We're off!

Confirmation came through today that Newcastle United PLC have been de-listed from the London Stock Exchange - and that Mike Ashley has now taken the club back into private ownership.

In terms of running the club, I'm not convinced how much difference this will make on a day to day basis - obviously we won't have to announce things to the city prior to them being confirmed in the press. The most obvious difference will be in the accessibility of information, with limited companies having to publicise far fewer details about their business. The move also protects Ashley's position, as it makes it virtually impossible for anyone to launch a hostile takeover.

Whether it improves things for Allardyce and the team remains to be seen.

On the playing side, the new Allardyce era got off to a winning start last night in a pre-season friendly with Hartlepool, with goals from Owen and two from Shola giving Newcastle a 3-1 victory. Reports of the game suggest that new boys Barton and Rozehnal both enjoyed tidy games, the former in particular really imposing himself in midfield.