WG

Reports of the High Court hearing involving Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley have largely focused on the drinking sessions associated with business meetings.   However, one piece of information that slipped out was about a confidential mobile phone company used by footballers and club owners like Mike Ashley.

Shropshire-based Sports Mobile offer bespoke VIP service.   Players want the new iPhone as soon as it comes out and they make sure that players get it before everyone else.

The frantic transfer deadline with all its hype and television coverage is at the end of August.  First, however, there is a ‘quiet’ transfer deadline when managers look at the squads that have reassembled for training at the beginning of July and assess the gaps.

Of course, some clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United like to do their business early.   United are hopeful that they will get most of their targets soon, but Chelsea are only now nearing a breakthrough or two.

Newcastle United need to wake up to the new financial realities of the Premier League, argues this article. It’s no good hunting around in the bargain basement for players.