group speaks out

As was reported yesterday, many fans have taken to suggest certain forms of protest against Ashley’s recent decision to ban the three local papers, the Chronicle, the Journal and the Sunday Sun, from St James’ Park. One of the forms of protest that were suggested was to bring in your own copy of one of these papers and wave them inside the ground as a sign of solidarity in defence of the freedom of the press.

The fans group who organised the protest march a number of weeks ago, which inadvertently led to Ashley taking the drastic and unwarranted action that he had taken in deciding to ban these newspapers, have spoken out in defence of such an active form of protest and have decided to lend their support to this campaign.

This is what Graeme Cansdale, a Time4Change representative had to say,

In light of NCJ Media’s coverage of the recent Time 4 Change protest march and the subsequent press ban from the club that the Newcastle Chronicle, The Journal and the Sunday Sun have received on the back of that coverage, it has come to our attention that various fans have suggested taking copies of The Chronicle or The Journal into Saturday’s game against Chelsea, and holding them in the direction of the directors box immediately before kick off as a sign of support for the freedom of the press in our city.

While Time 4 Change has had no part in organising this form of gesture of opposition to an attack upon press freedom, we wholeheartedly support it.

This move also has the backing of the Newcastle United Supporters Trust, true faith and The Mag who, along with Time 4 Change, feel that that there is a need to counter the bully boy tactics of this regime with a strong message of support and solidarity for the local press.

These are good words from Time4Change, showing that they are willing to step up and support the free press. For too long Ashley has had his own way, even through his attempts to manipulate and control the press, but this time he has gone too far. What is also interesting is that other prominent fans groups and fanzines are willing to lend their support as well, namely The Mag, True-Faith and the Newcastle United Supporter’s Trust.

Spread the word, make a change and send a message to Ashley that the bully boy tactics may have worked in the past, he may have forced his competitors out of business and ruled Newcastle United with an iron fist, but there is only so much that the people will be willing to take before they say “Enough is Enough” – Mike Ashley, that time is now.

Chronicle take fight to Ashley

Front page today

This is it man, this means war. Any chance of a swift kiss and make up routine between the once comfortable bed buddies; Mike Ashley and The Chronicle has well and truly been put to rest with the bullish front page that has been printed by the local newspaper today.

The headline “Banned But Not Gagged” is centred with a number of other front page stories from the past in which the Chronicle is trying to show the Newcastle United faithful that they have not been the cosy ally of the club all along. Past headlines such as “Sell Up And Go” or “March If You Want Him Out” from past editions demonstrate that the Chronicle have represented the feelings of the fans once before, and are trying to do so again.

How the newspapers – The Sunday Sun, The Journal and The Chronicle, react to this press ban will largely determine what the stance of the newspapers will be for the foreseeable as we enter into an increasingly turbulent time with Mike Ashley at the helm. Amidst a growing wave of discontent among the fans about on the field and off field events, it would appear that Ashley has presented his detractors with a massive opportunity. The one thing he did not need to be doing when the pressure started mounting was alienating one of the few avenues of support he had held. Having done that, it is up to the journalists now to choose which side are they on – Ashley, or the fans. The headline being run in the Chronicle this morning would seem to indicate what mast they are nailing their colours to.

Another thing that Ashley doesn’t seem to have banked on is the fury that people hold over banning the freedom of the press – a phenomenon only familiar in parts of the world with authoritarian rule – as it runs contrary to what most people would associate with as their freedom of expression. By doing this Ashley has actually afforded more publicity to those who were inadvertently the cause of the press ban, namely, Time4Change and the protest march. The organisers of this protest march could not only have wished for better publicity from this incident, nor could they have hoped for a better recruitment tool for their campaign. If one march, which consisted of around 1000 people could evoke this sort of reaction from Ashley, then imagine what a sustained campaign targeting his brand could achieve?

The NUJ (National Union of Journalists) have sent Ashley a strongly worded letter in which they are condemning what they call a “serious attack” on its members from doing their job which is to report the news in a balanced and fair manner. Ashley is getting it from all angles; The press are up in arms, the fans are up in arms, the team is in disarray following an embarrassing derby day defeat and Ashley simply does not know how to cope with the situation. This is not some business genius who calculates his every move. This is a maverick reactionary who has gotten to where he is by being ruthless and riding roughshod over anyone and everyone who disagreed with his methods. He has met his match finally by pushing the people of Newcastle too far. It is time we stood up for ourselves, stood up for our press, and stood up for our club. It really is Time for Change.

What do you think? Is the bold headline from the Chronicle a real statement of intent? Will they begin representing the true opinions of the fans and general feelings of discontent? Do you think Ashley has messed up big time here? I’d love to hear your views.

 

 

Cracks appearing off the field as well as on it!

