Newcastle Chairman Chris Mort has admitted this season will be a transitional one for Newcastle, after changing managers in January.
Chris and Kevin - transitional season for Newcastle says Chairman
Chris Mort said today:
“We appreciate that we are below mid-table, we’re out of one cup and while we’re hopefully going to progress in the other, it’s going to be a tough job,”
“We were not going to take the decision of changing the manager lightly. We talked about the timing. You could say: ‘Well why didn’t you just give him the season,’ but then we would have had another transition season next season for the new man.”
“We felt that was the wrong thing to do.”
Mort, who admitted to being impressed by Keegan’s infectious enthusiasm since he arrived at the club, is hoping he can win hearts and minds across the country as well as Premier League points. We think that’s already happening. Chris continued:
“Clearly every league position in the Premier League matters a great deal financially. We want to get up the Premier League.â€â€œ
“We’re not going to dismiss getting as high as we can and say: ‘Let’s go and win a League Cup.’ There’s a very hard-nosed financial aspect to this as well. But we want to win something.”
“My personal memory of Kevin’s previous time here is just the way he transformed this club into one where people were either Newcastle supporters or felt Newcastle were their second team because of the way he went about his business, and the way his players went about their business as well.”
“If we could get back to that position, I’d be delighted.”
So would most Newcastle fans Chris.
We would hope that Kevin can start getting the best out of the squad, even if we cannot get any new players in during the next 9 days. If anybody can get the best out of the squad it’s got to be Kevin.
And perhaps we can start moving up the table during the latter part of the season, and then be ready next season for take-off. 
Comments welcome.
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57 responses so far ↓
1 Chicken // Jan 22, 2008 at 11:14
Every season’s a transitional season at the Toon. We’re becoming a bad joke - no wonder the press love writing about us so much.
2 Josh // Jan 22, 2008 at 11:25
biiiigg sigh. That really was a terrible speach from Chris. Pray that Keegan can turn us around or we are skrewed.
3 craig chisholm // Jan 22, 2008 at 11:31
that speach is not new, he made it last week sometime. it is no big deal. its obvious that we are going to do not much this season other than steady the ship. i get the feeling though that they will give kk as much time as needs be. they clearly did not like or want sam spending their money and time. kk is their man and they will stand by him. i will be happy for a top ten finish this season to be honest and i think that will be our realistic aim with the run in we have. i am more looking to next season already as i know the kev is one for the big names more than the small fry. i think we will get two big names in this window though to give us the injection we need at this time. SWP is a classic keegan style player, lets see eh!
4 James // Jan 22, 2008 at 11:32
It’s a great speech by Chris because it completely takes the pressure off Keegan for this season and allows him to find his feet again.
If he’d set goals about league position and the FA Cup it would have added pressure to Keegan that he doesn’t need right now.
Give him 5 months to get back into the swing of things, and then watch us fly next season!
5 Faustino // Jan 22, 2008 at 11:41
See this for what it is; the first appointment and first transitional season in a new regime that has a lot of work to do to counter the destruction done during the era of Shephard. Anyone who expected anything more than what Mort is saying here is sorely deluded. We won’t make europe, we’ll be luckier than a leprachauns horse shoe to beat the gooners once out of the next two games but, there is hope for the next 3 years now whereas under Fat Sam there was none. Perfectly displayed by Bolton’s woeful tactics at SJP. It’s worth noting that Keegan’s first season of the last spell was exactly the same as this one, no hope of anything glitzy but a chance to build for next year. Patience.
6 ronaldeano // Jan 22, 2008 at 11:53
I agree with Mort, Sam ’should’ have been sacked when he was, otherwise, we would be in a relegation dogfight in the run up to the end of the season. KK’s apointment has given the whole CITY, not just the club a lift. Hopefully KK can get a few solid defenders and an attacking midfielder to the club in the next 9 days and we can start ATTACKING and get into the top 8 at least! KEEP THE FAITH!
