Q6: Do you greet Ashley's announcement of a £20m investment with scepticism?

Oct 30 2009 By The Journal

Do you greet Ashley's announcement of a £20m investment with scepticism? 

Yes 89%

No 11%

Your comments:

1 Oct 28, 2009 12:06 PM For a start, all he's doing is re-investing part of the c.£40m that was raised by player sales, so its a complete falsehood to suggest he's "pouring £20m of his own money into the club". Also, I'll believe it when I see it. Only players of limited quality will sign for us in the current predicament anyway, so are we not just going to get £20m worth of mediocrity?
2 Oct 28, 2009 12:07 PM He will claim it was all used up in running the club. ~The man is a proven liar.
3 Oct 28, 2009 12:09 PM We won't see any of the money invested in the first team
4 Oct 28, 2009 12:09 PM Wary of anything he does.
6 Oct 28, 2009 12:10 PM investment into what exactly? which areas? will the team benefit?
7 Oct 28, 2009 12:10 PM It will come from payer sales and drop in salaries, if it's net £20m injection let it be shown in player purchases alone
8 Oct 28, 2009 12:10 PM We don't know what this is being spent on
9 Oct 28, 2009 12:11 PM He has not spoken a word of truth since he has bought the club
11 Oct 28, 2009 12:13 PM Its only money he recieved from transfer sales at end of last season
12 Oct 28, 2009 12:13 PM I greet everything he says with scepticism. He is a proven liar and will no doubt continue to asset strip our club to suit his own gains
13 Oct 28, 2009 12:13 PM what will the 20m cover other than the barclays overdraft
14 Oct 28, 2009 12:14 PM invest in what ?
15 Oct 28, 2009 12:14 PM its just cash flow
16 Oct 28, 2009 12:14 PM he is an out and out liar how can any of us believe anything he says
17 Oct 28, 2009 12:15 PM He'll just sell more players and not replace them, screwing the team even more.
18 Oct 28, 2009 12:15 PM Definitely. You'd be stupid not to after some of the things he has said and not done. If it is to help improve our squad then brilliant. We can't lose any players though.
19 Oct 28, 2009 12:16 PM Need more info; sounds like a debt payment; perhaps the overdraft with Barclays???
20 Oct 28, 2009 12:17 PM I can guarantee Hughton will be working on a tiny budget come January. The £20 million investment will just be to pay the wages, anyone who thinks it's a transfer fund is barking. When has he ever invested £20 million on players... never. He's made that amount selling our better players.
21 Oct 28, 2009 12:17 PM This money, if it gets anywhere near the club, won't be for strengthening the squad or staff, it will just be to service debt repayments. I'm also dubious of the figure, as it just seems to be a favourite number of his, which he trots out far too often. After all, he thinks £20m a year is more than fans put into the club, so the guy clearly doesn't know his numbers very well.
22 Oct 28, 2009 12:17 PM Investment? Not in the playing staff i'd imagine, or a PR expert!
23 Oct 28, 2009 12:17 PM Mmmm, a confirmed liar says he is putting in £20m. Hard to see how anyone can be sceptical about that.
24 Oct 28, 2009 12:17 PM yes it's only part of what he made over the last 3 seasons on selling our best player off
25 Oct 28, 2009 12:18 PM A complete Joke. Lets hear how much will be spent in the January transfer window
26 Oct 28, 2009 12:18 PM he is only putting in what he knows he can quickly get back out
27 Oct 28, 2009 12:18 PM most definitely
28 Oct 28, 2009 12:18 PM He didn't specify where the money was going did he? He's already told Sky that he puts in 20 million on a regular basis (which is allegedly more than the fans combined!!), and we've yet to see that money on the field.
29 Oct 28, 2009 12:18 PM Again it shows he has not a clue about the fans, he wants us to say oh great what a lovely man but we all know its just a smoke screen for him to take more money out.
30 Oct 28, 2009 12:19 PM why not wait untill the transfer window is open to do this?
31 Oct 28, 2009 12:19 PM It's not investment on the field. It's clearly going to service the overdraft which barclays want reduced. Ashley thinks we can get promoted by selling players and zero reinvestment, the man is an idiot.
32 Oct 28, 2009 12:20 PM He probably will invest 20 million, so he can get us back in the premiership to increase the money he makes. Spending 20 million is in the best interest of mike ashley and not the club. Alot of the 20 mil maybe more will come from selling the name of our staduim anyway.
33 Oct 28, 2009 12:21 PM As I do everything the liar says
34 Oct 28, 2009 12:21 PM no he is simply paying off part of the overdraft to barclay's, we wont actually see any of this £20m invested in the club ie playing staff
35 Oct 28, 2009 12:22 PM Undoubtedly.
36 Oct 28, 2009 12:22 PM Obviously hoping to get a profit next summer
37 Oct 28, 2009 12:23 PM This bloke couldn"t lie straight in bed !!!ABSOLUTLEY
38 Oct 28, 2009 12:24 PM He lied to the fans about keegan so how can we expect to believe that the 20m will be used to strenghthen the team
39 Oct 28, 2009 12:24 PM It would have been nice if he had elaborated on how the money will be spent
40 Oct 28, 2009 12:24 PM He is a big fat liar
41 Oct 28, 2009 12:24 PM Say thank yiou and get on with it
42 Oct 28, 2009 12:24 PM He can TAKE THE 20 MILLION OUT OF THE 45 MILLION PLUS HE HAS MADE OUT OF OUTGOING TRANSFERS
43 Oct 28, 2009 12:24 PM I don`t trust a word this idiot says
44 Oct 28, 2009 12:25 PM Why put it in now? What's he going to spend it on?
45 Oct 28, 2009 12:25 PM I don't believe a word he says
46 Oct 28, 2009 12:25 PM Why would anyone? He has been proven to be an absolute, confirmed liar by an independent arbitration body.
