French-born N’Zogbia wants England call-up

Charles N’Zogbia is eyeing up a World Cup place with England after becoming eligible through residency. Read more

Newcastle injuries mount ahead of Watford trip

Newcastle United’s injury list is mounting ahead of a tricky test away to Watford on Saturday. Read more

Over half of Championship clubs are “insolvent”

A leading credit information provider has claimed that over half of Coca-Cola Championship clubs are technically insolvent.

In a review of credit ratings, Equifax declared that 15 clubs in England’s second-tier would struggle to repay their debts if they were asked.

Despite the lack of multi-million pound television and sponsorship deals, many Championship clubs appear to be ”seriously overspending” as they chase promotion to the Premier League.

Equifax’s external affairs director, Neil Munroe said: “There’s no denying that it’s a challenging season for the Championship League.

“Not only is it seeking a new title sponsor after rejecting an offer from Coca-Cola to extend it’s deal.

“But sponsors at Championship level are often more local than the blue-chip companies who associate with Premier League names.

“And with many of these types of sponsors probably having to juggle finances in their own businesses, money is certainly tight for spending on supporting football, which is likely to have an impact on the clubs’ financial status.”

Equifax’s ScoreCheck delivers a score out of 100 based on available information such as company accounts, profitability and working capital to build a full financial picture. The lower the score, the more likely a business will default on payments.

Surprisingly, top of the ScoreCheck table are Plymouth Argyle with a credit rating of 85 points. Second placed West Brom are close behind with 83 points.

At the bottom, Middlesbrough and Blackpool both score a zero credit rating, while Championship leaders Newcastle United sit in mid-table with a score of 11 points out of 100.

“Every business is facing tough times and our latest analysis shows that the business of football isn’t immune,” says Munroe.

“A consumer-spending driven business, like retailers the football clubs are likely to continue to struggle in 2010 as consumers keep a close eye on their non-essential spending.

“That means more fans could decide splashing out on a season ticket is too much of a luxury.

“And, of course, if they’re not at the football ground there’s less chance of them spending on other club items.”

EQUIFAX SCORE CHECK TABLE

Insolvent teams in bold:

85 Plymouth Argyle
83 West Bromwich Albion
61 Derby
54 Reading
52 Scunthorpe
42 Watford
39 Barnsley
30 Sheffield United
26 Ipswich Town
16 QPR
13 Nottingham Forest
11 Newcastle United
10 Bristol City
9 Leicester City
8 Preston North End
8 Doncaster Rovers
4 Cardiff City
4 Peterborough United
2 Sheffield Wednesday
2 Swansea City
2 Crystal Palace*
2 Coventry City
0 Middlesbrough
0 Blackpool

*In administration

More Fashion Fun

There is feeling of excitement and anticipation in Newcastle this week. Tuesday the 16th of February marks the opening of St. Andrews Way, Eldon Square, bursting with new shops and endless fashion possibilities.

Anyone who has been in town the last couple of days will have noticed something different. The lack of Topshop, New Look, Republic, River Island, Miss Selfridge, All Saints and Muse enticing us t buy lots of pretty things. This is because Eldon Square is having a re-vamp and it promises even more shops to spend your well-earned money in. New Look, River Island and Topshop are going to be flagship stores, which are the second biggest stores after those on Oxford Street. The latter - Topshop - will now have three floors! I don’t know about you, but I’m very excited about this. After recently visiting the Oxford branch, I had mentally spent hundreds of pounds in the vintage and brand section. Although I still can’t afford my dream wish list, I can now purchase a few of my favourites without having to travel to London to do so.

Another positive addition to Eldon Square is the opening of the four floor Debenhams, with floors dedicated to menswear, make-up, shoes and accessories, womenswear, childrenswear and home products. Also joining the St. Andrews Way gang are Superdry, Paperchase, Tesco Metro, Oasis, Dorothy Perkins and Schuh. The stores are holding events during the week, including make-overs, being snapped by fashion’s favourite blogger and stylist Jackie Dixon, gift cards, competitions and music talent. Throughout Eldon Square, the “Cook, Eat and Enjoy” festival is taking place all week. A health and beauty village will be running from the 18th to the 20th February, providing mini make-overs, style and beauty advice, samples from retailers like Boots, Fenwicks, Debenhams and John Lewis. You can look perfect and dazzling, especially if you want to be scouted by talent scouts looking for this year’s Miss Newcastle 2010. Dress to impress this week!