7 Lynda // Jan 22, 2008 at 11:56
This season was always going to be a transitional season: 9 new players, new manager, new ownership and 3 football teams’ worth of back room staff. Not to mention all the litigation against us (eg. Kevin Bond), the Quest allegations, the fraud raids and the fact that Shepherd left us close to bankruptcy. In hindsight, we were a bit daft to expect anything else. Some clear progress should have been all we expected, with the real progress happening next season. What Mort has done is remove any excuse for next season: we have our man in now, in good time for everything to take off nicely from the start of next season.
8 Chicken // Jan 22, 2008 at 11:59
I’m pig sick of writing off a season half way thru January and then saying “yeah but next season…”. Same old shite and it’s getting boring.
TBH I’d much rather finish 17th and get to the final of the FA Cup, even if we lose AGAIN!!!
Better than finishing 9th or 10th and not even getting Europe.
9 Newcastlefan // Jan 22, 2008 at 12:07
We all must give Kev time. Great there were no boo boys at the last game. It would be good if at the end of the next poor game we chanted Keegan’s name. Cheered every great effort put in by the players. See how the enthusiasm would run through the club. See where it takes us !
10 Bobby Ollox // Jan 22, 2008 at 12:08
Quit your whining Chicken - we are where we are - we have changed manager mid season - it can be nothing else other than a transition season by definition.
As long as the transition shows positive results throughout the rest of the season, and we show that are on the right track ( which we didnt for the first half of the season) I’m happy .
11 ObaFan2 // Jan 22, 2008 at 12:13
This season ws always going to be difficult with a new owner and new manager in the summer.
Atleast now we have the right manager in position and the owner seems to want to back his words with dosh. This can’t be bad.
Imagine MA telling BSA use your imagination, make this club great again.” Now who do you want?”
BSA “Nolan”
BSA exit stage left lmao.
12 willowtoon // Jan 22, 2008 at 12:16
Obafan - Priceless -
Mort has basically told the press - back off we have no pressure on KK and judge us this time next year.
He is quite right that this means next season is not transitional for the owners or KK
13 craig chisholm // Jan 22, 2008 at 12:16
whats up chicken?…………you have to look at the big picture mate instead of just what has gone on on the actual pitch. we were close to bankruptsy when ashley took us over, we are now the only team in the prem with not a penny owed to a soul, we are fully paid up and this in turn will give us much more buying power as the profits will go through the roof. we were paying 20 million a year back on various loans plus all the shite interest. so, looking at it from that angle, its been a top season for us and a season which could well turn out to be defining in the long run. besides which, the power is shifting again in the prem, liverpool are fading along with bolton and spurs compared to their recent seasons. we will turn the corner and move on up next season.
14 jimmer // Jan 22, 2008 at 12:18
we’ll be in transition next season too when keegan gets sacked
15 steve // Jan 22, 2008 at 12:29
Good words from Mort, I’m nor expecting any miracles this season. Geez give Keegan a break, he’s only been there four days.
Anyway I reckon we can beat Arsenal and go on to win the F.A Cup and push up the league to about 6th
No pressure Kev
16 ronaldeano // Jan 22, 2008 at 12:29
Dont think so Jimmer, sacked? that will NEVER happen. Are you a Mackem by any chance?
17 ronaldeano // Jan 22, 2008 at 12:30
So do i steve, so do i!
18 ObaFan2 // Jan 22, 2008 at 12:33
omg Jimmer!
craig chisholm, very true. Now MA has ditched Smudges shirt he’s on his way to becoming a total Geordie
Remember when BSA got sacked (mutually left lol) and the only words came from MA’s friend who said trust him(MA), he will deliver. Well in the back of my mind was well who do you mean it can’t be dodgy HR.
Well he HAS delivered what the vast majority of fans wanted! Unbelievable !
Forget the media and back SJP 100%, what a time it was last time and rarely in life you get a second (coming) chance. So it isn’t going to be easy but it’s gonna be a whole load of fun.
