I have a theory about the advertising hoardings... As Mike has just bought some more retailers I wouldn't put it past him to be thinking about putting up hoardings for Game, HMV and his other little play things. If we do see that start to happen... it's a certain sign that the takeover is off... (or was never on).
Do you not reckon Mike just saw an opportunity for a bit of comedy that couldn't be missed? He heard the takeover rumours and picked up his phone. "Listen Dogboy Charnley, get a group of employees together and start taking down all my advertising" "Really Mike? What's brought this on, you trying to find me more money to keep Rafa?" "Don't be ****ing stupid Dogboy, I want these stupid geordie bastards to fall for this takeover ****e hook line and sinker. It'll hurt that much more when I erect my new bigger brighter and tattier signs next season" "Mike the locals are starting to get reckless. I'm starting to fear for your safety and those important to you. You know your that sheep you bought and called Llambias? I'd probably send him to Ireland on holiday. Animals just aren't safe in times like these"
I did the tour last week and the hoardings are back up. They aren't new though - you can see chips on them. The ones thrown away look like they were boards higher up but I didn't see them close. I don't remember GAME ones but they would be played through the video hoardings I guess.
I think this relates to him agreeing to pay a true commercial price for SD advertising from this season onwards. They were taken down during the bidding period and were then put back up, once the other bids, from Save the Children, WWF, UNICEF and The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation were disqualified due to being not in keeping with the club image.
