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Have we reached the start of Chapter 2
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Iain hosts Kev to discuss the potential impact on sponsorship income and stadium development by the appointment of a new CEO and Sporting Director, and consider if we've completed the First and are starting the Second Chapter of our story.
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Transcript
Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:00:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello and welcome to your daily Newcastle. Proud to be part of the Global Sports Podcast Network. My name is Ian Mackay. I'm hosting tonight and I'm hosting a chap I recognise and we used to talk quite regularly up until a few months ago, but he's been a bit of a busy boy, new boy, new dad, Mr. Kevin Esther. How are you, Kevin?
00:00:39
KEV
Oh, I'm brilliant. Two kids is a lot harder than one. I think I was doing this podcast when I had my first kid because I mentioned them all the time, right? And now I've had a second. I don't know how people do too, but I mean, I think it's good news. Listeners can let us know, but I think I'm now slowly getting back normal where I can be on maybe twice or three times a week.
00:00:58
KEV
So I'm buzzing to be back with you, Ian.
00:00:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
o
00:00:59
KEV
Can't wait for this.
00:01:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Excellent, excellent stuff um ah Me too, i am I'm glad that we can provide a little bit of maturity, reflection and discussion tonight as opposed to the yeah drug fest that you took part in with Nicola and Joanne on whatever day that was I'm assuming um'm assuming you were either drunk or on drugs or both
00:01:22
KEV
I was not
00:01:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
because that was a hell of a podcast, although very entertaining, I must say.
00:01:30
KEV
I was clean I think Joe Joe may have ah Joe may have have maybe had something to drink, but I was clean. I don't know. I would need to speak to Joe, but I was clean. I did my best. I talked about Hopkinson, but I guess we can go into more detail in this episode.
00:01:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, this is what I wanted to talk about.
New Leadership at Newcastle
00:01:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
i have been pondering the appointment of David Hopkinson as Chief Executive Officer and reading that Ross Wilson is going to join us as sporting director for the last few months, and he still hasn't yet.
00:02:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
um I'm just wondering if we have closed Chapter 1 on our journey with Piff, and Chapter 2 is going to start where we're really accelerating going forward.
00:02:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I know me and all the other Newcastle fans are really hoping that the progression's been great already in the last three and a half years, four years nearly.
00:02:22
KEV
Mm-hmm.
00:02:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
But hey, if we can accelerate on from that, it's going to be fantastic. Now, first major appointment, start the new season with a new CEO, Darren Eels.
00:02:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
After a year of battling through illness, he stepped aside and David Hopkinson took over from September the 1st. What do you know about him, Kev? And what do you think he's going to bring to the party?
00:02:51
KEV
Well, he's I mean, his CV is is really impressive. Like I said on the, um I think you called it the but drug and alcohol fest episode.
00:02:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:03:00
KEV
um It wasn't for anybody who thinks we're being serious. um I did go through his CV and I'll do it a little bit briefly again now. So again, with the kind of, He started in ice hockey um in Canada because, again, that's where he's from. That's who he is.
00:03:14
KEV
and But then the big ones, with the two big jobs which impressed me in terms of after that was the Real Madrid. I mean, anybody who works at Real Madrid and has got to be either ridiculously good at what we do or if somehow fluked it there, like did a Boris Johnson and somehow got into a position he got in, and of hence to then soak up all that information he would have learned at Real Madrid in terms of making money.
00:03:36
KEV
The figures talking about would have been astronomical at Real Madrid in terms of sponsorships and taking that club forward. And I mentioned again, at Real Madrid, he was part of the decision to revolutionise the Bernabeu
00:03:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Thank
00:03:49
KEV
and And look at that stadium now. It's the original stadium, which I think is really important in terms of Newcastle fans because we have a big decision. Well, we're awaiting a big decision, aren't we? and He revolutionised Bernabeu.
00:04:01
KEV
He made crazy amounts of money. Yes, it's a little bit easier at the world's most recognisable club. But when after Real Madrid, he goes off to work for Madison Square Garden Group, which again, literally everything which happens there, concerts, sporting events. He also was involved in baseball in New York whilst being part of that group.
00:04:20
KEV
So he has literally an unbelievable kind of CV of experience, especially with American audiences.
00:04:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Thank you.
