Source: Daily_Mail
Newcastle: No more trophy signings
Newcastle have vowed to usher in a period of stability at the club and ruling out being lured into making 'trophy' signings just to satisfy fans' desire to see big names at the club. [LNB]Club officials have outlined their plan to bring the good times back to St James' Park, stating they will focus on developing youngsters like Sammy Ameobi, Shane Ferguson and James Tavernier.[LNB]But they have vowed the days of big cash buys, which saw the likes of David Ginola, Faustino Asprilla, Les Ferdinand and Michael Owen arrive on Tyneside, are over. [LNB] The future's bright: Newcastle are turning their back on trophy signings[LNB]The club said: 'We are pleased that the club is working towards being able to operate within the boundaries of UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules during these challenging economic times.'[LNB]'Our priority during the summer transfer window was to secure exciting young players with huge potential that add real strength to the squad.[LNB]'There are certain perceived 'big' clubs that have no financial constraints whatsoever.[LNB]'But for us as a club rash, short-term spending is not the answer and the days of Newcastle acquiring 'trophy' signings who command huge salaries for past successes on the pitch are over.[LNB]'Such players have generated excitement and anticipation in the past but ultimately have left the club poorer and with little to show for it in terms of our standing in the league and cup competitions.[LNB]'Our focus now is to bring in players who can develop and fulfil their potential at Newcastle. This does not however discount players of any age who feel can add experience to the squad.[LNB] Game over: United fans will no longer welcome the likes of Asprilla or Owen[LNB]Reflecting on the Ashley era, the board said: 'When Mike Ashley bought Newcastle in 2007 he arrived with a clear five year plan to get Newcastle on a sound financial footing and the club is now in a better shape financially that it has been for many years.[LNB]'Our aim is to make Newcastle United self-financing. We can't continue to acquire debt year after year and rely on additional financial support from the owner.[LNB]'In 2008/09 we reported an operating loss of ?37.7m. In 2009/10 that loss was ?33.5m. Once audited our accounts for 2010/11 are expected to show an operating loss of ?4.7m. And this year we hope to break even.' [LNB]And while the club hopes to maintain a tight fiscal policy, they believe they can compete in the Barclays Premier League. [LNB] Famous faces: Newcastle have signed some of the game's biggest personalities[LNB] [LNB] Famous faces: Newcastle have signed some of the game's biggest personalities[LNB]The board statement read: 'Over the coming year we will continue to build the club sustainably - on and off the field.[LNB]'We have a realistic view of what we can achieve at Newcastle and the time frame required to achieve it.[LNB]'We have a strict spending policy and will not take a reckless approach which permits spending beyond our means.[LNB]'It is a sensible long-term plan for success and we have absolute confidence that this is the right model for Newcastle United.'[LNB] Grounds for improvement: St James' Park officials are hoping to build a new dynasty at the club[LNB] Stop this Newcastle obsession and judge me later, Sunderland boss Bruce tells fansPorto join the list of incredible auction lots for Sir Bobby Robson's cancer charityClick here for the latest Premier League table, fixtures and results All the latest Newcastle news, features and opinion [LNB]
