TRANSFER NEWS: MICHAEL OWEN'S desperation to move following Newcastle United's relegation to the Championship and the end of a four-year contract has led his management company to take the unusual step of advertising their client in a brochure.
The 34-page document, which defends the England international’s injury record as well as highlighting his goalscoring feats and marketability, has been circulated among the top-flight clubs the 29-year-old striker would consider joining.
While his advisers at Wasserman Media Group claim they “regularly utilise comprehensive documentation and audio-visual material to illustrate the benefits of our clients”, this is a rare step to take, particularly as Owen was once one of the most coveted footballers in Europe.
Despite the brochure, Owen is still searching for a new employer, while the club he leaves behind are still looking for new owners after yet another unexplained delay in the proposed appointment of Alan Shearer as manager.
It has been another difficult week at St James’ Park, in which the managing director Derek Llambias has been forced to use public transport after his BMW was seized by a leasing company, and Shearer has had to spend more time in limbo as manager-in-waiting.
Although the players are due to return for the start of pre-season training on July 1st, no friendlies have been organised, no transfers have been arranged and Newcastle are likely to remain managerless for weeks rather than days.
Llambias denied reports over the weekend that Alan Curbishley had been lined up as an full-time alternative to Shearer, who had expected to be appointed a fortnight ago and is starting to fear he will be forced to wait until the owner, Mike Ashley, has sold the club and then hope he is the choice of the buyer.
That could take another month to happen. Despite claims several groups have already begun due diligence, that process will not begin until Wednesday when a “data room” containing the club’s financial information is opened online.
Anyone wanting to analyse the books has until Tuesday to provide proof they have the backing to meet Ashley’s €117 million asking price.
When they have done so they will be given a password to access the information. Unless Ashley relents and appoints Shearer, the Magpies are likely to be left in the hands of the first-team coach, Chris Hughton, for the early part of pre-season training, while any sale goes through.
Meanwhile, Paul Robinson, the West Bromwich Albion captain, has said he would like to follow the manager Tony Mowbray to Celtic. The defender added that while he would welcome a move to a Premier League club in England, he is eager to continue working with Mowbray in Scotland.
“I’m desperately disappointed about the gaffer (Mowbray) leaving,” said the 30-year-old Robinson. “I’m considering my future and if the chance came to go to Celtic with the gaffer I’d be delighted to do so. I would love to move to a Premier League side but working with Tony at a huge club such as Celtic is appealing.”
Celtic will introduce Mowbray as their new manager on Wednesday at the latest, after agreeing a €2.9 million compensation deal with Albion.
John Barnes is poised to return to English football as manager of League One side Tranmere. The 45-year-old former England and Liverpool winger has stepped down from his role as Jamaica coach to succeed Ronnie Moore, who was sacked by Tranmere at the end of last season.
Guardian Service
