The Journal today published an article with quotes attributed to none other than our favorite cockney geezer, Derek Llambias.

With most sane Newcastle fans venting fury at the clubs efforts to sell naming rights to St. James's Park next season, the club appear to be trying to alleviate some of the damage.

There aren't many things worse than what's happened to our club over the past week or so, and I was hoping that it wouldn't have too much of an impact on the NUFC players. Fortunately (and rather fortuitously), they battled to a hard fought victory over Sheffield United.

The Blades made the Newcastle players work hard for this victory, which on another day, could so easily have gone against us.

Just when we thought things couldn't get any worse, news tonight emanating from St. James Park is that Mike Ashley has removed Newcastle United from the market and the club is no longer for sale.

Here is the press release in full from the club's official website:

NEWCASTLE United are delighted to announce that Chris Hughton has been named the permanent manager of the Club, his contract will run until the end of the 2010/11 season.

Dull. Uninspiring. Inept.

All words than can some up tonight's performance. It's really gone beyond who scored for / against us anymore. It's now down to attitude and application. Sadly for Newcastle United fans, both our coaching staff and players are completely incapable of showing either.

You see that great big ditch down there? The one big enough to swallow St. James's Park? That's how far my heart sank when I heard the news that Chris Hughton was offered the manager's job on a permanent basis.

Firstly, this is a huge backwards step and reeks of the lack of ambition wafting out from the Gallowgate.

Mike Ashley, Newcastle United's much maligned owner has dropped the price of the club to £80 million. Ashley has given Barry Moat one more week to come up with the funds to buy the club (even though a few weeks ago we were told he had made a formal offer and that money was in the bank).

Nottingham Forest put a dent in our title ambitions as what appeared to be a very unmotivated Newcastle side struggled early on.

Forest had the best of the first half and were unfortunate to only go in to the half-time break with a one goal lead. Newcastle were guilty of:

• Giving away possession (Are you listening Marlon Harewood?

It certainly feels like a long time since we last had something to write about. No progress on the takeover and no Championship games has meant it's been a pretty boring two weeks. Fear not though, the real football is back!

Newcastle's caretaker boss Chris Hughton has some decisions to make regarding the fitness of certain players and their inclusion in the squad for tomorrow depends on their passing a fitness test today.

Our much improved Spanish left-back Jose Enrique has spoken today of how Newcastle United have yet to hit top gear.

Enrique, speaking to the Chronicle, says that the players are determined to put last season's disappointment behind them. Despite drawing our last two home games, we are unbeaten at home.

Both the Daily Mirror and the Times are reporting that Barry Moat has launched a formal takeover bid for Newcastle United. Moat is said to have significant financial muscle from American investors and has received guarantees from Barclays that he will be given working capital to run the club.

The Mirror on Sunday are reporting that Mike Ashley is finally ready to relinquish control of Newcastle United. This comes after the club having to pay Kevin Keegan £2 million this week. Along with the report of the takeover news, the Mirror also reports that should Mike Ashley be unable to sell Newcastle before the New Year, he will award Chris Hughton a £5 million transfer war chest.

Newcastle United go into the international break three points clear at the top of the Coca Cola Championship. That lead however could, and should, have been extended to six points today.

Bristol City goalkeeper Dean Gerken had an absolute blinder and had one of his upright's to thank after Marlon Harewood shot against the post in the opening stages.

Newcastle take on Bristol City this weekend looking to extend their lead at the top of the Coca Cola Championship. City, who have not won an away game all season are in confident mood after recently defeating Blackpool (Newcastle's only league loss of the season).

A name that may be familiar to some long term Toon fans is that of Bradley Orr.

The ongoing saga between Kevin Keegan and Newcastle United reached a conclusion today with the 'winner' being Kevin Keegan. It was decided that the former Newcastle boss was constructively dismissed. In other words, the club owe Mr Keegan two million quid.

However, what's more revealing and possible a damning incitement at just how much of a shambles the club is, was revealed by Keegan's statement after the panel's verdict.

Thanks to a late goal from new loan signing Marlon Harewood, Newcastle United managed to avoid defeat, and with it, go three points clear at the top of the Championship.

It wasn't all plain sailing though and QPR proved they were no pushovers. They went in front on the 7th minute after a mistake from Jose Enrique allowed Ben Watson to slide the ball past Steve Harper.