Would You Like A Pint With THIS Bloke?

Last updated : 02 September 2005 By Footy Mad - Editor

Apparently a leading football analyst believes Newcastle's decision to break their transfer record by signing Michael Owen echoes doom and disaster.

Obviously a man who told his younger brother there was no Santa when he opened his presents on Christmas morning, I bet this guy is a delight to spend a night with down the Bigg Market.

Professor Tom Cannon fears Newcastle have taken a "massive risk" in forking out around £17million for Owen - taking their summer spending to over £36million - because the returns are far from guaranteed.

He said: "I think they are taking a punt. I'm afraid I think there is a touch of Peter Ridsdale buying the dream. Financially it is very, very tough at that level at the moment. Three teams look like dominating, Arsenal, Manchester United and, of course, Chelsea, and it is a tremendous battle for fourth place.

"That kind of spending basically requires Newcastle have to be in the Champions League every other season. They have to be battling for that fourth place. But as Everton found out, even if you get that fourth place there is no guarantee they'll get into the really profitable stages of the Champions League. It's a massive risk for them."