Newcastle United fans protested before yesterday’s home match against Liverpool, holding up placards saying ‘Cockney mafia out’ and chanting ‘Ashley out’. New manager Alan Pardew was not introduced to fans before the game, no doubt because of concern about the likely crowd reaction.
Newcastle United fans protested before yesterday’s home match against Liverpool, holding up placards saying ‘Cockney mafia out’ and chanting ‘Ashley out’. New manager Alan Pardew was not introduced to fans before the game, no doubt because of concern about the likely crowd reaction.
Pardew has tried to construct himself as a working class hero by calling the Magpies a working class club and emphasising his own humble origins. Apart from being rather patronising, it should be noted that he lives in the Surrey Hills, one of the most expensive locations around London.
The Magpies went on to beat Liverpool 3-1. Does this mean that temperamental ego Pardew has already won over the dressing room and demonstrated his tatctical genius? In fact it reflects the tremendous spirit among the team built up by Chris Hughton. It also says something about the current state of Liverpool. The new owners have a big rebuilding task ahead of them after the depredations of their predecessors.
Mike Ashley was shown on television grinning from ear to ear and well he might as the ground was full. Football fans may sometimes display the memory span of a goldfish, but Toon fans are not going to be easily reconciled to Ashley.
Kevin Keegan told The Times yesterday: ‘Deep down Newcastle fans know they are in a difficult situation because the money who owns the club doesn’t really want it. Ashley want to sell, but also wants to make money. In the current financial climate that will be difficult.’