The main event though will be happening this Tuesday at 10.30am where the party begins, with cirus performers, street dancers, acrobats and stilt walkers.

To celebrate this new venture, I have included some of my favourite picks from some of the stores.

To chanel the girlie, feminine look of spring here are a few of my top choices in Topshop:

Or if you want to continue the Parisian look:

Another must-have this season are the floral bustier tops or bralets which to me remind me of more Victorian times, although a more riskier stance with stomachs on display. I’m going to team mine with wavy hair, high waisted shorts and some new flip flops. I like these two from Topshop and Miss Selfridge:

Miss Selfridge has a funky take this season, from polka dots to paint splattered dresses. Considering the former Newcastle branch was tiny, I am interested in seeing what the new store has to offer. My favourites that I’ve spied online are still very girlie but different:

When it comes to accessorises both shops have a lot to offer with kitsch necklaces, like this Topshop Key To My Heart one, I already have the 4 chained Once Upon A Time one as well as a gold looking glass necklace which everyone thinks is Disney couture, but only £8! Their watch ring is another fashion staple I’ve seen in every store recently. What with watches on necklaces, bracelets and now rings, how can we ever use the excuse of being late?! Miss Selfridge have caught on to the French trend with their own “Oui” and “Non” earrings as well as offering a different take on charms, with a watch bracelet.

Marina and the Diamonds at The Other Rooms

Marina Diamandis is the latest in the current trend of quirky female pop singers in the UK. Marina is a Welsh singer with Greek heritage and ‘the Diamonds’ comes from her surname and does not refer to her support group, causing another comparison to Florence and the Machine. Read more

Mancini In Bellamy bust-up

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has locked horns with fans favourite Craig Bellamy.

According to reports Mancini argued with the ex-Liverpool striker when he refused to train with one of his Italian coaching staff.

Bellamy who cost £14 million from Blackburn Rover last summer was ordered to the manger’s office, where a heated arguement erupted.

A club insider said:

“The manager was yelling ‘Why are you always questioning me? Why won’t you do as you are told? Why are you always questioning everything at training and in games?’.

“Bellamy argued back that he only wanted what was best for the club.

“But Mancini snapped ‘I want you to leave now. And do not come back for three months’.”

Bellamy refused to train as he felt only he and the sports science staff know how to deal with his injury.

This report comes at a bad time for City as the prepare for against Champions League rivials Liverpool

Bellamy is no stranger to controversy:

1) In 2002 Bellamy was cautioned for common assault after an incident outside a Newcastle nightclub in which he was alleged to have attacked a woman.

2)He appeared before a judge again in 2006 after being accused of assaulting two women in a Cardiff nightclub. The then Liverpool player was cleared following a five-day trial at Cardiff Magistrates Court.

3)During his time at Newcastle, the petulant Welshman had a bust up with Toon assistant coach John Carver at Newcastle Airport. The fracas didn’t quite get to the point where punches were thrown - although, amazingly, a heavy chair was instead.

4) Bellamy had a fight with Graeme Souness in 2005 after the Magpies boss reportedly asked him to play out of position in right midfield. It’s believed that the striker refused and said he’d fake an injury if asked to. After Bellamy was subsequently dropped, he called Souness a liar in the press. An £80,000 fine followed…

5)After leaving Newcastle for Celtic, Bellamy had a pop at his old club via SMS. Following Newcastle 4-1 drubbing at the hands of Man United in the 2005 FA Cup semi-final, the striker sent a string of texts to Alan Shearer calling him an old man and questioning his ability. ‘Your legs are gone. You’re too old. You’re too slow’, one of the texts was reported to have read.

NME Shockwaves Awards Tour at Newcastle Academy

Thursday saw the first date of the latest NME showcase come to the O2 Academy in Newcastle. The line up consisted of three up and coming bands who are looking to build on successful 2009s going into this year, with veritable granddads of the scene (by comparison to the others) The Maccabees as headliners. Read more

Nuala Dalton to release debut album

Newcastle based singer/songwriter Nuala Dalton is set to release her debut  Album ‘Breaking the Spell’ at the Cluny2 in Newcastle on February 20th.

£5 entry with a free glass of wine to aid your enjoyment in what should be an exciting night. Read more