Why fans should be wary of any Newcastle takeover reports…for now

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Since talk of a potential takeover at Newcastle broke on Sunday night, there have been conflicting reactions among fans and media.

Fans are excited at the prospect of finally seeing an end to their budget-restricting plight under owner, Mike Ashley. Journalists, on the other hand, have met the news with scepticism and doubt.

One of the fundamental aspects of journalism – contrary to what readers think – is research, not writing. There is a duty to back up what is written by facts.

So it is right to apply caution to the speculation.

Obviously Newcastle fans are cock-a-hoop at the prospect. It is brought on by a want – and need – to believe that it is true. They need hope. WE need hope.

As a Newcastle season ticket holder for 40 years, I have been through all this before – more than once!

I want to be excited at the prospect of a Middle-Eastern multi-billionaire taking our club to the next level, and beyond. But my head is overruling my heart. I remain dubious about it. Everything from the timing, to the liaising with fans on social media, has me wary.

Rafa Benitez’s contract talks have barely raised a mention since the news broke. At a time when it is the most important, outstanding issue at St James’ Park, we suddenly have something else to focus on, other than negotiations going into another week without a breakthrough.

Coincidence? Again, my heart says yes. My head has alarm bells ringing.

Also, privacy and secrecy have been the key words when describing Newcastle United and takeover business. Yet suddenly, in less than 48 hours, we have gone from silence, to public statements and members of the alleged takeover group openly discussing the deal with fans.

Does this seem right? They are decent blokes who are reaching out to their future customers, says the increasingly racing beat from my chest. Yet again, my head is pushing the brake pedal and questioning if this is how big business is conducted.

Don’t get me wrong. I hope and pray that this is all true. Hopefully he is sincere in his intentions.  I want him to have the money to buy the club, and inject funds for signings that the fans have been starved of for so long. That he does indeed have a vision for Newcastle United that matches that of the support and Rafa Benitez.

We have been here before, and it did not turn out as planned

The last time I felt this excited about my football club, was when Sir John Hall sold his shares to a British billionaire tycoon, who was sure to be our saviour, and take my beloved black and whites to the Promised Land.

So be careful what you wish for, because we all know how that turned out!

So as much as I want to get swept away on the wave of ecstasy that is currently surging over the region, I will not allow myself to. Not yet.

I cannot speak for the wider, national media, but I can say that the region’s Newcastle reporters – both for the local newspapers and those writing for the Nationals – do not have an anti-Newcastle agenda. They have a vested interest in the club becoming successful.

I find myself agreeing with the narrative they are producing. Until more is known about the bid – and the people behind it – it is right to down-play the situation.

It may well be that he is indeed the saviour of our club. He may be the man who can finally bring some… any… silverware to the North East. But he may also be someone trying to make a name for himself, and using Newcastle and its fans, as a platform to do so.

So my advice, for the time being is – as I say before every Newcastle game I watch – expect the worst, but hope for the best. It is the only way to avoid disappointment.