00:04:26
KEV
and So do we, by the way. Our American audience is great. um But that type of knowledge and that involvement in such big brands is very impressive. And I think you're right. Closing my chapter one, winning a cup.
00:04:39
KEV
ah two seasons out of the last three in Champions League. I think it's been a very successful chapter one, so to speak. But I think chapter two coming up now, we've got to go to that next level, right? And hopefully, Hopkinson's the guy to do that.
00:04:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, I hope you're right, Kev. And I think ah just drilling down a little bit into his CV, the signs are really, really encouraging.
Challenges with PSR Rules and Sponsorship Needs
00:05:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
The thing that's holding us back is PSR.
00:05:03
KEV
Mm-hmm.
00:05:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, the PSR rules that are holding us back because our income isn't great enough for us to spend in the same manner that the clubs that we're battling against are able to spend.
00:05:15
KEV
Yeah. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
00:05:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Talking about Liverpool, Arsenal, City, Chelsea, Man U and Spurs. We've got to try and close the the gap. And the way to do that is through a bigger ground, which we'll come on to, but also through increased sponsorship.
00:05:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
And just if you've got it to hand, what's his what was his title when he was at Real Madrid? This is what I'm excited about.
00:05:43
KEV
I did have it at hand but I'm going to have to let you take that one unless I go on my history very quickly
00:05:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, God, it was it was it was something like... commercial partnerships and sponsorship or something.
00:05:56
KEV
keep talking I'll get it keep talking
00:05:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
You're right. The point is that he's got that all of that experience he learned at Real Madrid was in developing commercial relationships with new partners.
00:06:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's what we need.
00:06:13
KEV
He was he was with global the global head of partnerships at Real Madrid for two and a half years.
00:06:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
um i so
00:06:17
KEV
So there you go. Exactly what you've just said there. Great timing.
00:06:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Good stuff. So, I read today that we are paid £25 million a year by seller to have their name on our shirt.
00:06:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
That was negotiated, by the way, if you remember, when we had battled against relegation and finished mid-table. um
00:06:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
The five teams who've got more above us, the next one up is Arsenal at £40 million, and then Man U, Man City, Liverpool and Tottenham are all paid between 50 and 60 million.
00:06:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I think that needs some renegotiating. I think that an expert ought to be able to renegotiate with Seller to get a big chunk of additional sponsorship for what is now Champions League club in the last two seasons and cup winners.
00:07:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
um That's the first job. But for That would also be a good opportunity to maybe get seller to sponsor the training kit. We haven't got anybody sponsoring the trainer training kit.
00:07:26
KEV
Mm-hmm.
00:07:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
We haven't got anybody sponsoring the training ground. And let's be honest, they keep adding little bits to the current one. but could There could be a sponsor number one wing.
00:07:38
KEV
Yeah.
00:07:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
There could be sponsor number two training pitches. Somebody with that background, I think, would be able to sell that. And all of that extra sponsorship coming in is going to close that gap for us, I think.
00:07:52
KEV
Yeah, I think to be honest, I'm i'm looking now, just doing a little bit of research there. You're talking about like a training sponsor kit, which you bang on, i even training ground sponsors.
00:08:04
KEV
I've just looked at what kind of Hopkinson was kind of successful with at Real Madrid. So I'm going to go through the the subdivisions first of kind of what he got and partnerships with and generated money for Real Madrid.
00:08:16
KEV
and So he actually has and apparel partnership, which is pretty basic. Obviously, Adidas Xenia was a another one. ah Technology and infrastructure. He actually got partnerships with Cisco, um which not the singer Cisco, a Spanish company Cisco, which provides the infrastructure for the Bernabeu.
00:08:32
KEV
and uh six street and legends which again is a global leisure and entertainment benchmark company which he created and but then he's got sustainability partnerships food and beverage partnerships automotive partnerships or bmws where players get free bms imagine coming in newcastle and you just get a free bmw or audi or whatever um he's got financial and business partnerships he's created health and nutrition partnerships he even has a coffee partnership
00:08:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
need to get to my back now.