47 Oct 28, 2009 12:26 PM Why is the investment going in now - why not use it in the transfer window? Will Ashley's January refrain be " I put £20 m club into the club in October, so there's no money available for transfers"?
48 Oct 28, 2009 12:27 PM Liars do not change
49 Oct 28, 2009 12:28 PM When has Ashely ever delivered for NUFC? He has absolutely no credibility left. He has blown his chances time and again with the magnificent supporters of NUFC and his only concern now is how he can maximise his return in 12 months with minimum investment.
50 Oct 28, 2009 12:29 PM no idea what the 20m is for. presumably not for players but more likely to fund the payoffs of yet more admin staff, or just to maintain a working overdraft
51 Oct 28, 2009 12:29 PM Yes, because why do we need £20m now? We could have used it at a better time, such as the summer transfer window.
52 Oct 28, 2009 12:30 PM Where has the money gone from MILNER,BEYE, BASSONG, GIVEN, MARTINS N'GZOGBIA etc + the money saved from the wages of players like VIDUKA,OWEN,CACAPA etc?? Where is it??
53 Oct 28, 2009 12:31 PM He says what he thinks the fans/media what they want to hear
54 Oct 28, 2009 12:31 PM I don't know what it will be used for, but if it's going into the pot, then it's going into the pot. Using it to buy 3 or 4 decent players would make a big difference to our chances of promotion though....and give us the beginnings of a squad for the Premiership
55 Oct 28, 2009 12:31 PM How much money has been raised through sales of players in the summer, add to that the players old in January, and then last summer. Its all a big ploy to make out he is doing the best for the club.
56 Oct 28, 2009 12:31 PM What about the transfer money received from sales? Where has all that gone?
57 Oct 28, 2009 12:32 PM The soul of the club is its support and always will be.
58 Oct 28, 2009 12:32 PM The 20m is to pay wages and other operating costs, it is NOT investment in new players.
59 Oct 28, 2009 12:33 PM Given, Milner,N,Zogbia and Bassong were sold this year-where is the money from these sales ?
60 Oct 28, 2009 12:33 PM he has done nothing but sell and take from the club so far. he would only be re - investing money earned from sales of our best players.
61 Oct 28, 2009 12:34 PM unfortunatley anything that they say is never going to be believed, if he had invested £20m last Jan for players, i doubt we would have been relegated.
62 Oct 28, 2009 12:34 PM this will be funded from other means i.e. selling the grounds naming rights. the money will not come out of ashleys own pocket
63 Oct 28, 2009 12:34 PM Whats the investment in?? Where are the new players? Who knows what the 20 million has been put to. Maybe a new pie stand for the fat cockney bastard.
64 Oct 28, 2009 12:35 PM He will say anything to try and keep us onside. As already proven.
65 Oct 28, 2009 12:35 PM The club will proabably lose this amount of money and will require this investment to avoid increasing their overdraft requirements.
66 Oct 28, 2009 12:36 PM He has pulled in *0 million in transfer fees since he started dismantling the club
67 Oct 28, 2009 12:36 PM He may put 20m in from the sales of Jonas, Collocinni, Enrique, Carrol, Nolan, Smith and Ranger in January! We could then replace them with gems scouted from the Conference.
68 Oct 28, 2009 12:37 PM As he will probably sell 20M in players in january
69 Oct 28, 2009 12:37 PM Definately, I wouldn't be surpruised if there is some sort of dodgy deal going on
70 Oct 28, 2009 12:37 PM can any fan beleive anything Ashley says, he probably means after I've sold players worth £20 million
71 Oct 28, 2009 12:38 PM He will put the 20 million in, but it will be to cover the costs and overheads, not to strengthen the team
72 Oct 28, 2009 12:39 PM he will want it back as part of a sale in the next episode of NUFC the Sale.
73 Oct 28, 2009 12:40 PM it will not go into team rebuilding because he will sell any decent remaining players
74 Oct 28, 2009 12:41 PM It's abviously been as a result of his mis-management, and a barrier to a sale.
75 Oct 28, 2009 12:41 PM Every thing the man says has to be viewed with sceticism
76 Oct 28, 2009 12:41 PM The man has no intentions of spending any money on players. Any money he puts in will be for wages etc.
77 Oct 28, 2009 12:41 PM Whats it going to go on??? In the next week??? Why do we suddenly need 20m pumping into the club next week?? I will be happy if we get 20m in January.
