Painful death of Magpies - Harper

Jul 13 2009 By Mark Douglas, The Journal

STEVE Harper has warned Mike Ashley that Newcastle United are "dying a slow and painful death" while the takeover saga limps on.

United kicked off their pre-season campaign in low-key fashion in Dublin on Saturday, but a routine 3-0 win was overshadowed by the continued and worrying inaction in the boardroom.

With no manager, no new signings and a desperate owner unable to broker a quick sale of the club he has washed his hands of, United’s most experienced campaigner is beginning to fear the worst. In a brutally honest and revealing account of the mood in the dressing room, Harper told The Journal the club had been "slowly imploding" for five years – and a perfect chance to rebuild from top to bottom is being squandered.

Harper’s concern mirrors that of defender Sebastien Bassong, who predicted other players would follow his lead in demanding a move from the beleaguered club.

As a senior professional with the respect of his colleagues and the club’s supporters, his words should illustrate to Ashley and managing director Derek Llambias the precariousness of the situation they have created. "It’s an awful situation which we cannot do anything about as players. The sooner it is resolved the better for everyone because we can start again," he said.

"All we keep hearing is ‘Next few days, next few days, next few days’. Everybody – fans, players, staff – wants it resolved so we can rebuild this football club because we are in an awful state at the moment.

"We want it to be done and dusted so we know where we are and where we are going because at this moment the football club is dying a slow, painful death.

"We have to soldier on, but the sooner the better for everyone concerned – and most importantly for Newcastle United."