NEWCASTLE United have not received a serious or credible takeover bid since Mike Ashley put the club up for sale following relegation in the summer of 2009.
United have once again been the target for speculation about an imminent takeover this season with the Indian-based Reliance Group supposedly preparing a multi-million pound offer.
In reality, there is no sign of new owners emerging at St James’ Park as the club puts in place measures to stop the time-wasters.
Anyone claiming to be interested in buying the club is asked to pay for a box at St James’ Park for the next five years, with the £250,000 paid up front.
Nobody has taken up that offer and managing director Derek Llambias does not anticipate that changing in the current economic climate.
The board have been trying to make savings wherever they can, whether it is sensors rather than switches to operate lighting or switching off the escalator leading up from main reception.
The club has saved more than £250,000 in utility bills over the last 12 months, while the drilling of a bore hole at the training ground will help save money which has been used to pay for the installation of undersoil heating at their Benton base.
Despite reports to the contrary, the club have confirmed only 13 people were made redundant after relegation, although staff, including directors, have had their pay frozen for the last two years.
There are other initiatives in place looking to boost income. Although unpopular with fans, the renaming of the stadium is still seen as a viable option as it could raise as much as £20m.
It could even happen in the summer, although there is not a sponsor in place at the moment other than Ashley’s own Sports Direct company.
The club is also likely to launch its own television channel along the same lines as Liverpool TV, which will be part of the Freeview and Sky package and paid for through advertising.
Meanwhile, Newcastle will travel to America in July to play a friendly against Sporting Kansas City as part of their pre-season preparations.
The match will be played on Wednesday, July 20 and was organised after 54,424 people turned up to watch Manchester United play against the same opponents last year.
United manager Alan Pardew said: “Myself and the team are looking forward to coming to America in the summer and playing against Sporting Kansas City.
“We’re planning a few days training in Kansas before the game which will form an integral part of our build up for the 2011-12 season.
“I know Manchester United were in Kansas last year, and went home beaten, so we know full well what a tough game it’ll be for us, but that’s exactly the sort of challenge we’ll be looking for.”