78 Oct 28, 2009 12:42 PM The 20m will be purely for the club running costs now he is not selling.
79 Oct 28, 2009 12:44 PM Bloke is a joke, why should we believe anything, is it a loan or a gift, he will only be giving money if he is making money. I would rather he didnt to be honest.
80 Oct 28, 2009 12:46 PM The man is clearly not to be trusted so everything he says should be treated with extreme scepticism.
81 Oct 28, 2009 12:46 PM it is to pay off debt, not getting invested in the team
82 Oct 28, 2009 12:46 PM How many players will he be selling to make this up?
83 Oct 28, 2009 12:48 PM look at the money he got for selling players.
84 Oct 28, 2009 12:48 PM If he puts 20 million into the club for players or anything remotely constructive then I am Santa Claus
85 Oct 28, 2009 12:48 PM Where is the money from transfers, TV revenue, Season tickets, Parachute payments? This is just money to keep the club afloat and pull the wool over the eyes of more fickle fans.
86 Oct 28, 2009 12:48 PM He's full of promises that he never delivers. Plus what good is £20m this week? Is he just reducing the overdraft?
87 Oct 28, 2009 12:49 PM It's all rubbish, it's nothing more than the money he saved by selling players at the end of the season, and yet still it will mnot be spent on new players.
88 Oct 28, 2009 12:49 PM Not really. The man sees possible promotion and added value to club.
89 Oct 28, 2009 12:49 PM He is a habitual liar.
90 Oct 28, 2009 12:49 PM This won't actually be for players - this money will probably be used to pay down some debt.
91 Oct 28, 2009 12:50 PM He is probably committed to this anyway because of the wage bill - if he had said an additional £20m to cover cost of further loan players and transfers in January, but then again, he is a proven liar!
92 Oct 28, 2009 12:50 PM It is not investment. It is his duty to put money into the club to maintain its existance. He will as always only provide the bare minimum. Will CH even trouble him with requesta for funds??????????
93 Oct 28, 2009 12:50 PM Mike Ashley needs to be judged after the money is invested and/or spent
94 Oct 28, 2009 12:51 PM It will be in the pockets of his cronies
95 Oct 28, 2009 12:52 PM We will never know if he does or doesnt invest. Its all rhetoric and we will never see the clubs accounts to [rove or disprove this claim.
96 Oct 28, 2009 12:52 PM We have heard it all before - why didn't he invest this 20m last season when it might have kept us in the Premier League?
97 Oct 28, 2009 12:53 PM Like everything else he says or does.
98 Oct 28, 2009 12:53 PM This will no doubt just be another loan, hence increasing the clubs debt.
99 Oct 28, 2009 12:55 PM As with every other announcement from Ashley I don't believe it. I am sure there will be some small investment, but as he has already demonstrated he wants to run the club on the cheap.
100 Oct 28, 2009 12:55 PM Naturally. I don't see any other way given the history of his reign. What is it to cover? New players, current wages, Hughtons new contract, slap up meals for South American agents, etc? Is it even true, or is it a 'PR exercise'??
101 Oct 28, 2009 12:57 PM because how many times he lied. I think more than 90% of their statement is just make themself look good. just words but never action it. He said what we want to hear, that s truth you cannot deny.
102 Oct 28, 2009 12:57 PM like everyone i don't trust him and he does not know how to run NUFC
103 Oct 28, 2009 12:57 PM He has promised MUCH in the past and never fulfilled his promises.
104 Oct 28, 2009 12:57 PM of course, for one reason alone. It's getting invested this week.... So in other words we will never see where it has gone or any of its benefit. It also means it isn't going to be used in the one place we need it.... January Transfer window.
105 Oct 28, 2009 12:58 PM Ashley has lied and lied and lied again, every word that leaves his mouth is therefore questionable. There are politicians who are more honest than Mike Ashley! He lied about the circumstances surrounding Keegan's resignation and carried on for over a year lying about them. He lied about wanting Shearer to stay as manager and he's lied too many other times about too many things to mention.
106 Oct 28, 2009 12:58 PM WAIT AND SEE
107 Oct 28, 2009 12:59 PM It isnt investment he's having to prop up the club because of his own mistakes
108 Oct 28, 2009 1:00 PM No, he obviously needs to keep the business going like any other he has.
109 Oct 28, 2009 1:01 PM Since when has Ashley ploughed in any money that he hasn't already got back from TV rights, Player sales and the parachute payment? His number 1 priority is to asset strip the club. Come January the likes of Taylor and Nolan will be sold and replaced with loan signings
110 Oct 28, 2009 1:03 PM From a cold commercial perspective it looks good investment if it helps ensure promotion and the consequent jump in value.
111 Oct 28, 2009 1:07 PM He has lied before and will lie again. That £20M will go nowhere near the managers hands to strengthen the squad, probably only to paper over cracks which are Ashley's doing.
112 Oct 28, 2009 1:07 PM I very much doubt if he is making it, without any intention to recoup it. As he now plans to remain at the club, i'm certain the fact that our promotion chances look very good, and the value once again of being a Premier League club, would mean he would get this back and more I would think.
113 Oct 28, 2009 1:07 PM £20m will service the clubs needs until maybe the end of the season. These are running costs, not extra investement.
114 Oct 28, 2009 1:08 PM I expect we'll find £20 million is just the wage bill for the rest of the year. Its not investment at all.
