11. NUFC Fans Can Expect More From The Club's "Preferred Media Partners"...
Unfortunately, Sky Sports and the Daily Mirror being the club's "preferred media partners" does not look like a relationship that is going to be ending any time soon. In fact, Newcastle state that it is the best way to "control and re-enforce the positive messages the club" wants to deliver. Very Big Brother-esque... Steve Cole, the Supporters Branch Representative, asked: "Can the club expand on why only Sky Sports and the Daily Mirror spoke to Steve McClaren first?" The response was:
"Alongside Sky Sports and the Daily Mirror, SMc also gave interviews to the club's media channels followed by local written media and BBC Newcastle. The club felt that this was the most appropriate way in which to announce SMc's appointment to fans and best control and re-enforce the positive messages the club wished to deliver to them."
Yet even when Vishal Vedhara, the Equality Representative, stated "the club should be mindful of the negative impact that could have if journalists are unhappy", Newcastle were unrepentant. They responded:
"The club emphasised that it meets all of its obligations to the written media under Premier League regulations."