Some reports suggest Newcastle fans have backed Freddy Shepherd's challenge to potential investors to "put up or shut up". When in reality, I can promise you, most want to see the back of the chairman ASAP.
We all know the stories: a couple of interested parties have been keen to look into United's financial state; John Hall (and family) cannot wait to sell up and enjoy retirement in the sun; and Freddy wants to make the killing of a lifetime.
Shepherd, having got the sun cream and G-string at the ready, says is becoming increasingly frustrated by the protracted nature of negotiations and feels it is time a firm bid was made.
Shepherd: "I would like it sorted out as soon as possible. Enough is enough. It has not affected the team or the management, but the longer it goes on it makes for a lot of uncertainty around the club.
"It is time they put up or shut up, it is as simple as that. I don't make the rules, I abide by them. Let's get on with it.
"I am a Geordie and I don't want to move anywhere. But at the end of the day it's about finding whatever is the best for the club.
"Multi-millionaires are not enough any longer, you need billionaires. We would have to make sure that they would be fit and proper people to take over.
"It would be a clean break. I would not hang on, that's not right for any company. I've been involved with a few companies down the years and it doesn't work that way in my opinion."
