Q3: Should the club be looking for a naming sponsor for St James' Park?

Oct 2 2009 By The Journal

Should the club be looking for a naming sponsor for the ground?

Yes 89%

No 11%

Your comments:
 
1 Oct 28, 2009 12:06 PM This would be the final insult, and would prove once and for all that Ashley has no conscience.
2 Oct 28, 2009 12:07 PM Again more contempt for the fans
3 Oct 28, 2009 12:09 PM No way, its taking away some of the tradition of the club.
4 Oct 28, 2009 12:09 PM This is a disgrace also, seems like Mike Ashley wants to annoy the fans constantly.
5 Oct 28, 2009 12:10 PM absolute disgrace. could accept sponsoring the east stand as a compromise though.
6 Oct 28, 2009 12:10 PM Is it worth the uproar for the revenue it will generate? no!
7 Oct 28, 2009 12:10 PM St James' Park should remain and is sacrosanct; fair enough something for a new stadium like the KC Stadium but you cannot rename it; would you rename Old Trafford as a cash incentive?
8 Oct 28, 2009 12:10 PM Absolutely not, Ashley would sell his granny for a fiver!
9 Oct 28, 2009 12:11 PM St James's Park should stay, how does Greggs the Bakers Stadium sound!!!!!!!!!!!
11 Oct 28, 2009 12:13 PM It is sacrilage to rename St. james park. It should remain as it is
12 Oct 28, 2009 12:13 PM SJP has always been and should always remain SJP
13 Oct 28, 2009 12:14 PM keep the name
14 Oct 28, 2009 12:14 PM if it helps keep us going so be it
15 Oct 28, 2009 12:14 PM it is appalling ashley is again taking revenge on the supporters, the name is a tradition and the heart of our city
16 Oct 28, 2009 12:15 PM I think its a disgrace, its been St James Park for ever and only reason for Mike Ashley to change it is to rake in some more money to cover his debts.
17 Oct 28, 2009 12:15 PM Definitley not. St. James's Park is Newcastle United.
18 Oct 28, 2009 12:16 PM Can;'t decide if good or bad... heart says bad as SJP is our history and culture... head says we need to keep moving to compete .. look at the finances Arsenal have generated with the 'Emirates'; remember we were going to move to Leazes so SJP would have gone anyway - tricky one!!!
19 Oct 28, 2009 12:17 PM SJP has been the name & always will be the name - if we moved to a new Stadium then fair enough.
20 Oct 28, 2009 12:17 PM It is a good way earning some extra funds for the club. However I think it's a ridiculous idea and disgusting if I'm honest.
21 Oct 28, 2009 12:17 PM Generating new revenue streams is one thing, but by selling off St James's Park's name would merely be a despicable act aimed to further infuriate a fanbase he clearly already has much contempt for. Contempt which is, he can be assured, utterly mutual.
22 Oct 28, 2009 12:17 PM Mike Ashley has taken everything else we have, but at least let us hold onto the traditions!
24 Oct 28, 2009 12:18 PM If it is bringing money to the club. Football is abt Money these days.
25 Oct 28, 2009 12:18 PM The money will just go to Ashley's pocket.
26 Oct 28, 2009 12:18 PM There are plenty of other ways to raise the revenue such as naming individual stands or putting a manager in place that the fans want thus triggering increased ticket sales and boosting revenue in a positive way.
27 Oct 28, 2009 12:18 PM This is a diabolical insult to the fans and the city. This will totaly alienate Ashley even more than the previous debacles.
28 Oct 28, 2009 12:18 PM There's no guarantees that the money would be invested in the playing side. He's sold the players, the fans down the river and now the name of NUFC.
29 Oct 28, 2009 12:18 PM In any other circumstances I would not have a problem with this, however the way Fat Mike has gone about this in his normal spoilt child way causes me more of a problem i mean lets be honest the money will not be big and will go in to fraudulent businessmans back pocket.
30 Oct 28, 2009 12:19 PM does this really need a comment??? tell you what once they have re-named the stadium run another surver seeing how many fans still and always will call our home ST JAMES PARK cos i know i will no matter what
