Llambias’ call to fans

Nov 30 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

DEREK Llambias has appealed for supporters to forget their distrust of the Mike Ashley regime and get behind the push to regain their Premier League status, writes MARK DOUGLAS.

Writing his programme column for the first time this season, the Newcastle United managing director sought to justify the club’s decision to sell naming rights to St James’ Park, praised the salvage job Chris Hughton has begun and also said Ashley’s commitment to the club remains “unwavering”.

“As you know, Mike made it clear after the end of last season that he was trying to sell the club and although there were a number of interested parties, none of them were able to match the £100million asking price,” he wrote.

“As a result, Mike decided that the best course of action, one that would put the welfare of the club at the top of the agenda, would be to remove the club from the market and concentrate solely on the aim that everyone connected with the club passionately desires – promotion straight back to the Premier League.

“His commitment is unwavering and the additional large sums of money he has recently pumped into the club amply demonstrate that.

“I would urge all supporters of this truly great football club to come together, get behind the team and, whatever grievances you may or may not have, put them to one side for the benefit of seeing Newcastle United regain their position in the elite of English football.

On the controversial subject of the naming rights, Llambias did not repeat the stadium’s new ‘name’ but said that bringing in a new sponsor made economic sense. “I would like to take this opportunity to explain our thoughts on this in order to appreciate and understand that it makes undoubted economic sense for the club,” he said.

“To allay fears regarding the name of the ground, we will never lose the St James’ name.”