Amanda who? The Newcastle captain’s reaction when new owner first called
bragging rights were perhaps more of a concern among their rivals, as Newcastle learned of a planned meeting between Premier League executives and their 19 top-flight competitors, who were demanding to know why the deal had been passed.
‘We will not be deterred,’ was the message that came back. And that did not change in the hours after Tuesday’s group call between the clubs, in which it was said today’s opponents Tottenham were particularly vocal. Again, it made backpage headlines.
Twenty-four hours later and Newcastle were still in the news, this time when Leicester’s Brendan Rodgers let it be known he would reject any advances to become manager.
There have been countless other names floated and various other parties claiming to have been in contact with the consortium, and that will only intensify. For Bruce, the man charged with picking and motivating the team today, it has felt a little unedifying.
It has been that sort of week, especially given much of the coverage has justifiably centred on the moral issues of Saudi involvement in the Premier League. That is not going away anytime soon, either.
Finally, then, there is a game of football this afternoon.