St James' Park name lives on even if NUFC sponsor is found
Nov 4 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal
MPs pitch in
NEWCASTLE United owner Mike Ashley’s plans to rename St James’ Park for cash have been blasted in Parliament.
Mr Ashley unveiled moves to sell the naming rights for St James’ Park, when he took United off the market last month after failing for the second time to find a buyer for the club.
In a statement, the club said: "The club aims to maximise its commercial revenues through a club sponsor kit deal and stadium naming rights."
Fans were left stunned by the move and the row has now reached Parliament with Tyne Bridge MP David Clelland tabling a Commons motion urging Mr Ashley to rethink his strategy.
The motion tabled by the Labour MP and United fan "regrets" the intention of the club’s current owners to consider renaming St James' Park, an integral part of Newcastle and Tyneside since 1892.
It adds the name is "renowned throughout the world of football and beyond as symbolic of the game, and of the loyalty of its supporters to their club".
And the club's owners are being urged to reconsider or "ensure that whatever sponsorship deals they may seek, the name St James' Park lives on in football and in Newcastle".
Mr Clelland said: "I have been a Newcastle United supporter since I was a teenager and St James’ is as much a part of my life and culture as it is for thousands of Geordies."
Newcastle United Supporters Trust Interim Chair Neil Mitchell said: "Supporters and local people alike would back this motion and we commend David Clelland for reflecting public anger at this massive misjudgement by the current regime at St James’ Park.
"We have a petition on www.nust.org.uk which as of today, has attracted 15,000 names supporting the name St James' Park. I would urge other members of all political parties to support the petition. Jim Cousins MP recently joined the Trust and David Faulkner, deputy leader of Newcastle City Council, was one of our first members. Now it’s time for all political parties to back the Trust aim of fans in and Ashley out."
