I wish I shared people's optimism here, but I can't believe we would be in for Ekitike unless there was an openness to selling Isak. If not this summer, then next. Of course, if it has to happen, then far preferable that it's abroad (but they don't have the money any more).
One point about the "cartel". It's worth remembering that six clubs can't win PL votes alone. They need at least some of the other 14 who have consistently voted with them. Latest example is the Chelsea internal sale scam. The PL has been asked to vote numerous times against it, but with no support. Everyone is in it, not just the traditional big six.
The cartel operates by convincing enough of the others that it is in their financial interests to stick with the status quo - sporting competitiveness isn’t really a concern. All about the money.
Yep. Coz if you take out us, Villa, maybe Forest, everyone else is either happy with their lot (cartel), or realise they can’t compete at top-six level at the moment anyway- therefore it’s in their interests to keep the two or three challengers at their own level. The voting’s gonna be almost totally stacked against us until the whole system changes, but why would it?
The way they've agreed with everything that the cartel has proposed or demanded means that the everybody else will now NEVER have the chance to compete at top six level.
If the greedy six can cherry pick the best assets from the clubs below them, including NUFC, despite the strong hand we currently hold, what chance have a West Ham, Brentford, Fulham etc got of growing organically to challenge as the greedy 6 (and their entitled supporters) keep telling us all to do?
It feels like Liverpool only really want ekitike either A) because another team (us) might get him or B) force our had a little re Isak. Its sickening. Chelsea have been stockpiling players for years.
I detest, Liverpool. I detest all the American owned clubs and to be honest, I detest Americans and their fucking superiority complex.
Until the early 70’s there wasn’t that much in it with regards success/size of club (compared to Newcastle). The arrogance of their owners to suggest ‘sell your prize asset, if you don’t we’ll buy any player you show an interest in so you can’t improve because we are so big you can’t compete’ has really wound me up. I appreciate Liverpool are now a much bigger club and a more attractive proposition to most players but their arrogance has got me livid.
I pray we hang on to Isak, sign Ekitike (shoving it right up them) have a fantastic season which keeps the team together and helps us continue to improve and if we don’t win the league, Man City (or anyone else other than Liverpool, Man Utd, Tottenham, Chelsea, and Arsenal) do.
Please PIF, don’t let us down. For once in our lives, don’t let our hopes be dashed!
I could care less if Ekitike signs for us or them, that's his call, who we eventually sell Isak to (if he turns down a new contract) means everything. The only way we get out of Liverpools shadow is to start casting our own and lines need to be drawn that cannot be crossed. Not selling our best players to our rivals is the most important line of all.
I can’t add much to your excellent article, Mick, because I agree with every word. We have always been a feeder club for Liverpool and this must stop. Never again should we sell them our best players. Surely everyone has realised by now that the Premier League setup is rotten to the core. Unfortunately, until the cartel is legally stopped from having its way, it always will be.
Same old, same old, it would appear, aided by those totally unbiased reporters of the BBC etc - good old Liverpool, everyone’s favourite…
Following the takeover, I had hoped the days of us providing the likes of the “top 6”, aka “the cartel” with our best players would be consigned to history, but it appears that I was perhaps being a touch too optimistic. I can’t recall who at NUFC said something like “we are no longer going to be a selling club”, unless….
That’s gonna be the acid test. If either one ends up at Liverpool we’ll be reminded of the established order. Without sounding crass, it’s worth remembering after Jota they’ll probably see a new forward as a necessity, and presumably some insurance to help pay for one.
I hope you’re right though. It seems we have to have a brilliant season every time (thanks Eddie) just to keep in touch with these lot!
I've lived through all those disappointing sales but now it's different. We have an owner who has decided that Isac is not for sale. I can't remember that ever happening before.
Seems like Isak's staying put. As he should with another 3 years on a lucrative contract. I'm not convinced Ekitike's that good. He misses a lot of chances. Wissa? Not really sold on him either. Young Enrick from RM maybe? I want a good CB above all else.
I wish I shared people's optimism here, but I can't believe we would be in for Ekitike unless there was an openness to selling Isak. If not this summer, then next. Of course, if it has to happen, then far preferable that it's abroad (but they don't have the money any more).
