Simon Jordan has once again used his TalkSPORT platform to aim a jibe towards Newcastle United and its fans.
In TalkSPORT‘s weekly roundup, the former Crystal Palace owner discusses the week’s biggest stories including Manchester United winning a trophy for the first time in six years, Graeme Potter’s fragile position at Chelsea and Arsenal’s continued title charge.
However, not one to miss an opportunity, Mr Jordan then sets his sights on Newcastle. Following on from their disappointing cup final defeat at Wembley against the aforementioned Manchester United, there have been talks that the club’s recent successes combined with their owner’s support could see them break into that ‘big six’.
We are passionate, not naïve
Well, Simon Jordan isn’t having it, saying to TalkSPORT: “Newcastle have got 20 years to catch up with the brands of clubs like Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal in the Premier League. They are going to spend a lot of money to do that but they are nowhere near.
“Right now, Newcastle are doing very well in the league but as a commercial operation with global eyes on the prize, they aren’t anywhere near the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Arsenal.
“I maintain this view and I don’t care how many Geordies want to have a go at me. The bottom line is, you are a big club in Newcastle.
“You’re not a big club on the world stage, you will be. They are a big club in Newcastle but they will be a big club on the global stage.”
That little “you will be” comment doesn’t let you off the hook, Simon. Are we behind the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and the Manchesters? Sure, of course we are, our fanbase is passionate but they’re not naïve. We know we have some catching up to do after 14 years of stagnation.
To suggest that we’re 20 years away is laughable, though. We’re in the first full season of the PIF project and we’re in the European qualification spots in the league and have just played in a cup final at Wembley. The club are already out-performing the owners’ projections and with success comes growth and worldwide appeal.
No way it’s going to take 20 years
In my black and white tinted view, even saying it’s going to take us ten years to break into that top six is crazy. Unless there’s a takeover in their future, I’d say Newcastle could surpass Tottenham in five years or so.
According to the Deloitte Football Money League, which charts the revenue generation of all the clubs in world football, Newcastle hold the 20th spot. Arsenal are the lowest placed team out of the so-called ‘big six’ but given their league position this season, it’s entirely possible they could leapfrog their London rivals, Tottenham next year or the year after.
If Newcastle also continue on their current trajectory in terms of on-field success, and with their domination of the football supporting Saudi market, we can expect to see NUFC rocket up that league in the near future.
Obviously I’m no financial expert, so this is all just my opinion mixed with common sense and years of following football … with a sprinkle of bias, but what more has Simon Jordan got to go off to make his claims? His record of owning a football club isn’t exactly great, is it?
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