Diary of a Fan

Once again Newcastle United manage to display the complete lack of ambition within the club. The number of truely world class players at the club can be easily counted even by those with missing fingers and one of them just went through the exit. The reason for the sale seems to come down to: Well, it's Real Madrid, and they asked nicely. Bollocks. What should happen is Real say, "Is Woodgate available?" to which we say "No, fuck off". Instead we said "Oh, yes, here. Anything else sir?"

It's been argued that this is actually a good bit of business. Er, no. £4.4 milliion profit on a player of Woodgate's talent (remember, he was considered something of a bargain when we brought him from cash strapped Leeds). Let's consider if that really is profit. Discounting even the wages he's since been paid, it almost certainly isn't. Ignoring cup competitions and concentrating on the league, Woodgate started 18 games for us last season. Now, assuming that he saved us a goal a game (and given the state of our defense without him I contend that's not such a wild claim) he gained us an extra 12 points. Twelve less points would have seen us 15th, more or less in the relegation dog fight and losing much more in prize money than any alleged profit. Even just losing half those points, surely realistic, would see us 11th, still no profit when one considers that's not a european place. No, this isn't good business. This is fucking terrible.

I've seen it said that we're better off without a player who has spent so much time on the treatment table. Would we be better if we'd got rid of Shearer when he had his major injuries? Those same people tend to defend Bellamy. And of course, Real would sign a player who they think will only be available a third of the time...

There are certainly other factors in this sale. Perhaps Woodgate was unhappy at the club--disappointed at the lack of Champion's League qualification and the training regime and the in fighting. But fuck it. He was under contract, if we just say no Real never get to speak to him. Perhaps we need the money to pay for fucking Dyer's wages (I bet unhappy Woodgate, had he been fit, would have played right wing if asked). But that price is way too low.

I really can't remember feeling this disappointed and angry with the club in a long time. The only way out of this one is to take the millions, add some more, and buy someone else truely world class. Otherwise we're left with a defensive shambles and can watch those points disappear. Fuck.

(@13:08)