Kan være noe om at Bates har godtatt et bud fra Shepherd om å selje klubben til sommaren. Kom over dette på teamtalk sine sider : "have your say"
"heard a wisper that bates has agreed to sell his stake to freddie shepherd at the end of the season, and as part of the deal shepherd has called in a favour from mike ashley regarding wise to newcastle, godfather ken looking after his favorite son it seems, he also knew he was homesick and wanted to move back south hence as part of the deal he wouldnt have to stay up north, now what other clubs would allow that to happen, all falls into place regarding the short contracts being given out as well, only thing can't understand is why wouldnt it all happen at the end of the season, only thing can think of is newcastle wanted someone in place as soon as possible, so if true promotion could of been compromised by the afore mentioned feathering their own nests, makes you proud don't it!"