19 nufc // Jan 22, 2008 at 12:57
haha look at that it says ashton will complete 12m move to toon tomorrow great if it was true.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dean_A…
20 Micky Toon // Jan 22, 2008 at 12:57
The problem with NUFC is that we’ve been in a transition ever since Sir Bobby left.
Unlike others who cannot see past their very heavily tinted rose tinted glasses I can understand what Chicken is saying without having a dig.
For the past four or five years we’ve been writing off the season by Feb. We are normally out of all cup competitions and are sitting in the midfield mire, with no hope of qualifying for Europe, just waiting for the next season to start.
Anyway, no matter what the press say the timing of BSA leaving and KK coming in was ideal. KK get’s to settle in for a few months, sees where he needs to improve the team and goes for it in the summer transfer market, ready for the 2008/2009 season. Then the pressure will be really on!
21 toonoholic // Jan 22, 2008 at 13:13
CUT THE CRAP
GET THE BLOODY PLAYERS !
i am frustrated i guess..
22 Anon // Jan 22, 2008 at 13:26
This really is from a very reliable source. Someone V.Close to NUFC, so please do not poo poo it, sit back and think about everything that has been said!!
A bid WILL be lodged for…….Steven Gerrard!!!
The bid will be in the region of 25m……the man himself feels this will be rejected, but they will go higher!!The pools skipper is hating it at Liverpool at the minute for all the off the field goings on!!
He doent see eye to eye with Rafa, and he hates the way the board are money grabbing.
EMO has already spoken to SG to see if he would be interested, and the information is, he most definatley would should the shenannigans between board and manager not cease……..
THINK about what all have said recently and you will see the possibilities…………
23 broon ale // Jan 22, 2008 at 13:30
Ed, can we have an article on anal oliver? p.s, dont repeat any of his storys!! Thanks
24 ObaFan2 // Jan 22, 2008 at 13:31
ANON is A Oliver? lol
Gerrards heart is at Anfield and difficult to see him elsewhere but if he wants to leave then get him.
25 Anon // Jan 22, 2008 at 13:50
I am not Anal!!!!!!
I did predict on this board, the signings of 5 out of BSA 9 pre season!!
Trust me, i do have a cracking source!!!
26 Stami // Jan 22, 2008 at 13:54
Anon…you are smoking crack if you think that Stevie G is leaving the Pool! Benitez will get sacked before the board let the best midfield player in England leave the club!!! he wouldnt be the same player anywhere else anyway!
27 Leo // Jan 22, 2008 at 13:55
aww am sick of transition
28 James // Jan 22, 2008 at 13:57
Anon - it would take £35 million to even tempt Liverpool into selling Gerard. That’s what Chelsea offered and he handed in his transfer request.
And the minute the world of football thinks Gerard wants to leave Liverpool, then all the majors, Barca, Madrid, Milan, will all be more tempting to Gerard.
I’m not saying Mort won’t bid. He may very well. But he’ll never get Gerard (unfortunately)
29 broon ale // Jan 22, 2008 at 14:00
leo,. transition was inevitable considering we have new owners. I think every newcastle fan needs accept that we , yet again need to be patient. Difference is this time is that I am happier that our club is in the hands of kevin keegan and not Big Sam.
30 Faustino // Jan 22, 2008 at 14:08
KK has a load of work to do before the likes of Gerrard would even give a moments thought to the toon. Pure bleet.
We need someone to lead by example from the middle of the park the way Gerrard does but it ain’t going to be him.
31 Chicken // Jan 22, 2008 at 14:09
Feck off Olly Bollox you stoopid tw@t!
32 James // Jan 22, 2008 at 14:48
FA Cup Team Against Arsenal
Harper
Carr Taylor Kadar Tozer
Troisi Lua Lua Nzogbia Duff
Owen Carroll
33 broon ale // Jan 22, 2008 at 14:53
James, regarding your team
Troisi is not gonna make it at this level hence why he never earned himself a loan spell at brada whilst on trial 2 weeks ago. Also you have to wonder why andy carrol couldnt get into a struggling preston squad?