115 Oct 28, 2009 1:08 PM Unfortunately, the media seemed to have interpreted this as investment in the team which is something he has not done to date. And is it just being added to his "loan"?
116 Oct 28, 2009 1:09 PM The investment will just be used to cover losses, generated from dropping from the Premier League. Which wouldnt have happened if Ashley hadn't miss managed us the way he did. It will be interesting to see how much, if any, is ploughed back into transfers.
117 Oct 28, 2009 1:11 PM I greet everything the fat scruff does with cynicism
118 Oct 28, 2009 1:11 PM This is supposed to be (according to Ashley himself) a personal yearly contribution anyway if you can believe anything that this guy says anymore (which I don't). Like the boy who cried wolf, nobody believed him even when he told the truth!
119 Oct 28, 2009 1:12 PM This value keeps getting bandied about and it will probably go down as keeping the club out of debt and/or keeping the current players at the club instead of reshaping the side to put some much needed pace in the team boosting our chances of promotion this year and staying up next.
120 Oct 28, 2009 1:13 PM No details- invest in what?
121 Oct 28, 2009 1:13 PM £20million. How much did he get back for selling our best players? It will take a lot more than that following the mess he has made.
122 Oct 28, 2009 1:14 PM after keegan affair can you trust this man lies and more lies
123 Oct 28, 2009 1:14 PM What is the money for? He has already said that the club will lose 20m this year. How can this be the case when we have sold players, reduced the wages and can also rely on the parachute payment?
124 Oct 28, 2009 1:15 PM We have had many a comment like this from the man himself and if my memory serves me right he hasnt deliverd one promise yet.Im not holding me breath.
125 Oct 28, 2009 1:15 PM Investing in the club or in new players - there is a massive difference!
126 Oct 28, 2009 1:15 PM He doesn't exactly have a track record of telling the truth and even so £20m is probably just the running costs for this season
127 Oct 28, 2009 1:15 PM wasnt 20 mill the figure barclays wanted paid off the overdraft is that all hes doing reducing the overdraft
128 Oct 28, 2009 1:18 PM He is announcing it as if he is doing us a massive favour, I think it is the least he should be doing. Although I have doubts it will veer materialise, we only have his word for it which quite frankly means abosloutely nothing.
129 Oct 28, 2009 1:18 PM It will be to purely pay the expenditures and debts that outstand that would normally be paid through the day-to-day running of the football club. It is not a significant amount of money and is not going to be put solely to the recruitment of playing staff and so should not be seen as a move of great generousity from Ashley.
130 Oct 28, 2009 1:19 PM £20 in debt managment most likely. Players to join in january zero, playes to leave probably several
131 Oct 28, 2009 1:19 PM Remember the fans have been "consistently and intentionally mislead" before. Why will anything change.
132 Oct 28, 2009 1:20 PM Has the man ever said anything remotely trustworthy
133 Oct 28, 2009 1:20 PM Unless this money is to be spent on new players it is going to be hard to see the investment, and it will just be added to the list of missing money e.g the money from the sales of Milner, Martins, Given, N'zogia Duff, Bassong and Beye. This money may be being to keep the club afloat, pay wages etc and cope with the financial strain of being relegated. However, as we can not see the finances of the club directly, the fact that the money is being spent on the club must be taken on face value and trust of which Ashley has ran out.
134 Oct 28, 2009 1:20 PM Must invest in the squad in January before I am convinced
135 Oct 28, 2009 1:21 PM He's lied about everything else
136 Oct 28, 2009 1:21 PM I don't believe anything the club says. He's probably investing to increase security.
137 Oct 28, 2009 1:21 PM we will be told 20m put in and that it was used to balance the books or pay the overdraft but but should be used to strenghen the squad come january
138 Oct 28, 2009 1:21 PM As was proven in the tribunal with KK where untruths were portrayed as a 'PR exercise', it is difficult to take any statement from the club at face value. Any 'investment' is more likely to be the servicing of bank loans taken out.
139 Oct 28, 2009 1:22 PM I dont believe that any of the money "invested" by Ashley is in the form of a gift. he will make sure he gets it all back eventually
140 Oct 28, 2009 1:22 PM Around 5million will be needed to fill the void needed for the Keegan payout. How much of the rest will be made for players.
141 Oct 28, 2009 1:23 PM 1. Will it be made. 2. How much of it will be made available for signings. 3. Haven't we proved that money is not what is require at Newcastle?? Viana, Xisco, Marcelino, Lucque to name but a few.
142 Oct 28, 2009 1:24 PM I have no faith in any statement that comes from anyone within the club. Remember the lad with the finger in the dyke.
143 Oct 28, 2009 1:24 PM Is this £20 needed to play player salaries? If so it's a bit early to put in into the club for January transfers.
144 Oct 28, 2009 1:25 PM Why did he not invest £20m last year when It would have taken the club forwards whilst in the top division! He should have had a blueprint for the club when he first took over & stuck with it! The Instability that his methods instill on the club just Breed contempt amongst supporters.This is a hollow gesture.
145 Oct 28, 2009 1:25 PM I suspect he has to invest to cover losses and to try and secure promotion. "A sprat to catch a mackerel". It will cost him even more in the long run if he does not invest now.