00:08:57
KEV
with Melita, who provide coffee machines for all of the club's facilities. and He's got regional and consumer products in terms of where they go in terms of like Ling Long tires,
00:09:08
KEV
Palladium rewards where it's a loyalty programme partner. So he's put all of this in place for Real Madrid. Granted, it's a little bit easier for Real Madrid, right? Most recognisable club in the world. But he has had a massive impact on Real Madrid's partnerships, which I guess, I mean, coming into Newcastle United, he's got to be desperate to get his teeth sung into all these opportunities, like you've just said.
00:09:28
KEV
Training and kit, training ground. I mean, do we even have an official beverage partner? I know Guinness have kind of took on a couple of Premier League clubs, but... The opportunities now, you'd like to think, and that's what we're talking about here, isn't it, really?
00:09:42
KEV
Going to that next level. And that is the next level. Beverage partnerships, coffee partnerships, we have supply coffee. ah but We don't have that at the minute. We just serve whatever. Now's the time for him to get his teeth dumped in and say, right, let's get lots of money now.
00:09:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, that's what I'm excited about.
00:09:56
KEV
And and it's really exciting.
00:09:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
i think that bumps ah are right I think that bumps our income up quite significantly. And and obviously sponsorship is one of the areas which you can have an immediate effect on.
00:10:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
And all of that experience, he's got to be he's going to find it difficult to stop himself from doing it because it seems as if it's such a natural thing for him.
00:10:16
KEV
natural thing yeah
00:10:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
so But I really like also his experience in developing the ground and his experience in managing big change at
Stadium Expansion Debate
00:10:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Madison Square Gardens and in part two we'll have a little bit of a think about the implications of that in chapter two.
00:10:29
KEV
Mm-hmm.
00:10:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Thank you.
00:11:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, that was a bit of a disaster, wasn't it? that but That advert.
00:11:35
KEV
Thank you,
00:11:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
I don't know. Bionique went on to infinity and I couldn't turn it off. And I ended up just clicking all sorts of things. Anyway, we're back. Part two. and Obviously, 52,000 and a little bit in St. James's Park.
00:11:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
Man U at 75,000. Arsenal, Liverpool up over 60 odd now, I think. One question... West Ham have got a huge stadium that they fill quite regularly, but they don't seem to have achieved any benefit from all of that extra money. But that's that's a distraction.
00:12:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's key, apart from the fact that I'm never going to watch Newcastle again because I don't come out in any of these ballots. um I did join a queue today for the Barcelona tickets. and I was at number 108,000.
00:12:24
KEV
wow
00:12:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's after after the season ticket holders have got theirs. I mean, I did leave it a bit late, but there were 108,000 people in the queue ahead of me.
00:12:32
KEV
yeah
00:12:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
So there's some demand for a much bigger ground. Yes, for Barcelona. But I think when I have failed to get the ballot to come out for the Bradford City third round of the League Cup, there will be demand for every game.
00:12:45
KEV
yeah
00:12:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I know you want to stay at St. James's Park and have it extended, Kev. I would prefer to build a new ground because I've got a better chance of getting a season ticket there.
00:12:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
and We put that little argument aside. um
00:13:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
David Hopkinson has a lot of experience in in expanding that. And do you think it's all tied into expanding existing facilities? Or do you think that were financial restraints that made him do that?
00:13:19
KEV
it's I think there's loads of things to unpack where you brought up so many good points. I think in terms of the stadium, I think most kind of businessmen would would want a new stadium.
00:13:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm still on the internet. I'm still on the internet. I'm still on the internet.
00:13:30
KEV
Like you said, supply and demand, more people want tickets, get them in. sell more ah sell more tickets, get more money, right? But I think the point you made about West Ham is actually ah really good one. When you look at the...
00:13:42
KEV
and I've actually got... I've actually done bit of homework.
00:13:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
um
00:13:44
KEV
That's amazing, isn't it? um You can tell the kids growing up. I've got the revenue of clubs in the Premier League, Granted, it's not last season.
00:13:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
and
00:13:52
KEV
It's the season before.
00:13:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
I just want to say, I want to assume you can't be a fancy person.
00:13:54
KEV
But you've got... Very quickly, I'll fly through this. So, Man City, 719 million ah revenue.
00:13:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'll have a good job,
00:13:59
KEV
Man United, 6-6-2. Then Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea. Like you said, the top six.
00:14:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
but would do this as well.
00:14:04
KEV
Chelsea are below Tottenham, right?