34 James // Jan 22, 2008 at 15:01
Broon ale - Troisi is back from loan and training with the first team.
Keegan needs to pick younger players with an eye on the League game against Arsenal just 3 days later.
Carroll is not good enough for the PL but neither is Shola. At least Carroll runs unlike Shola.
35 Black and White Blood // Jan 22, 2008 at 15:04
Guy’s I’m unsure about you lot, but I’m becoming totally fed up with this Shearer saga…. I think he should just put up or shut up – We’re not stupid, we’re fully aware that he is available to manage elsewhere – Fine let him, the club obviously means that much to him..! – All this sound very much like sour grapes to me, do we really want someone who’s sp petty..!!!
36 Chicken // Jan 22, 2008 at 15:11
FA Cup Team Against Arsenal
Harper
Carr Taylor Kadar Tozer
Troisi Lua Lua Nzogbia Duff
Owen Carroll
Possibly the stupidest comment I’ve ever seen on here - and that is saying A LOT!
37 broon ale // Jan 22, 2008 at 15:14
black and white blood, i agree,
James, i am aware that troisi is back as i seen him warming up on the touchline in front of my face on saturday, ha ha. However the point i made was if he is good enough to play for newcastle united how come he couldnt earn himself a loan period with the belgium team. ? likewise, andy carrol. couldnt break into the preston side. granted, he does run and i would prefer him to ameobi.
38 willowtoon // Jan 22, 2008 at 15:14
Black & White - I agree - Shearer was alegend as a player but never commited to manage the toon or help out until he realised that things may take off without him. When KK leaves we will be in a position to attract any top coach in the world and he will not be in that bracket and knows it.
I am also pissed off with the way his mates on MOTD are giving him air time to join the toon revival.
If KK wants him and he comes then great I’ll back him 100% but I worry that he will unsettle and it will be counter productive.
I do not think that Ashley wants him back.
39 Micky Toon // Jan 22, 2008 at 15:24
B&W Blood - Good comment, but wrong topic.
Anon - That’s the funniest thing I’ve read all day. Gerrard is to Liverpool what Shearer is to us. He will never leave, especially not for a mid table team with no european football.
40 Chicken // Jan 22, 2008 at 15:27
Didn’t Gerrard agree a deal with Chelsea 2 seasons ago? The way things are at Liverpool I wouldn’t be one bit surprised to see him go.
41 Micky Toon // Jan 22, 2008 at 15:28
One more thing.
Why do we want to field a weakened side against Arsenal?
Are we already admitting defeat? The FA cup is our only chance to win anything this season. We should go for it 100%. The league game against a 100% Arsenal 1st team will be a much harder game, which I don’t expect anything more than a draw.
Do you really think KK will give up his one chance to win something this season? No.
We don’t have a team of wonder kids like Arsenal, so by putting out anything less than a 100% 1st team would be suicide. Get behind the team and look for a cracking cup run. COME ON!!!!
42 James // Jan 22, 2008 at 15:35
Okay, point taken. I will make sure Keegan pushes all his deals through and starts with
Given
Hutton Taylor Cacapa Enrique
Milner Arshavan NZogbia Duff
Owen Huntaleer
With Berbatov, Shorey, Carrick, Richards, Bentley, and Diego, all available for the league game 3 days later
43 Bill f // Jan 22, 2008 at 15:56
Anon if you are right, then can you tell me who will win the National, and the numbers for this weeks Euro draw. Cheers.
44 milner fan // Jan 22, 2008 at 16:14
Has any one seen the daily mirror today? In the sport section theres a story linking Newcastle with David Beckham. Because MA brought a stake in adidas so wants becks to help sell shirts. Any1 beleive this?
45 Tom_Toon // Jan 22, 2008 at 16:21
I think the line-up for the FA cup should be:
Given
Beye Taylor Kompany Maxwell
Cana
Quaresma van der Vaart
Chikhaoui
Kuranyi Chermiti
Providing Keegan pushes through all deals
Not the best line-up, but my favourite.
