The new Chief Exec has spoken. From the Orificial S*ite:

He admits that some fans have expressed concern at the amount of cash being invested in the redevelopment of St. James's Park, fearful that money has gone into bricks and mortar that should be going into strengthening the team. However, he insists, "The raising of the capital for the stadium is done. The capital to improve the team is different. The club is in a good financial position and we have money available for Bobby."

As to how much money, he refuses to be drawn. "It would be wrong to talk specifics about the size of the pot. My experience at Sunderland was that as soon as you said the manager had a transfer fund of X pounds, it a) pushes up the price of the player you want to buy and b) puts pressure on the manager and the board."

Stonehouse denies that Newcastle will have to sell players to raise cash to buy others, although he concedes, "Obviously, if we want to spend significant amounts of money, we have to balance the books somehow."

That said, he is keen to point out that he is against meddling. "I always think it's dangerous when the board of directors start choosing the team. Bobbie has been around at all levels in this country and across Europe. He's a very able manager. He will identify his targets, he will find out if they are available and then we as a Board become involved. What we have to do is support him and work with him to make sure that the right decisions are made for both football and business reasons. Certainly we will not be putting pressure on Bobby to sell anyone."

So, money is available eh? More than we have just spent? And what is significant ammounts? Could be interesting if he's prepared to put up more - or get rid cheaply. And who's this "Bobbie" fellow?

-- Anonymous, July 08, 2000

Answers

Feeling a little tetchy Screacher? Or are you concerned that it could be a case of "once a makem, always a makem"?

-- Anonymous, July 08, 2000

Certainly not Mr Clark. Unless by tetchy you mean slightly inebriated. No, I was just wondering what influence the new CE might bring to the club. This is the first "interview" I have seen from him. Even the Prodigal Son was forgiven. Never one to hold grudges for long, me. Unless they're called Dalglish or Gullit.

Just off for another beer - back soon.

-- Anonymous, July 08, 2000

Just a shot in the dark, Screacher - based on your reference to our new Supremo as Mr. S***ehouse.
Having said that, one might reasonably have expected his first 'utterings' to be slightly more uplifting, original and imaginative than regurgitated, cliched tabloid-speke that we've heard a million times before.
I came over all tetchy there! Goodnight.

-- Anonymous, July 08, 2000

Tetch tetch.

-- Anonymous, July 08, 2000

Hmmm, beer! I can still remember what that tastes like.

-- Anonymous, July 09, 2000

I can't.

-- Anonymous, July 09, 2000

I've just finished me essay. I may well now go out and remind myself. What a difference a couple of years make. Me, actaully completing assignments on time!!!! Whatever next? FA cup maybe?

-- Anonymous, July 09, 2000