00:14:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
We've got to be paid for it.
00:14:07
KEV
So, in my mind, our thought, stadium...
00:14:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
You can be great with some sort of DVD-C7 at the Smart TV. And how about $1 in Gold 7 with 2-bit, like a pixel camera.
00:14:11
KEV
But I don't think it is because West Ham below Chelsea, Newcastle, Villa and then West Ham.
00:14:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Get the tokens to pay when you shop at 30. It's possible to look at the video check-out. Search for that, pay for today.
00:14:18
KEV
So around 271 million. So I genuinely think it's for partnerships, which is what we talked about in part one with David Hopkinson coming in and creating that. So I think in terms of the new stadium, yes, it's brilliant for fans.
00:14:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
umm so
00:14:31
KEV
But I think now, you know, gate gear sales and and ticket sales probably isn't as important as what it used to be because of the significant numbers we're talking about in sponsorships. um So that's something, again, to to dive into, I think.
00:14:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well,
00:14:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
it is only part of it, that's for sure, but it must help. if you've got 75,000 paying customers instead of 45,000.
00:14:50
KEV
Oh, cool. Yeah. Yeah.
00:14:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Chelsea Stamford Bridge only holds 42,000 or something. That's their top crown.
00:15:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
But they charge a bloody fortune for it. And ah the equal importance of equal importance is is the TV money.
00:15:00
KEV
Yeah.
00:15:02
KEV
yeah West London.
00:15:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
And ah think that comes down from the quality of the football that you're playing, which is probably where
00:15:10
KEV
Yeah.
00:15:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
and the and the And the quality of the games that you're playing, which is probably where in the last 10 years, certainly, Chelsea outweighs West Ham.
00:15:25
KEV
Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
00:15:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
So getting a lot more through the TV.
Role of Sporting Director and Team Consistency
00:15:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
and So anyway, we think that David Hopkinson is going to help give us a real shot in the arm, cash-wise.
00:15:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
I just wanted to say and bring in that the appointment of a sporting director, which we're expecting to come pretty much instantaneously, because apparently everybody knows it's a Ross Wilson who comes from Nottingham Forest who's going to be appointed.
00:15:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
But again, they've let that transfer window close so that there's no confusion and no crossover the way that there was when Mitchell joined in the middle of it and there was a bit of well, bit of poor poor but publicity in the way that was managed. and What impact is that going to have on Chapter 2?
00:16:17
KEV
Again, I think it's ah it's a massive job, isn't it? I think you look at the transfer window we've had and it was just carnage.
00:16:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
No. No.
00:16:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
east
00:16:23
KEV
Mitchell leaving early on. I mean, we'll come to him a little bit later on, but um Andy Howe came in and I thought did an unbelievable job but we'll save that for a little bit later but a sporting director is hugely important now isn't it it's it's as much as we hate to admit it I miss for days and you'll probably miss for more Ian where the manager picked a player he went to meet him had a chat with him and then he signed him that was amazing wasn't it how simple how simple did football used to be
00:16:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
all
00:16:47
KEV
um But now it's very different with agents, with sponsorships.
00:16:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'll explain how you can turn all your unlocked offer into cash.
00:16:51
KEV
I mean, you look at even as far back as David Beckham, Adidas were paying part of his transfer fee to LA Galaxy because they ran the MLS.
00:16:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Just visit vintage cashflow and totally paid and we'll do your free and digital accounts for changes.
00:16:57
KEV
I mean, you'd be good for that. So,
00:16:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Then, send for other things, vintage items and items.
00:17:00
KEV
Again, them two going to have to work really close together. I think in terms of and Ross Wilson, it's tough because Rangers fans are protesting against him.
00:17:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
See how no information of work within a few days.
00:17:07
KEV
They weren't happy with signings.
00:17:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Then, accept your offer and you'll get instant money in the back the window.
00:17:08
KEV
They weren't happy with kind of where the club was going. But that was on the back of winning the league.
00:17:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
To help your offer the lines you sorted, search vintage cashflow and
00:17:13
KEV
So, I mean, he must have got you there. He'd be unhappy with kind of not following up on that. And I'm sure there's all sorts of reasons around it that, which we're not too familiar with because we're not Rangers fans.
00:17:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Honestly, it's all that you can say for years.
