Kinnear has indicated this week that money will be made available to him by the board, but I still wonder about that. It wouldn't surprise me if the only new arrivals at St James's Park are loan signings. As far as we know, Ashley is still looking to sell, which will mean Kinnear has no long term authority, which may mean temporary signings are all that are available to him.
The Journal Question Ashley And Owen!
Kinnear has indicated this week that money will be made available to him by the board, but I still wonder about that. It wouldn't surprise me if the only new arrivals at St James's Park are loan signings. As far as we know, Ashley is still looking to sell, which will mean Kinnear has no long term authority, which may mean temporary signings are all that are available to him.
What annoys me - and I'm sure it's the same for the rest of you - is that, despite the continued uncertainty and troubles, nobody other than Kinnear has given us any sort of indication as to what is happening with the sale of the club, whether it is still going ahead and what will happen if it's not going to go through in the next few weeks or months?
The silence, as ever, with Ashley's regime is deafening, despite an appeal from the Newcastle United Supporters Club (NUSC) for information and a sensible dialogue about the situation.
As for Michael Owen, the little striker apparently accused me of spinning a story last weekend when I said he would not sign a new contract because he had other options in January. Seven days later and Kinnear has admitted he will not because, as I said last weekend, he has other options.
Kinnear had already hinted as much at his pre-Stoke press conference and my sources have been telling me for months that Owen had no intention of signing a new contract - not that one had been offered mind.
But, while United's other out-of-contract players are due to sign next week, according to Joe, Owen will not be because he has other clubs interested. I don't blame him for wanting to abandon ship, but there is so much spin in modern football it makes you dizzy.