One point about the "cartel". It's worth remembering that six clubs can't win PL votes alone. They need at least some of the other 14 who have consistently voted with them. Latest example is the Chelsea internal sale scam. The PL has been asked to vote numerous times against it, but with no support. Everyone is in it, not just the traditional big six.
The cartel operates by convincing enough of the others that it is in their financial interests to stick with the status quo - sporting competitiveness isn’t really a concern. All about the money.
Yep. Coz if you take out us, Villa, maybe Forest, everyone else is either happy with their lot (cartel), or realise they can’t compete at top-six level at the moment anyway- therefore it’s in their interests to keep the two or three challengers at their own level. The voting’s gonna be almost totally stacked against us until the whole system changes, but why would it?
And don't forget Villa supported the Chelsea loophole which they've now used by agreeing to sell their women's team
The way they've agreed with everything that the cartel has proposed or demanded means that the everybody else will now NEVER have the chance to compete at top six level.
If the greedy six can cherry pick the best assets from the clubs below them, including NUFC, despite the strong hand we currently hold, what chance have a West Ham, Brentford, Fulham etc got of growing organically to challenge as the greedy 6 (and their entitled supporters) keep telling us all to do?
It feels like Liverpool only really want ekitike either A) because another team (us) might get him or B) force our had a little re Isak. Its sickening. Chelsea have been stockpiling players for years.
I detest, Liverpool. I detest all the American owned clubs and to be honest, I detest Americans and their fucking superiority complex.
Until the early 70’s there wasn’t that much in it with regards success/size of club (compared to Newcastle). The arrogance of their owners to suggest ‘sell your prize asset, if you don’t we’ll buy any player you show an interest in so you can’t improve because we are so big you can’t compete’ has really wound me up. I appreciate Liverpool are now a much bigger club and a more attractive proposition to most players but their arrogance has got me livid.
I pray we hang on to Isak, sign Ekitike (shoving it right up them) have a fantastic season which keeps the team together and helps us continue to improve and if we don’t win the league, Man City (or anyone else other than Liverpool, Man Utd, Tottenham, Chelsea, and Arsenal) do.
Please PIF, don’t let us down. For once in our lives, don’t let our hopes be dashed!
Hopefully we keep Isak, sign Ekitike and smash them 5-0 in August.
I could care less if Ekitike signs for us or them, that's his call, who we eventually sell Isak to (if he turns down a new contract) means everything. The only way we get out of Liverpools shadow is to start casting our own and lines need to be drawn that cannot be crossed. Not selling our best players to our rivals is the most important line of all.
I can’t add much to your excellent article, Mick, because I agree with every word. We have always been a feeder club for Liverpool and this must stop. Never again should we sell them our best players. Surely everyone has realised by now that the Premier League setup is rotten to the core. Unfortunately, until the cartel is legally stopped from having its way, it always will be.
Good article Michael.
Same old, same old, it would appear, aided by those totally unbiased reporters of the BBC etc - good old Liverpool, everyone’s favourite…
Following the takeover, I had hoped the days of us providing the likes of the “top 6”, aka “the cartel” with our best players would be consigned to history, but it appears that I was perhaps being a touch too optimistic. I can’t recall who at NUFC said something like “we are no longer going to be a selling club”, unless….
New order emerging. We are strong enough to resist them trying to poach Isak and at the same time Ekitike will choose us over them.
That’s gonna be the acid test. If either one ends up at Liverpool we’ll be reminded of the established order. Without sounding crass, it’s worth remembering after Jota they’ll probably see a new forward as a necessity, and presumably some insurance to help pay for one.
I hope you’re right though. It seems we have to have a brilliant season every time (thanks Eddie) just to keep in touch with these lot!
He really wouldn't.
We will see.
I've lived through all those disappointing sales but now it's different. We have an owner who has decided that Isac is not for sale. I can't remember that ever happening before.
Money talks in the end. This is the fundamental problem. If his agent is agitating then he leaves IMO.
Seems like Isak's staying put. As he should with another 3 years on a lucrative contract. I'm not convinced Ekitike's that good. He misses a lot of chances. Wissa? Not really sold on him either. Young Enrick from RM maybe? I want a good CB above all else.