Infringing free press

The Chronicle have revealed today the correspondence they received from the club in relation to the recent press ban imposed on them, and a number of other local papers, by the club. In it is a mix of paranoia, arrogance and vanity that one has suspected from the powers that be at Newcastle United, but now it has been proven.

This is the e-mail in full,

Dear Darren,

Regarding the following articles:

The Chronicle – “ Get out of Toon: Fans plan protest march in bid to oust Ashley ” (page 1 September 7)

The Chronicle – “ Toon campaign groups hoping to oust Ashley ” (pages 2 – 3, September 7)

The Chronicle – “ Fans hoping to replace Ashley ” (back page, September 7)

The Chronicle – “ Time for change – time for Newcastle fans to take charge of their own club ” (pages 50 – 51, September 7)

Sunday Sun – “ This weekend will prove how angry fans really are ” (pages 98 – 99, October 13)

The Journal – “‘ Lack of ambition’ sees fans take to the streets ” (page 12, October 19)

The Chronicle – “ March if you want him out ” (page 1, October 19)

The Chronicle – “ Anti-Ashley protesters set to take to the city’s streets ” (pages 2 – 3, October 19)

Sunday Sun – “ Hundreds join protest march as Kinnear outlines United’s position ” (page 96)

The Chronicle – “ Disgruntled fans hit out at Ashley ” (page 8, October 21)

The Journal – “ Fans are United in their opposition to Ashley ” (page 4, October 21)

ChronicleLive – “ Frustrated fans march Newcastle’s streets in Mike Ashley prote st” (October 21)

I write in reference to the above coverage in The Chronicle, The Journal and Sunday Sun regarding the protest march on Saturday 19 October by a small number of Newcastle United fans operating under the campaign name Time4Change.

It is quite frankly staggering that you devoted 15 full pages, including two front page splashes, a back page, three double-page spreads and a remarkable six full pages in one (September 7) in The Chronicle to a protest march which ultimately was attended by approximately 300 supporters. Even if the 1,000 supporters expected by the organisers had marched your coverage would have been disproportionate. Given the turnout was significantly less than this, in fact only just over a quarter of that anticipated, something your coverage following the march failed to reference or reflect whatsoever, you should be in no doubt as to the strength of feeling that exists within the club in relation to your coverage.

Indeed after reviewing all of the above articles, and in particular, the front page headline and a large map outlining the route of the march, spread over two pages in The Chronicle on 19 October it is our opinion there was an underlying message of encouragement and support provided by your titles in the lead-up to the day and on the day itself.

We feel strongly that the turnout at the march renders your extraordinary coverage completely disproportionate.  Furthermore it is evident from the scale and prominence you devoted to it that your agenda was the pursuit of sales based on an anti-Newcastle United stance, rather than a fair and balanced approach.

We could never dream of generating this level of coverage, over such an extended time-frame, for some of our positive news such as some of the fantastic work undertaken by our Foundation in the local community which benefits so many or the recent announcement of reciprocal ticket pricing for away fans which received a fraction of the coverage of the march.

Having given due consideration to the above and your response to my email of Monday 21 October, the club’s owner, director of football, board of directors and team manager have reached a unanimous decision that the three NCJ Media titles, The Chronicle, The Journal and Sunday Sun, will not be permitted access to any media facilities, press conferences and player interviews at Newcastle United indefinitely and with immediate effect.

We do not require a reply to this letter, our position on this issue is not up for negotiation.

Yours sincerely,

Wendy Taylor

Head of Media, Newcastle United

First and foremost I would like to point out that Miss Taylor has got her facts wrong – not surprising as Head of Media at Newcastle United it would be expected that she plays fast and loose with the facts. Not only did the march get more than 300 people – police figures on the day stated that the numbers were closer to 1000, but she clearly did not read the article written by the Chronicle dated 21st October entitled “Frustrated fans march Newcastle’s street in Mike Ashley protest” – the last article on her list, in which the Chronicle took a very neutral approach in the matter and actually reported the inaccurate 300 figure.

The arrogance of this approach by the club is startling, and I for one think it is a surprising turn of events, even from Mike Ashley who is renowned for acts of lunacy in the public domain when it comes to his decision making regarding Newcastle United.

It is obvious that not only are the cracks appearing on the field where the team suffered their second successive derby defeat in uninspired fashion, but the club are reacting badly to recent fan pressure and are seeking to contain it once and for all. However, they have taking the wrong move by alienating one of the few allies they still had left in the city in the form of the press. If fans are serious about trying to affect change in Newcastle United then I think we can do it. Another march would surely see twice as many fans attending, if not more.

Who said Ashley didn’t care what the fans think or do?

What do you think? Are you surprised by the club’s decision to ban local journalists from the ground? Does the e-mail from Wendy Taylor reflect the arrogance of the club? Do you think Ashley has overreacted this time? I’d love to hear your views.