00:17:22
KEV
But I think we need consistency at that level.
00:17:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Using camera was a really good...
00:17:25
KEV
I think, obviously, having Ashworth and the whole Gardner League thing,
00:17:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Sean designed some social posts to promote his friends' car and sale.
00:17:28
KEV
and then Mitchell, and then just a sudden departure. We need consistency. We need, if it is Ross Wilson, to come in and stay for three, four, five, six, even hopefully more years and have consistency.
00:17:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
They looked good. Really, really good. The next thing it goes, someone came and bought a lot, including the car.
00:17:40
KEV
We know exactly who we taught how who our targets are, exactly what the maximum will pay is, what our weight structure is.
00:17:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
I was sure that no one was going to get home.
00:17:45
KEV
Because at the minute, it seems like every summer there's something, whether it's Eddie Howe going to England, whether it's Ashworth going to Man United, whether it's Mitchell just buggering off at the start of it,
00:17:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Thanks, camera.
00:17:56
KEV
We need consistency, especially for part two. If Hopkinson's going to come in and create all these deals, right, and get this money, we need consistency and we need somebody who'll work well with Howe because I don't think Howe's going anywhere for a long time.
00:18:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, I think we need we both agree, don't we, that if it is to be Russ Wilson, who needs to find a fairly senior position alongside him for Andy Howe.
00:18:16
KEV
Oh, I think he's done amazing. I think he did incredible this summer. Again, you look at the carnage. I think early on there was a bit of panic. We did a podcast, I think, e where we were talking about, ah but I think we both said it, actually, going for targets outside of our kind of ream that we're trying to go too big too fast.
00:18:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:18:33
KEV
And I think that was a little bit of panic.
00:18:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:18:34
KEV
But to regroup and get the players who go through the door, Volta Marder, Wieser, think Ramsdale's a great signing. Pope's had a lot of injuries over the last two seasons. So when somebody does come in to upgrade on Dubravka, I mean,
00:18:46
KEV
what, two or three years ago, Ramsdale was challenging for a league title with Arsenal. So he's not a bad keeper.
00:18:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:18:52
KEV
He was pushing Pickford for England number one as well. and I think Malik Chau over the long term will be amazing. He's going to have turn because Dan Burns seems to somehow just not age and get better. And Fabian Shaw is somehow still going. and I think the signings are really exciting. and I'm excited about Jacob Ramsey. I'm excited and I haven't been this excited about a transfer window for so long. Granted, we were starved because of PSR.
00:19:15
KEV
and we didn't make a lot of signings in Januaries and Summers. But wow, I'm excited, and I actually think Andy Howe deserves a lot of credit, and I think he should be kept. I think he should work alongside Wilson if he comes in. i don't know if there's room for that.
00:19:26
KEV
I'm not 100% sure how it works, but he can't just be cast aside now, surely. I think he's done a brilliant job this window.
00:19:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think so. And all the scouting lads, actually, to be fair, because they have got still pretty much 100% record
00:19:36
KEV
Hmm.
00:19:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
on whoever they've brought in throughout those four years has has proved proved themselves.
00:19:42
KEV
Yeah.
00:19:45
KEV
Hmm. Hmm.
00:19:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I think Ross Wilson is coming in with some fantastic staff underneath him to Marshall. um I'm going to do this and read you the Zencastr advert, Kev, because I think that Eddie Howe and the first team have also learned one or two important lessons.
00:20:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
We've passed through some pain to learn that they can survive on the other side of it And I think that's also critical. But anyway, first...
00:20:17
KEV
you
00:20:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Here at the Global Sports Podcast Network, we spent a lot of time selecting our delivery platform. Zencastr came out the clear winner. With 4K video recording from your phone and AI editing that automatically removes all those ums and ahs and you bugger mans, it's super easy to start a podcast that sounds great and is delivered efficiently.
00:20:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
If you're ready to tell your story, check out the link in the show description to learn more about Zencastr.
00:20:59
KEV
That was brilliantly done.
00:20:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
And we're back.
00:21:00
KEV
You love the Sting. You love that GSPN Sting.
00:21:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
I do.
00:21:03
KEV
You love it. You just keep playing it you can't help it.