146 Oct 28, 2009 1:29 PM I treat every comment / statement that comes from that direction with utter distrust.
147 Oct 28, 2009 1:29 PM Yes. I wonder where this money will come from if it ever does, and if any of it will be used for player purchases come January. I think not, though.
148 Oct 28, 2009 1:30 PM Is this just his annual £20m - that he says he puts in. the proof will be in net outlay in the transfer market. dont hold your breath!
149 Oct 28, 2009 1:30 PM I'm sure there is an awful lot going on behind the scenes we don't know about. If the £20M were to go directly into the squad, then great. However, I suspect the £20M will probably go to his 'mates' and be disguised as consultants fees.
150 Oct 28, 2009 1:30 PM I don't believe a word that comes from the Ashley camp. Particularly after the way the conducted themselves with the Keegan saga.
151 Oct 28, 2009 1:31 PM He probably is putting 20million in to keep it going, but who's fault is that? I own my own business and if I mess it up then I have to put my own money in to keep it afloat. I don't expect my customers to be grateful.
152 Oct 28, 2009 1:31 PM Is this the money from parachute payments / transfers etc
153 Oct 28, 2009 1:31 PM He invests more into his wallet
154 Oct 28, 2009 1:32 PM No doubt he will need to pump money in just to keep us going to the end of the season.Moat had said something similar but it certainly wont be used to enhance the squad that is something he has never understood.
155 Oct 28, 2009 1:32 PM He apparently already pumps in 20 million a year so what he is actually saying is nothing will change.
156 Oct 28, 2009 1:33 PM When you read the lines 'Later in the week' and Ashley in one news story then you are sceptic. Look at the numerous stories of either Shearer taking over 'later this week' or the club being sold 'later this week'. Until we see improvement, which will be in January, assuming he is going to spend the money on the team, then I think we will all be sceptic of the money.
157 Oct 28, 2009 1:34 PM It won't go anywhere near improving the team.
158 Oct 28, 2009 1:34 PM He's already claimed he puts £20m into the club every year, so this as they say in politics is not "new money". There'll be no significant player investment.
159 Oct 28, 2009 1:35 PM I think he has been very generous considering the fans have treated him with contempt.
160 Oct 28, 2009 1:37 PM We can't believe a word this guy says, heaven knows why he keep deceiving us
161 Oct 28, 2009 1:38 PM I suspect he'll tell us it's been necessary as 43000 fans don't contribute enough to the viability of the club. He bought it for a 'bit of fun', his mistake not ours, for not looking at the books.
162 Oct 28, 2009 1:39 PM I believe he will sell the club for a better price if we go back to the premiership so £20m is a small investment on his part.
163 Oct 28, 2009 1:40 PM For obvious reasons, not least because in the aftermath of the Keegan tribunal, it was proven that they have knowingly lied to the fans. Sounds like much of the same to me.
164 Oct 28, 2009 1:42 PM Where does he want to invest £20m next week? In pork pies and sausages? The transfer window is closed until the end of December. If we need to invest, we need to invest in new players. I keep saying we - as faithful as I am but I'm almost tending to say "them".
165 Oct 28, 2009 1:45 PM I don't believe for a second that a large percent of this is going to be earmarked for transfers.
166 Oct 28, 2009 1:47 PM why now, of all times
167 Oct 28, 2009 1:49 PM Ashley is forever saying how much he is putting into the club and how the manager will be backed in the transfer market yet his net spend on players since his arrival has made Arsene Wenger appear frivolous with money. I'll believe it when I see it result in an improved squad on the pitch.
168 Oct 28, 2009 1:49 PM Heard it all before and where is the money going, where was it in the transfer window, why is this week so important for pumping some cash into the club?
169 Oct 28, 2009 1:50 PM Think he'll put the money in but he'll probably also say who he wants to buy with it.
170 Oct 28, 2009 1:55 PM Cockney Mafia investment
171 Oct 28, 2009 1:58 PM Ashley promised this amount of investment per season and we are still waiting, what will he invest in, a solid gold toilet for his fat backside, with a diamond seat
172 Oct 28, 2009 1:59 PM Most definately, how can you believe a word the man says, e g- the Keegan court case.
173 Oct 28, 2009 2:01 PM Does that need to be asked? What I do know is it won't go on new players - why change the habits of a lifetime? If he had really wanted to sell he could have knocked that £20million off the selling price. If it does go into the club for whatever reason it will only go on to the price he will ask for the club when he decides again to put it on the market (just in time for another transfer window period).
174 Oct 28, 2009 2:03 PM Yes. this is not £20 to buy players, but to keep the club going.
175 Oct 28, 2009 2:04 PM If he genuinely wishes the club to increase in value then he is going to have to speculate to accumulate.
176 Oct 28, 2009 2:04 PM It is said £20million will be injected this week. What on earth does that mean? Does it mean he is trying to keep the club a float or is this money for Hughton spend in the transfer window?
177 Oct 28, 2009 2:06 PM lies lies lies!!!
178 Oct 28, 2009 2:10 PM Recent evidence shows (e.g Keegan's trial) Ashley is a liar and cannot be trusted. Time after time he's made statements to the press to get the fans on-side, and then gone back on his word.
