Source: Northern_Echo
Moat gets time
THE prospective owner of Newcastle United, Barry Moat, has been given until the end of the week to put together a financial package to buy the club after being granted extra time by owner Mike Ashley.
But while Moat continues his attempts to prove to Barclays Bank that he can service a £39m overdraft facility and come up with the £100m required to buy out Ashley, the playing staff are doing their best to keep spirits high after an unbeaten start to the season.
It still seems more likely that Ashley, thought also to be in contact with two other potential buyers, will take the club off the market, which would mean he would have to come up with a new manager.
But after caretaker manager Chris Hughton, responsible for keeping spirits high among the players, outlined a desire to keep the job, fullback Ryan Taylor hopes his wish is granted.
Alan Shearer remains the choice of both the fans and Moat, while David OLeary, Joe Kinnear and Alan Curbishley are among the other options.
But Taylor said: Chris has been fantastic and the lads are all behind him. We enjoy working for him and would love to see him at he club for a long time.
As long as the new owner decides to keep him wed be right behind Chris. The lads want him. Hes a really nice chap and a very good coach.
I tend not to get involved. In training noones really bothered whats going on upstairs, we just go in and train. Weve not got anyone whos playing for themselves, were playing for each other and the club.
There are rumours of people leaving but weve got a settled team and I dont want anyone else to go. We also need a few extra bodies to come in and well be fine.
Moats chances of being able to afford club will be increased if Ashley can reduce the size of the overdraft facility by offloading the likes of Steven Taylor, Jonas Gutierrez and Fabricio Coloccini.
Joleon Lescotts imminent £22m move to Manchester City has increased the chances of Everton moving for Taylor, although there is also interest from Aston Villa and Fulham.
A statement from Newcastle read yesterday morning: Newcastle United Football Club confirms it has extended its deadline to Barry Moat to table an offer for the club.
The extension has been granted in order to allow Barry Moat and his advisors to conclude funding arrangements with Barclays, current bankers, for the continuation of last seasons £39m facility. This would allow a formal offer to be tabled.
Despite all of the boardroom negotiations, Hughton has still managed to steer a threadbare squad to ten points from an opening 12 points in the Championship.
Newcastle face Huddersfield in the Carling Cup at St James Park tomorrow night, although what happens in the coming days will be more crucial.
