Ashley's latest gamble further tightens purse strings

Oct 15 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

Trying to function without a transfer budget is folly given the threadbare nature of Newcastle’s squad, argues Mark Douglas

THE problem with the Football League’s fit and proper person test is the fact it does not go far enough.

Under the rules set out by the football authorities, Mike Ashley has done nothing to prevent him from retaining control of Newcastle United.

However, his latest folly exposes the fact he is anything other than a ‘fit and proper person’ to oversee the club’s attempts to bounce back into the Premier League at the first attempt.

Ashley is a gambling man and his latest risk is deciding that, in the event of him not finding a suitable buyer, United will function until the end of the season without a transfer budget.

While other clubs have begun preparations for the January transfer window, United remain stuck in the starting blocks. The reason for their inactivity is not an oversight on the part of Chris Hughton or satisfaction with the current resources – it is because there will be no cash available.

Agents have been told not to bother offering players to United if they will command a transfer fee. Apart from loan players – and United are only allowed to field five in their line-up at any one time – there seem unlikely to be any new arrivals at St James’s Park any time soon.

The Journal spoke to one agent, who had talked to Alan Shearer before his short time as Newcastle United manager came to an end about a highly-rated League One player, who is now being told by the club the modest transfer fee his client would demand was too much.

That was after finding out who to talk to about transfers at St James’s Park – even to those who are dealing with the club on a regular basis it is not immediately apparent who is handling comings and goings.