00:21:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
I do. And, and and i've ah you know, I have hot news from today is that they're doing a new sting because generally amongst the English podcasters, they don't really like the sting.
00:21:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
They think it's too American.
00:21:19
KEV
Yeah.
00:21:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Whereas I embrace that. I think if that's who our audience is or who we're looking to be targeting, then welcome. That shows how how open we are for it.
00:21:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. But then you look on YouTube and find that 95% of our viewers are in England and you're wondering but we wondered what on earth that is going on in the middle.
00:21:40
KEV
it It's all very confusing.
00:21:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
So is it alan there's a balance to strike and there will be a development on that very, very soon. But anyway, what I think was really important for Newcastle's development was we've actually done a trade.
Player Trading Strategy
00:22:00
KEV
Mmm.
00:22:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
We've sold a player we didn't want to sell. We've got a huge summit for them, British transfer record. And that has helped with PSR. And let's be honest, before all of these sponsorship deals come in, we've moved to a 75,000-seater stadium.
00:22:11
KEV
Yeah.
00:22:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's going to be trading that releases some big chunks of cash for us to be able to compete with those guys further on from us.
00:22:24
KEV
yeah
00:22:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
um I think, um and I don't know, I've got to go back and listen to it. I was talking before Easter yesterday, about there would never be a better time to sell Isaac and get the cash in and do what we need to do.
00:22:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
I didn't believe it, but ah but I'm going to have to go back and listen to it to see when that was. Because it makes sense. You sell that man what his top dollar, we thought 150. He faffed around and made us get 125 instead, but still not bad.
00:22:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
We're going to have to keep doing that.
00:22:56
KEV
oh Hmm.
00:22:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Going to have to keep doing that and then invest in the money to bring in the way in In the same way that Kevin Keegan sold Andy Cole and then brought Alan Shearer in, so we forgot about Andy Cole, we have to do the same.
00:23:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
And we'll have the cash to do it if we can do some trading. and the important thing is that we've done that. The team looks stronger. The team looks strengthened everywhere else.
00:23:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
And it proves that there is some life after having to do a trade. Are you buying into that or would you much prefer to hang on to those players who got us to where we got, so who performed so well throughout, through to the end of chapter one?
00:23:39
KEV
Yeah, I mean, i think you have to trade. Every club trades. Even teams like Man City trade with Barcelona and Real Madrid. and You have to, I really think you have to, especially for modern rules. It's not like with Chelsea and Man City days, is it, where the came in, they had 49 players. Well, actually, Chelsea are trying to do that, but we're not saying anybody in half-decent offer.
00:23:59
KEV
So it's a case of you can't just buy, buy, buy and then maybe worry about it later.
00:23:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
you
00:24:03
KEV
So it is a very important part of modern football. I think the thing with Izak, I'm always way too positive. It gifted us the opportunity to do that trade by the way he acted, by the way went on.
00:24:14
KEV
And I think we are so lucky and we forget how lucky we are to have Eddie Howe. Shock, Kev's complimenting Eddie Howe, even when it's not even about Eddie Howe.
00:24:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
no
00:24:22
KEV
But the way he handled the situation, the way was very calm, he even talked about reintegrating him. Having somebody like that, that calm at the helm has got to help anything. And I think trading, I mean, if it's going to be, I don't want it to be these players, by the way, but if it's going to be a Gordon or if it's going to be, I mean, it was Isaac or if it's going to be Malik Chow in two or three years, God knows what he'll be worth when Howe gets his hands on him.
00:24:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Absolutely.
00:24:46
KEV
If it is these players, we actually have somebody who is very calm and can almost adapt at the drop of a hat. Imagine if Isaac hadn't gone. Eddie Howe is the man to reintegrate him. And if Isaac has gone,
00:24:56
KEV
We've got Walter Marder, sorry, Fernando Berber-Crouch. And we've also got Johan Wieser. ah I'm so excited to see Wieser as well. So I think you have to trade in. I genuinely don't think anymore you can just stockpile players unless you're Chelsea. I don't know how on earth they do it, but I guess we do sell them at a decent price.
00:25:14
KEV
You can't just stockpile players anymore. And I think you have to be ruthless. Ferguson was ruthless, wasn't he? The likes of Beckham, Stam. When he got what he needed out of them and he got the money, he replaced players with absolute quality players. And we have to learn to do that. We have to be a little bit less emotional. But only players I genuinely think I'd be devastated if we had to sell would be Bruno.