179 Oct 28, 2009 2:13 PM His past record of lies do not bode confidence. If he said it was £20m for players that would be clearer but I worry the money will be spent on other things, if a tall.
180 Oct 28, 2009 2:15 PM Will the £20 million go into the playing side?
181 Oct 28, 2009 2:17 PM God knows what he will do with the 20 million. We need at least 2 decent creative midfielders, 2 more defenders and 2 more strikers though so if he doesn't want to stay in the Championship he should shell more out. Either way i'd rather he just f**** off completely
182 Oct 28, 2009 2:17 PM When I see it being spent I'll believe it. He has done nothing but make profits from past transfer windows. I fail to see why that is suddenly going to change when he clearly wants to sell the club. He'll see the club doing okay and wonder why he needs to buy more players when the ones at the club are doing okay. I suspect he will only spend in January if the club have an injury crisis and are slipping down the table.
183 Oct 28, 2009 2:21 PM I KNOW it is a lie
184 Oct 28, 2009 2:22 PM 20million on what?
185 Oct 28, 2009 2:30 PM Watch what he does not what he says!
186 Oct 28, 2009 2:32 PM Now just take the ground off him and let him get on with his piece of cake.
187 Oct 28, 2009 2:39 PM but its six months to late,best players are available in summer window not january
188 Oct 28, 2009 2:43 PM I greet everything Mr Ashley says with scepticism
189 Oct 28, 2009 2:55 PM I doubt it will go on players.
190 Oct 28, 2009 3:08 PM "Investment" could mean anything: clear the overdraft, new carpets for the executive boxes, new office furniture for Mr Lambias...I doubt it means players or playing infrastructure. The product on the pitch is bottom of MA's priorities. Hopefully I'll be proved wrong.
191 Oct 28, 2009 3:11 PM This 20million is probably only part of the running costs rather than a new investment. I doubt any team investment will be made in January that isn't balanced by a current player leaving.
192 Oct 28, 2009 3:15 PM False dawns at every transfer window. Ashley's approach? Bid at the last minute so we appear to be investing without the chance of achieving any decent signings. What has happened to all of the revenue from past sales during Ashley's tenure - that amounted to far more than the £20m Ashley is proposing and it will only be a proposal. I've heard mention of £20m on several occasions previously!
193 Oct 28, 2009 3:22 PM Is this the same £20m he promised to invest every year anyway?
194 Oct 28, 2009 3:26 PM The recent saga with KK proved that MA and DL are as trustworthy as snakes, and about as low!
195 Oct 28, 2009 3:34 PM IF it is true, the money will not be for players, but to pay off more debt.
196 Oct 28, 2009 3:37 PM It seems to be writing off debts not adding increased working capital, but may well help to ease a sale later.
197 Oct 28, 2009 3:42 PM the man has form
198 Oct 28, 2009 3:48 PM Its not the first time he`s promised money and nothings happened
199 Oct 28, 2009 3:53 PM How many times have we heard this story and the band played believe 'em if you like.
200 Oct 28, 2009 4:05 PM Another smokescreen to deflect attetnino away from him now he has decided not to sell.
201 Oct 28, 2009 4:06 PM The transfer windows closed and doesn`t open till January so why put money in next week. For what reason?
202 Oct 28, 2009 4:10 PM Where will it go? He has made huge profits in the transfer market since he arrived, why would we expect him to change now. Only to protect his investment before he leaves.
203 Oct 28, 2009 4:11 PM He's doing what every politician does, try to get political milage out of what has to be done anyway.
204 Oct 28, 2009 4:13 PM Surely he would have had to invest anyway as long as the takeover negotiations were continuing. he does not say what the money will be used for.
205 Oct 28, 2009 4:17 PM we can never believe anything ashley says.a court of law has proved this.we will never improve or progress under this mans stewardship.
206 Oct 28, 2009 4:17 PM He can't be trusted.
207 Oct 28, 2009 4:23 PM NO CHANCE OF HIM SPENDING THAT ON THE CLUB! HE IS A LIAR, PROVEN IN THE KEEGAN CASE!
208 Oct 28, 2009 4:25 PM Investment in what ? More unnecessary backroom staff ? Players that he has personally approved ? Turning the pitch 45 degrees to the left ?
209 Oct 28, 2009 4:28 PM None of it will be spent on players - it will be used to sweeten the bank and reduce (his) debt.
210 Oct 28, 2009 4:31 PM Why did he not say outright i'm investing £20 million in new players to get us back into premier league.
211 Oct 28, 2009 4:31 PM Purely because he hasn't said what that's for. There was no mention of any transfer kitty. That is probably the money he has to spend running the club anyway.
212 Oct 28, 2009 4:32 PM Mike Ashley is a businessman and he knows that the club will be worth a lot more money if the club is promoted. I believe he has invested this £20m to ensure that the club is promoted so that he will be able to sell the club for more money in the future.
213 Oct 28, 2009 4:35 PM Investment in what? Then club? The running costs? I cant see it being in playing staff!
214 Oct 28, 2009 4:35 PM No trust left.
215 Oct 28, 2009 4:36 PM I understand it is necessary to keep the club going as a viable entity-it is not in his self interest to further devalue his assets.
