Filed under: Newcastle, Premier League, Football
In just three words, Danny Simpson best summed up another tumultuous few hours at Newcastle United, after the latest classic case of pointing the shotgun towards its own feet and happily pulling the trigger.The defender used Twitter to express his disbelief, quite apt as the latest stunning implosion at St James' Park had been fuelled by the social networking site.
"Lost for words." You're not alone Danny. When Joey Barton started his week by being summoned to a meeting with the Newcastle hierarchy, he no doubt reasonably assumed it was to explain his scathing remarks on Twitter regarding the club's ambition - or lack of it - under the ownership of Mike Ashley, and to accept a hefty fine.
He should be so lucky. Instead, he emerged from the brief get-together having been informed his Newcastle career was effectively over, after he was unceremoniously put on the transfer list and told he can leave on a free.
His agent described the club's actions as 'a wee bit suicidal.' Willie McKay has in the past been guilty of some stunning hyperbole, but on this occasion, his reaction may just be under-playing the hole Ashley is in danger of digging himself into. "I'm sure there will be plenty of takers for Joey," the Scot added, quickly regaining his agently senses. "Especially now."
First Kevin Nolan, now Barton. Ashley clearly has no truck with anyone willing to speak up against his regime, but in ridding himself of the dissenting voices, he may be in danger of committing the footballing version of cutting off his nose to spite his face.
He may have asserted his authority to do away with two elements he sees as potentially disruptive in the dressing room, but the price for such an unfathomable cull may well be the club's top flight future.
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Source: http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/08/02/mike-ashley-asserts-his-authority-at-newcastle-united-but-at-w/
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