Odds are slashed on Alan to return

Nov 11 2008 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

THE odds on Alan Shearer making a dramatic return to Newcastle United as manager have tumbled after the billionaire owner of LA Galaxy Philip Anschutz was linked with a buy-out.

However Keith Harris, the man responsible for brokering the sale of the club, doused hopes of a quick sale by admitting that the new owners may not be in place in time for the January transfer window.

“There are two prospective owners having detailed discussions about a takeover but we’re in a turbulent world financially and economically and there are no certainties at this stage,” he admitted.

Harris’ warning came on the day that Shearer moved to 6/4 favourite from a starting price of 8/1 with SkyBet to be United’s next permanent manager after his name was touted as Anschutz’s favoured candidate.

United’s iconic striker remains interested in a career in management but has made it clear that he would only risk tarnishing his heroic status at St James’s Park if he was given sizeable backing to make Newcastle a competitive force in the Premier League again.

Shearer was said to be ‘bemused’ by the sudden shift in his odds, and the movement should be taken with a pinch of salt.

Some bookmakers in the city were reported to have closed the book on former England manager Sven Goran-Eriksson being the next into the St James’s Park hot-seat, and that is despite being employed by the Mexican Football Association.

Shearer’s shortening odds saw him overtake previous favourite Joe Kinnear, currently interim manager, and could be considered slightly more significant than previous fluctuations because it dovetails with the Anschutz speculation.

The Journal understands there is foundation to the reports that a businessman with a personal fortune estimated at $7.8 billion is one of two American investors interested in taking over United. As of last night, Anschutz had neither confirmed nor denied his intentions regarding the club.

He is best known to British sporting observers as the man who bankrolled David Beckham’s move across the Atlantic but his portfolio also includes owning millions of acres of farming land and railroad and telecommunications companies.

His investment in LA Galaxy comes under the umbrella of his entertainment group, which owns several sports teams including Hammarby IF in Sweden.

Dallas-based businessman Clark Hunt, who owns MLS side FC Dallas and NFL outfit Kansas City Chiefs, is the other name being banded about but Anschutz looks like the most serious contender at the moment.

Speaking yesterday, investment banker Harris said that he could not put a timeline on the sale, and said there was no guarantee it would be done in time for the January window.

“I truly don’t want to mislead the wonderful fans of Newcastle United. Without using cliches we have to take it one step at a time at the moment,” he said.

Kinnear has claimed that board members will inform him of their medium-term intentions after the Chelsea game on November 22.