216 Oct 28, 2009 4:39 PM This is a farce.
217 Oct 28, 2009 4:39 PM 'Investment' my anii
218 Oct 28, 2009 4:39 PM Absolutely. We've not seen any clear facts about the club's current finances and what any new money would be used for. That's the thing that's missing. He and his regime are proven liars so we're bound to be sceptical.
219 Oct 28, 2009 4:40 PM 20 Million is very little in terms of modern football and this amount will probably be used on wages and overheads. This is not a 20 million transfer budget, just money for the running of the club. Mike has consistently made money in previous transfer windows by selling integral members of the squad (Milner and Given last season) and either brought in less than adequate replacements or not bothered to replace them at all - why would this January be any different?
220 Oct 28, 2009 4:45 PM He'll find some way to get it back, probably selling any players he can
221 Oct 28, 2009 4:47 PM It's all hot air!
222 Oct 28, 2009 4:48 PM You have to treat everything he says with a bit of scepticism. Back in pre-season he said the club would be sold by the end of the week. His rein at newcastle has been packed full of lies and deception.
223 Oct 28, 2009 4:59 PM He has already put in over £200million including the purchase price.
224 Oct 28, 2009 5:01 PM How could anyone do otherwise?
225 Oct 28, 2009 5:01 PM heard it too many times
226 Oct 28, 2009 5:05 PM Without doubt. Ashley is not a man to invest £20m without wanting £40m back. Do not be conned by his sudden benevolent attitude because he is a dangerous and uncaring man.
227 Oct 28, 2009 5:22 PM Its the same old story. There's no doubt that Ashley will sell NUFC's best players in January and bring in cheaper/inferior replacements
228 Oct 28, 2009 5:32 PM Previous Ashley statements haven proven false - why would this one be any different
229 Oct 28, 2009 5:40 PM Of course and so should the Journal and they should reflect that in an interview with Ashley
230 Oct 28, 2009 5:42 PM He's talking utte rubbish. The guy made an £8M prot from selling players injanuary when he should of been investing in players to keep us up. Back fired didn't it
231 Oct 28, 2009 5:45 PM He has had this in his back pocket after selling a host of players
232 Oct 28, 2009 5:50 PM It's his money in the club, unless someone else is prepared to put their money where their mouth is, "Put up or shut up"
233 Oct 28, 2009 5:50 PM £20m investment investing in what the transfer window closed weeks ago
234 Oct 28, 2009 5:50 PM I would prefer to hear on the end of the anouncement of an extra £20M, that it was to be used to bolster and strenthgen a very this squad of players, with some experienced ones coming in, and no unheard of South American names of unknown credentials.
235 Oct 28, 2009 6:01 PM He will invest 20 million but it will be into running costs of the club and not the actual Playing Staff
236 Oct 28, 2009 6:06 PM This is just complete lies, keeping the club rather than selling might cost him another 20 million in costs, the money will not be for any additional players.
237 Oct 28, 2009 6:07 PM seeing is believing. I'll answer this question after the january transfer window!!
238 Oct 28, 2009 6:12 PM He wont do it
239 Oct 28, 2009 6:14 PM In some respects yes, I believe as do many others that he had no intention of selling the club because he knows if we get promotion to the Premier the club could be worth a lot more.
240 Oct 28, 2009 6:16 PM Very much so. Players cannot be bought at this time. lone players only and based on those already brought in someone's judgement is questionable! Please explain what this investment is for.
241 Oct 28, 2009 6:25 PM He has repeatedly told lies in the press over a whole host of issues, the Keegan case revealing being the most recent. With such dishonesty in the past he has no credibility, so whatever he says now must be greeted with scepticism.
242 Oct 28, 2009 6:27 PM i dont believe anything he does
243 Oct 28, 2009 6:28 PM Does he give us any reason to doubt him !!!!!!
244 Oct 28, 2009 6:49 PM He is just a liar, you cannot believe anything he says anymore!
245 Oct 28, 2009 6:52 PM how can we show scepticism when the club has already cost him over150 million of his own money,,yes the guys made mistakes but where would we really be without him just how much do we not no
246 Oct 28, 2009 6:59 PM I think its propagander, and he is being deceptive. He is probably referring to the overall wage bill or something along those lines. The price of players/ staff brought in isnt the issue, its the suitability and quality in question.
247 Oct 28, 2009 7:06 PM How does that work? Is it players plus wages or does it include refurbishing the executive box toilets. He has been proved a liar in the Keegan case, his word is worthless.
248 Oct 28, 2009 7:13 PM Won't make the mistake of holding my breath through yet another transfer window! He'll put it down to running costs despite our thin squad, thin workforce and transfer profits! Or his he paying off the overdraft.... Again!
249 Oct 28, 2009 7:17 PM he needs to put in as much as the manager needs to get promotion
250 Oct 28, 2009 7:23 PM He's lied before with Keegan so why wouldnt he lie again
251 Oct 28, 2009 7:29 PM The 20 million is clearly to reduce the club's overdraft, etc. While this is of course welcome, it does not address the thinness of the squad, which is a fundmental issue if Ashely is really seeking promotion for the club.
