NUFC journalists share fascinating info on Benitez, Ashley & Amanda Staveley during supporters event

by Olly Hawkins · 2 February 2018, 16:33

A True Faith press forum took place last night, with several NUFC supporters getting the opportunity to ask questions and gain insights from some of the top North-East journalists covering all things Newcastle United - and we've put together some of the best bits..

The likes of the Times' George Caulkin, the Chronicles Mark Douglas, the Mail's Craig Hope, the Mirror's Simon Birs and the Telegraph's Luke Edwards among others were present to answer questions and share their views and the responses (which were shared on True Faith's Twitter page all night) were fascinating and incredibly insightful.

Several topics were covered, however some of the most prevalent and interesting were conversations about Benitez, Ashley, the transfer window and the takeover interest from a certain Amanda Staveley.

Here's a series of tweets shares by True Faith's Twitter page (Michael Martin) live from the supporters event in aid of the NUFC Foodbank last night. We've picked the top 10 topics discussed at the event:

1. Sturridge wasn't a top target and was NEVER intent on coming to NUFC.

https://twitter.com/tfweeklypod/status/959153040874983424

https://twitter.com/tfweeklypod/status/959154908300759042

Interesting, especially when it was reported that he was meant to be on his way to Newcastle for a medical before Pardew stepped in 'at the last minute'. Was he always heading to West Brom despite NUFC's interest?

2. Ashley has reduced the numbers of the staff running the club significantly and Charnley has 'no delegated authority'

https://twitter.com/tfweeklypod/status/959152196809035776

https://twitter.com/tfweeklypod/status/959153899855806466

https://twitter.com/tfweeklypod/status/959185352782204928

Charnley having no authority would make sense, hence why he takes so long to get deals 'over the line'. Ashley's claimed he has no say on transfers and footballing matters but this suggests otherwise.

3. George Caulkin left incredibly impressed by Staveley following big interview - stating she is desperate to own NUFC

https://twitter.com/tfweeklypod/status/959166553383202816

He later comments that the 'proof is in the pudding WHEN she buys the football club'. Sounds like he thinks she's serious and won't be going anywhere.

4. Luke Edwards reveals how the Spurs boycott (end of 15/16 relegation season) stunned Ashley, leading to us being the 4th biggest spenders in Europe that summer.

https://twitter.com/tfweeklypod/status/959172616127959040

Time for another one if the worst happens this season? You can bank on it, but let's hope it doesn't come to that!

5. George Caulkin reiterates just how important Rafa is to Staveley's takeover bid - thinks it's 'unlikely' he stays if a takeover doesn't happen.

https://twitter.com/tfweeklypod/status/959175708542210048

A worrying thought given Ashley's stubbornness, but we all know that Rafa's long term future is pretty much dependant of a takeover. It's a losing battle for Benitez under Mike Ashley (as shown AGAIN in January).

6. Staveley 'absolutely committed' to buying NUFC - valuation next TV deal 'crucial' + the guests say on who'll own NUFC - Ashley or Staveley? (all guests also expect a another bid from her)

https://twitter.com/tfweeklypod/status/959175732714004480

https://twitter.com/tfweeklypod/status/959176102534107141

https://twitter.com/tfweeklypod/status/959176255684923394

https://twitter.com/tfweeklypod/status/959193560305332225

8. Mark Douglas explains Rafa's outlook and attitude to remaining at NUFC under Ashley's regime - love this..

https://twitter.com/tfweeklypod/status/959183275150528512

https://twitter.com/tfweeklypod/status/959183437381951488

So frustrating - Rafa has every reason to walk, but he's also desperate for this to work, hence why he continues to put up with MA's incompetence and constant lies.