Shearer Weighs Up Options But Ashley Wants Out
By Josh Allen - a big thanks to Josh!
Newcastle legend Alan Shearer has confirmed his future could be resolved by the end of the week, amid claims that he is pricing himself out of a full-time deal.
Shearer has been in discussions with wantaway owner Mike Ashley since the end of the season but with Newcastle facing the prospect of Championship football, any financial demands may have to be re-evaluated.
Shearer is said to want a £3million annual salary and a transfer budget as high as £20million – figures that are perhaps unrealistic given the high price of relegation. Shearer has denied making any demands but in a statement released on Monday did say that there were: “obvious conditions”.
While money is undoubtedly important, job security could prove to be a more significant factor. With Mike Ashley set to leave as soon as he finds a buyer, Shearer could find his position under threat even before the season gets underway. His record of one win in eight games hardly makes for impressive reading and so if a new owner was to bring his own man in, Shearer could find himself on the managerial scrapheap at the tender age of 39.
Regardless of the Shearer deal, Ashley's time at Newcastle looks to be up. His reign has been catastrophic, even by his own account and not just on the pitch. Ashley bought the club in 2007 for £134.4million and has since invested another £200million. Despite putting the club up for sale during the season at £400million he received no concrete interest and is now set to accept bids as low as £80million – a huge loss by anyone's standards.
So for Ashley the game is up, his dream has become a nightmare in two short years. For the fans there remains some hope, hope that Shearer can drag the club back from the abyss. Whether he shares their belief will soon become apparent.
By Josh Allen - a big thanks to Josh!
Newcastle legend Alan Shearer has confirmed his future could be resolved by the end of the week, amid claims that he is pricing himself out of a full-time deal.
Shearer has been in discussions with wantaway owner Mike Ashley since the end of the season but with Newcastle facing the prospect of Championship football, any financial demands may have to be re-evaluated.
Shearer is said to want a £3million annual salary and a transfer budget as high as £20million – figures that are perhaps unrealistic given the high price of relegation. Shearer has denied making any demands but in a statement released on Monday did say that there were: “obvious conditions”.
While money is undoubtedly important, job security could prove to be a more significant factor. With Mike Ashley set to leave as soon as he finds a buyer, Shearer could find his position under threat even before the season gets underway. His record of one win in eight games hardly makes for impressive reading and so if a new owner was to bring his own man in, Shearer could find himself on the managerial scrapheap at the tender age of 39.
Regardless of the Shearer deal, Ashley's time at Newcastle looks to be up. His reign has been catastrophic, even by his own account and not just on the pitch. Ashley bought the club in 2007 for £134.4million and has since invested another £200million. Despite putting the club up for sale during the season at £400million he received no concrete interest and is now set to accept bids as low as £80million – a huge loss by anyone's standards.
So for Ashley the game is up, his dream has become a nightmare in two short years. For the fans there remains some hope, hope that Shearer can drag the club back from the abyss. Whether he shares their belief will soon become apparent.