252 Oct 28, 2009 7:30 PM He has to put his own money into the club because he inadvertently bought a club with massive debts. He puts in the minimum amount needed to keep the club afloat.
253 Oct 28, 2009 7:37 PM Why shouldn't he. It's a good investment. If £20m puts £100m on the value of the club, what would you do?
254 Oct 28, 2009 8:23 PM I cannot recall any of Ashley’s announcements EVER coming to fruition
255 Oct 28, 2009 8:27 PM he has spent nothing so far he owes it all to the banks
256 Oct 28, 2009 8:31 PM we will believe when we see it
257 Oct 28, 2009 8:43 PM I don't believe anything that gentleman says
258 Oct 28, 2009 8:51 PM Very much so, he has stated £20 Million 'into the club' and not into new players. He'll probably say the investment is to pay debts and 'stabalise' the club.
259 Oct 28, 2009 8:57 PM He is a lier
260 Oct 28, 2009 9:15 PM Probably to reduce the overdraft, which will result in lower interest payments which benefits MA. Given his performance in previous transfer windows I believe that any transfer actrivity in January will result in a net gain and poorer quality players
261 Oct 28, 2009 9:20 PM evrything this man does has to be treated this way because you just cannot believe him.
262 Oct 28, 2009 9:30 PM Whatever these goons now say will be greeted with scepticism, the 20m will no doubt simply to pay down the overdraft or even pay what little staff remain.
263 Oct 28, 2009 9:33 PM This is a smoke screen, there is no transfer window open for two months anything could happen before then, "Pigs might fly"
264 Oct 28, 2009 9:40 PM why now? why not in the summer when we needed it?
265 Oct 28, 2009 9:45 PM Does he know how to speak the truth.
266 Oct 28, 2009 9:47 PM Believe it when I see it.
267 Oct 28, 2009 10:16 PM Obviously
268 Oct 28, 2009 10:18 PM Easy to pledge money now when the transfer window is closed
269 Oct 28, 2009 10:28 PM cant believe anything that comes out the club
270 Oct 28, 2009 10:31 PM It's his money, pity it wasn't forthcoming before when he could have sold a prosperous club and not an ailing one.
271 Oct 28, 2009 10:47 PM This is unlikely to be Ashleys own money. Even more likely is that it will be well spent.
272 Oct 28, 2009 10:53 PM Nufc has failed to deliver quality in key areas for the past 6 transfer windows.
273 Oct 28, 2009 11:03 PM Definitely - we have to see it to believe it. Having said that, let's hold off any judgement.
274 Oct 28, 2009 11:21 PM It is only a PR exercise and as proved in the KK legal case you cant believe a word the club says
275 Oct 28, 2009 11:35 PM What is it for?
276 Oct 29, 2009 12:00 AM another way of putting money in his own pocket. none will be seen as an investment in players
277 Oct 29, 2009 12:12 AM Is it investment, or a loan that he wants to recoup? Is it enough to establish us as a Premier League force again? Will he raise this money by selling the name to OUR stadium?
278 Oct 29, 2009 12:22 AM He has not said what it is specifically for therefore given his past record what else can one think
279 Oct 29, 2009 12:32 AM to little to late
280 Oct 29, 2009 12:35 AM Because I doubt it will be for improving the already thin squad.
281 Oct 29, 2009 12:45 AM is he really going to trust hughton with any amount of extra money when he clearly will sell next season if we are in the premier.
282 Oct 29, 2009 1:10 AM Just a joke, like everything else he tells us.
283 Oct 29, 2009 4:33 AM with his track record what else can you greet it with
284 Oct 29, 2009 6:35 AM How can we trust a word he says.
285 Oct 29, 2009 7:26 AM dont believe a word he says
286 Oct 29, 2009 7:42 AM he means he will cover the expected loss he will not invest in players
287 Oct 29, 2009 8:03 AM yes he has lied to us in the past.
288 Oct 29, 2009 8:19 AM Just a bit - like every other announcement from this person. No doubt he will recoup it when the January transfer window comes around.
289 Oct 29, 2009 8:25 AM This is just a stunt to try and show that he is fully committed to the club.
290 Oct 29, 2009 8:41 AM we will never see the money on players
291 Oct 29, 2009 8:50 AM How many times has he come out with this, then lets the fans down
292 Oct 29, 2009 8:59 AM If he really wants to put money into the club why wasn't it done during the transfer window? I doubt we'll ever see anywhere near £20m.
293 Oct 29, 2009 9:00 AM very much so!
294 Oct 29, 2009 9:07 AM It will no doubt be behind the scenes costs anyway and we'll see little of it invested in players
295 Oct 29, 2009 9:13 AM Whens he ever held a promise? Put your money where your mouth is, actions speak louder than words etc etc
296 Oct 29, 2009 9:24 AM The transfer window is closed, how can Hughton spend it? Answers on the back of a postage stamp please.
297 Oct 29, 2009 9:24 AM He'll pay the overdraft down as Barclays require and that's it.
298 Oct 29, 2009 9:25 AM i hope he puts his money where his gob is , and we get the cash and invest in our future
299 Oct 29, 2009 9:29 AM it will not be spent on players and is only money gotten from previous sales