Shearer to become Newcastle Boss? Are BBC Sport getting the April Fool in early?

[REDBUCK]

Doom, Doom, moan groan.

[Fred Elliot]

Confirmed

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/18/20090401/tuk-shearer-given-eight-games-to-save-ne-2c0ffe7.html

[pauld]

Its bad news for Swindon as well as it means there is a good chance it will be 3 big clubs dropping down to League 1 next season which will make promotion even harder. Sure they've got financial issues, but there is no way Swindon can compete long term with clubs that get 20k plus crowds week in week out.

In which case presumably we shouldn't even bother trying for promotion to the Championship? Come on, we do quite well against the clubs that get 20k+, it's the ones that get 4k and less we struggle against!

[jonny72]

In which case presumably we shouldn't even bother trying for promotion to the Championship? Come on, we do quite well against the clubs that get 20k+, it's the ones that get 4k and less we struggle against!

I'm not saying we should give up, plenty of small teams make promotion over bigger teams. But we're talking massive differences in financial income which play a major factor in the long run, 20k v 7k attendances results in an extra £3 million income for example.

Plus if Southampton go in to administration the chances are that someone will buy them on the cheap and all of their debts will be wiped out, like they were with Leeds. Suddenly they have the same financial stability as we do.

[pauld]

I'm not saying we should give up, plenty of small teams make promotion over bigger teams. But we're talking massive differences in financial income which play a major factor in the long run, 20k v 7k attendances results in an extra £3 million income for example.

Right so by your logic, we'd never be able to compete in the Championship, so no point going for it

[janaage]

Yeah come on Paul be fair, I think the league would be much better if each season promotion/relegation is determined by average attendance.   ;-)

[pauld]

Yeah come on Paul be fair, I think the league would be much better if each season promotion/relegation is determined by average attendance.   ;-)

Or better yet, by comparing annual income from merchandising sales/TV deals. Oh hang on, the Premiership already do that ...

[jonny72]

Right so by your logic, we'd never be able to compete in the Championship, so no point going for it

That isn't what I said. There are plenty of small teams with less finances that buck the trend. But its just a lot easier if you've got more cash coming in. A number of big clubs have ended up in the 1st Division over recent years, most have gone back up within a few seasons - just look at Leicester and Leeds this season.

[pauld]

That isn't what I said. There are plenty of small teams with less finances that buck the trend. But its just a lot easier if you've got more cash coming in. A number of big clubs have ended up in the 1st Division over recent years, most have gone back up within a few seasons - just look at Leicester and Leeds this season.

Well obviously being a richer club among poorer clubs is going to make it easier. But it's far from a guarantee, just look at Leeds the past two seasons and Forest and the Wendies before that. If Southampton come down in admin I'd expect them to do much as Forest and the Wendies did - struggle for the first season then settle down and go back up second/third season. I wouldn't expect they'd be contending at the top and looking to go straight back up as Leicester look like doing, they'll need a little while to regroup. And as they'll be a "big side", if we carry on as we have done the past few seasons, they'll be one that we will take points off

[nevillew]

Look on the bright side - some good away contingents will boost our funds.

[janaage]

Bck to Newcastle, according to my prediciton on the bbc, they stay up, on goal difference.

Pompey, Middlesborough (who I tipped to go down pre-season) and WBA are set for the drop

[Sippo]

This isn't 'official' yet is it?

[janaage]

What that Pompey, Boro and West Brom go down?  No it's just my prediction.

Only kidding, nah it'll be official tomorrow morning, so AS still has time to chicken out.

[Rich Pullen]

To judge a teams fanbase on the basis of radio phone-ins is a bit silly - listen at those who phone and text in to BBC Wiltshire Radio - certainly doesn't reflect the majority all the time.

If Jan Aage Fjortoft came in to assist our survival we'd all be over the moon.

[Batch]

This isn't 'official' yet is it?

It is now - on their OS.