00:25:34
KEV
Because I just love him, a captain, a passion. He's an adopter of Jordy, isn't he? I'd be devastated with Jordan and I'd be devastated with Tonari.
00:25:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
hu
00:25:42
KEV
I'd be upset with some of the others, but they're the only three I would kind of protect. I think everybody else, if you're going to give us a price, everybody has a price. We'll take it. We'll reinvest it and we'll become stronger. Yeah.
00:25:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah think it's ah I think it's the modern way. I agree entirely with that. and And, you know, the key, of course, is... is not to do not to have a transfer policy like Manchester United, where you start paying way over the top for totally unproven guys who you sell...
00:26:07
KEV
Yeah.
00:26:10
KEV
Which we could have done. We could have fell into that trap, couldn't we, with the Egotig years and the SESC goals, but we didn't.
00:26:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, they did they pay 70-odd million for Hoyland and sold him for 30?
00:26:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
and Anthony was 86 million and sold him for 21.5?
00:26:20
KEV
Yeah, exactly.
00:26:24
KEV
Yeah. Yeah. That can't last.
00:26:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, that is...
00:26:28
KEV
That can't last.
00:26:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's ridiculous.
00:26:29
KEV
But again, that's where we're really good.
00:26:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's how...
00:26:31
KEV
you You mentioned the scouting lads before. I don't think, touch wood, we've had a big transfer go wrong yet.
00:26:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:26:36
KEV
I think a lot of that has to do with the scouting, the identifying the right players. Of course you are. But again, how lucky are we to have a manager who can get the best out of these players? I mean, Isaac, we don't actually know how good Isaac is. Before he came to us, six goals in the season with Real Sociedad, an OK record across his previous clubs.
00:26:52
KEV
Eddie Howe built a team for him and turned him into a superstar and we've sold him for £125 million.
00:26:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
didn't
00:26:58
KEV
You could go to Liverpool and get 15, 16, 17 goals and we're laughing. aren't we? So we don't really know how good it's the same with Gordon he's turned I mean Gordon's been a bit poor recently but he's still turned Gordon into an international same with Tino same with Lewis Hall Jacob Murphy's actually got like credit now Joe Linton from striking the midfielder Dan Burns at England international we have a manager and we have a we have a coaching team who can get the best out of his players so
00:27:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:27:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's crazy. sam burn
00:27:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
crazy
00:27:23
KEV
I genuinely think trading's part of it, but if you can get a player who isn't really that good, turn him into something which is really worth a lot of money and cash in, i don't think you're ever going to go wrong.
00:27:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
i so
00:27:33
KEV
We just have to keep Eddie Hale for the next 25 years, Ian. That'll make me very happy.
00:27:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:27:36
KEV
Nah,
00:27:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, England might come calling before then. um
00:27:40
KEV
you'll see. Do dual job.
00:27:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Maybe 22 years.
00:27:42
KEV
you do
00:27:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
um I don't think we can finish talking about the future without mentioning, and I've been doing a crash course on it today because I don't really understand what happened.
Sponsorship Deals Comparisons
00:27:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
When the Associated Party transaction rules were introduced specifically to stop PIF funding Newcastle, it had a knock-on effect that it knackered a big sponsorship deal that Manchester City were trying to organise.
00:28:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
And they've been battling away in the courts. And they've they been allowed by the Premier League to organise this huge sponsorship deal with Etihad Airways or whoever it is, um which is ah ah apparently worth a billion over 10 years. So that's another 100 million coming in.
00:28:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
A sponsorship deal like that helps us close that gap. But it also expands the gap from Manchester City away from everybody else, which is the problem.
00:28:39
KEV
Yeah. Yeah.
00:28:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
Now, part of what Manchester City have done by the Premier League saying you can have that is that they've had to then agree that the the rules are fair and lawful, whereas they'd already been a case proven that they were illegal.
00:28:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
So they've kind of reinforced the rules as they stand for associated party transactions. which basically means that they've all got to be scrutinised and proved to be fair market value.
00:29:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
But is there an opportunity for Newcastle there, given our owners are so much more well-off than Manchester City's owners? And Manchester City have set a precedent there that a billion over 10 years is a fair market value for them.