46 James // Jan 22, 2008 at 16:32
Quaresma has been told he can leave Porto in Jan if someone pays £30 million. Official quote from Porto.
Keegan really needs to secure 3 quality players by the end of the week. We don’t want Geremi coming back and having to play him.
47 scott9 // Jan 22, 2008 at 16:52
spot on chicken every season is a translaton season as we sack managers all the time
48 ToonKing // Jan 22, 2008 at 17:16
lol Geremi is so shit …….
he’s playing right back and is soooo bad.
49 Leo* // Jan 22, 2008 at 17:30
too true broon ale, i second that, i am happy that its keegan rather than fat sam
50 Kash2 // Jan 22, 2008 at 17:45
I don’t think we’re gonna sign any big money signings before the window shuts. I hope we do, but realistically there’s just not enough time.
Did anyone see Birmingham sign the Argentine youngster Zarate? I’ve read alot of good things about him, but question mark over his character considering he went to Arab team for loads of money?!
51 Tom_Toon // Jan 22, 2008 at 17:54
Kash, his character is great except from his temper, id be amazed if he didnt smash some heads together and get sent off. He went to Qatar to get money for his family so they can have stability, he gets 10 mil over 2 years there, very good prospect.
Mo Zidan is doing well for Egypt, Chermiti is basically the same player as Zidan if they looked the same you couldnt distinguish them from their play at all. Chermiti is younger and will be better than him.
52 Ashton // Jan 22, 2008 at 17:59
Geremi is suck
imo he is not good enough for a championship team !
and the funny thing is he is our captain
53 ToonKing // Jan 22, 2008 at 18:02
was…..Ashton, he WAS our captain.
54 jimmer // Jan 22, 2008 at 18:10
not a mackem RONALDEANO, dont live in dream world either. youre right though he would never get sacked. he’d walk
55 Chicken // Jan 22, 2008 at 18:19
“Chermiti is basically the same player as Zidan if they looked the same you couldnt distinguish them from their play at all. Chermiti is younger and will be better than him.”
Who’s Zidan? There’s no way on Earth you could be talking about ZZ - one of the greatest footballers of all time.
56 rujd // Jan 22, 2008 at 18:21
some of the comments left on this site makes me wonder if geordies actually know what theyre talking about im a geordie and some of yous are way off the mark there is some good comments but the majority are daft .james troisi are you for real .mort is right what he says but the timescale is unrealistic if you buy players in the summer we will not see the benefits till the year after unless we buy prem players but to look at the players who are relisticlysignable would you want most of them you have to remember your competing with ronaldo fabragas lampard etc so where gonna have to sign 2or 3 on this level if we buy the scott parkers or bartons of this world hoping there gonna turn into the player they could be then we will face the same old problems so top notch players costing around 20 to 30 million are a must i dont want to see a 10 million robert,luque,martins who have already failed and why are we buying youth players wholl not be ready till 20 at 16 17 18yrs top players in the new age football are regulars .
micah richards is a perfect example a top player in his position fabragas another to add there are exceptions like henry shearer who came to light around 21 22maybe later did they really show there class but if am mistaken are we not after an instant fix if ya like so ive got a horrible feeling this new newcastle is gonna go pear shaped unless common sense pravails and only add 2 world beater players evry summer, in 3 yrs youve got 6 top stars to go along with an on paper good newcastle side chopping and changing to much could get us relagated we have a decent enough squad we should sign riquilme who is carbon copy of peter beardsley but better or juninho from lyon there both goal getters which keegan wants and we should go buy a top notch centre half in the mold of terry and micah richards is the boyo and stick with all are existing players
57 Tom_Toon // Jan 22, 2008 at 19:01
Chicken - I mean Mohammed Zidan, i was saying that becuase he was just playing and if anyone was watching Egypt v Cameroon then you would have seen what he is like and therefore what Chermiti is like.
The other Tunisian i go on about, Chikhaoui, hes quite ike Zizou.
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