The end of the season is in sight, and for Newcastle United that’s not good news.
While the summer period is a chance to take stock and put plans in place for next term, the Magpies are in a state of flux as the takeover saga rumbles on.
The proposed £300million deal from the Saudi-backed consortium, PIF, is with the Premier League as they run the rule over their suitability to take over the top flight side.
Unfortunately that’s been the case for around four months.
As the delay in reaching a decision rumbles on and on, it seems that supporters are going from being anxious to infuriated.
While many understand the need to undergo these tests to make sure that the right person is in charge of the club, many are at the point where they want to hear a decision – regardless of what it is.
While Amanda Staveley’s consortium continue to wait on a decision, Henry Mauriss is said to still be waiting in the wings with an offer of his own, but according to Chronicle Live, the focus at the club is purely on getting a full and final decision on the £300m bid that on the table so that plans can be made for the club.
They wrote: “The would-be owners of Newcastle United held two summits this week - one to discuss possible transfer targets and another to look at current squad options.
“They have commissioned an in-depth look at the squad and have ideas about who to retain, although would speak to Head Coach Steve Bruce first. They had anticipated being able to speak to Matty Longstaff before his deal expires next week.
“Some potential targets have now passed the consortium by, raising further frustration about the impasse.
“The battle with BeIN Sports has delayed the takeover and raised doubts about whether a resolution is possible in the current parameters. The spectre of Henry Mauriss - the little-known 'second bidder' - has been raised this week along with a third possible interested party. But focus remains on the Saudi bidders, who seemed a shoo-in to be the new owners by now.
“One insider said they was "99% certain" the buy out would happen on day one of the owners' and directors' test but, in their own words, the "needless" ban of beIN SPORTS in Saudi Arabia has further raised doubts. beIN SPORTS, of course, are the Premier League's official Middle East broadcasters.
“With the season finished, there will be a renewed push on all sides for the Premier League to make a call this week.”
GIVEMESPORT'S Phil Spencer says...
I can only imagine how frustrated the Newcastle United fans are.
The idea of someone buying the club from Mike Ashley was a dream scenario which led to real excitement on Tyneside amongst the fans who’d previously been so flat.
However with this lengthy delay it seems that they still have little to cheer about.
Should the takeover go through, the overriding feeling is more likely to be relief than joy, and that shouldn’t be the case.
That said, the main priority has to be the long-term well-being of the club, and if it means the Premier League taking a little bit more time to ensure that they reach the correct decision, then so be it.
But if they have genuine concerns about the takeover, surely it’d be best to pull the plug and start from scratch.