00:29:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
i mean, Could we not argue that we could have 500 million over 10 years?
00:29:33
KEV
Yeah.
00:29:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
600 million?
00:29:35
KEV
Yeah.
00:29:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
Maybe we could have 600 million with a break clause after two years. And if we've managed to win another cup and qualify for the Champions League two more times, it could go up from that. I think there's a massive opportunity there, which even though the rules were introduced to stop us from doing it, Manchester City have shown, if you take the Premier League on, and they've set ah they've set the bar,
00:29:56
KEV
Yeah.
00:29:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
that there's a scope there for an extra strand of sponsorship coming from PIF itself.
00:30:05
KEV
yeah ah think you like I think you bang on.
00:30:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
What do you think?
00:30:08
KEV
I think, again, Newcastle being ran by very, very clever people, cleverer than us, will say, well, actually, we are this percentage, you know, less than Man City.
00:30:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
and see
00:30:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
on but
00:30:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
um
00:30:21
KEV
Therefore, this is what it's worth to us. You can't really say no to it because you've agreed that that's it.
00:30:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:30:26
KEV
That's worth it for Manchester City. Thank you very much. We'll take money. I actually think it's a positive thing. I've seen some groups say it's negative thing, but I actually think now you've got one club who's doing it. How do we stop a second club doing it? Maybe even a third.
00:30:39
KEV
But like you said, doesn't matter if it's three, four, five clubs doing it because our dads are richer than their dads, right? So we're going to have the most money eventually. So if we've got the richest owners,
00:30:52
KEV
Can they say no to Newcastle? I mean, I know there'll be lots of Newcastle fans Of course there will. Everybody's against us. But I don't see how. We're just taking the court. Surely if they do say no, we prove why it's a fair price.
00:31:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
and
00:31:02
KEV
And then we agree that the rules are fit for purpose and we take the money as well.
00:31:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
you
00:31:06
KEV
So I think it's a very positive thing, actually. Ooh,
00:31:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think that might be the cherry on the cake. ah think um
00:31:11
KEV
especially with a new stadium coming.
00:31:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
I
00:31:13
KEV
That could be called anything.
00:31:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah ah think if that is the prospect of how we start chapter two, um with a Champions League campaign coming and a much more balanced and strengthened squad to tackle that than we had when we tried two years ago,
00:31:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Despite the fact I can't get in to watch a bloody game, it's a very exciting time.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
00:31:39
KEV
Yeah, I'm very excited.
00:31:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Come on, lads.
00:31:42
KEV
um I mean, I'm lucky I've got a season ticket, so I'm very excited. I mean, the Barcelona game, the PSG game was special.
00:31:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
um east
00:31:48
KEV
I know we won that made it more special. But imagine if we get like another three two um I don't know, ah a Wissahatrick or a Valtemar hatrick, like a Tino style.
00:31:59
KEV
Just imagine the scenes.
00:32:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Marvellous.
00:32:01
KEV
It's going to be magic. And it's on a Thursday night. I think where all eyes are on us. You talk about TV money. Not many Champions League games on a Thursday night. We are because it's Newcastle v Barcelona at St James' Park.
00:32:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
then
00:32:13
KEV
We're nostalgia from the 90s. We're on a Thursday night. Everybody's going to be watching that game. So bring on the money. Bring on Barcelona and bring on a win.
00:32:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
so
00:32:22
KEV
A win and start to the World Champions League.
00:32:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'll take a 3-2 win. No problem.
00:32:27
KEV
I need you.
00:32:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
Anyway, ah it's lovely to talk to you, Kev. Lovely to spend some time and discuss things seriously instead of Wild Card Wednesday madness that you're usually involved in, um which I'm just jealous because you never invite me to be on it.
00:32:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
But look, thank you. Thank you very much indeed for your time. Thanks very much for listening. We are excited. We think Chapter 2 has started. We can see lots more sponsorship coming soon.
00:32:42
KEV
If it was dawn to me, you'd be on every time, Ian.
00:32:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
We can see in bigger stadium with lots more money coming in from that. And maybe, maybe a real shot in the arm. from an APT t defying sponsorship deal with Saudi Airlines or somebody.
00:33:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, it's exciting.