Thanks everyone - really appreciate the replies.

Relax, mooreaz! - I haven't done anything rash - It's just something that's been on my mind since the start of the week and I've been mulling over. I really wanted to float the idea with infinitely wiser heads who don't have the passion clouding the issue! As you all rightly point out, this is undoubtedly high-risk and crosses a number of issues. I'm sure there's a lot of people out there thinking along similar lines about this (and ordinary) financial investments.

The real details of the scheme are emerging slowly: it appears they are guaranteeing a return of 2% per year on the investment. There's clearly a long way to go, but I think it's worth keeping an eye on how this idea develops. The fundamental thing is how you look at it: Is it a cold, hard financial investment decision or something that you can afford to do without worrying about the consequences? If it was any other club, of course, I wouldn't touch it with a barge pole or dream of doing it. Such is the emotional lure of supporting a football team...

David Conn, an excellent commentator on football finances, outlines the details in yesterday's Guardian: http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/david-conn-inside-sport-blog/2009/nov/11/newcastleunited-mike-ashley

I don't doubt for one minute there are other (better) ways to show your support, although buying a kit, programme etc plays right into the current owners hands - and that's the overriding purpose of this scheme.

Thanks maxsteam, mooreaz, ATM and conmankiller - really appreciate the replies and reality check!

@CMK - Expired? Tsk...I'll have to have words. There's a credit crunch on. He needs to lower his prices.
I don't think I'll be standing outside Old Trafford with a begging bowl just yet, but if you see someone with a "wife, child and football club to support" placard, be kind, take pity on him and slap him for being a fool... ;o)