31 Oct 28, 2009 12:19 PM This is an obvious dig at the fans, we sing about him so he says things like this to put two fingers up at us.
32 Oct 28, 2009 12:20 PM Disgrace, this is mike ashley all over. Quite clearly has no interest in the football and will always choose the pounds of this clubs history.
33 Oct 28, 2009 12:21 PM The final insult
34 Oct 28, 2009 12:21 PM Quite simply NO, we are not a franchise, could you imagine Old Trafford or Anfield ever being renamed, i dont thinks anything other then looking at the pound sign, and as normal his timing on his communications is as ever great.... i wonder who is doing his PR and marketing, quite obvious that they are substandard just like Mr Ashley.
35 Oct 28, 2009 12:22 PM Unless a significant offer is received and the money is invested in the team.
36 Oct 28, 2009 12:22 PM Who would want to name a ground Ashley owns.
37 Oct 28, 2009 12:23 PM Absolutley not, once SJP, always SJP !!!!!!!!!
38 Oct 28, 2009 12:24 PM NO WAY !!!!!!!! The newcastle greats will turn over in their graves the day that happens. This suggestion must be stopped NOW
39 Oct 28, 2009 12:24 PM Defies comment
41 Oct 28, 2009 12:24 PM Why not!
42 Oct 28, 2009 12:24 PM People should not be messing arounrd or changing our history
43 Oct 28, 2009 12:24 PM This man has already raped & robbed this club enough without changing the name of the stadium,it is part of the history of the club,he thinks he can change it after 5 minutes,he`s destroyed the club enough without this.we need this idiot to go bankrupt
44 Oct 28, 2009 12:25 PM Absolutely no way.
45 Oct 28, 2009 12:25 PM No
46 Oct 28, 2009 12:26 PM Ashley is setting a precedent that no other sane owner will follow. Granted, it's a way to make money, but the furore it has already caused means that any sponsor who becomes involved does so for purely financial reasons, and has no interest in the club or its supporters. The name of the ground is part of the history of the club and should remain, like the club name and colours, 'untouchable'
47 Oct 28, 2009 12:26 PM Absolutely no way.
48 Oct 28, 2009 12:27 PM Money talks in todays game what is good for Arsenal is OK for us , we know it will always be really SJP
49 Oct 28, 2009 12:28 PM If Arsenal get £3m a year from Emirates for their stadium then we will be lucky to get £500k for SJP in the Championship and the name and tradition should be retained for the sake of that value. Is nothing sacrisanct as far as Ashley is concerned?
50 Oct 28, 2009 12:29 PM it will always be known as St James, just as the gallowgate and leazes will always remainm, in spite of various name changes. i can see a boycott of whichever organisation is stupid enough to throw their weight in with the Ashley regime, so i doubt any companies with common sense would risk doing so.
51 Oct 28, 2009 12:29 PM St. James Park is an iconic landmark in Newcastle, renaming it would be ruining a great history.
52 Oct 28, 2009 12:30 PM With the proviso that the words St. James' stay in the sponsorship name eg ST. JAMES' REEBOK STADIUM, ST. JAMES' ADIDAS STADIUM etc
53 Oct 28, 2009 12:31 PM Money in sport is a necessity these days unfortunately. Please just make it something sensible, and not give more people the chance to laugh at us!
54 Oct 28, 2009 12:31 PM Definetly not!!!!!!!!!
55 Oct 28, 2009 12:32 PM If the ground were renamed, surely the fans would still refer to it as St James' Park in any case.
56 Oct 28, 2009 12:32 PM What more can this man do to damage our city?
57 Oct 28, 2009 12:33 PM hearing these news is like a knife through the heart. i feel very very angry about it. it cannot be allowed to happen.
58 Oct 28, 2009 12:34 PM we should be looking to get back into the premiership as a way of generating more income
59 Oct 28, 2009 12:34 PM for me its a no brainer. but football is now a business and other leading european football teams have sold the naming rights. ashley will be selling the rights to fund the £20m he has pledged to put into the club. no money will leave his pocket - how did fat freddy miss that trick. it was rumoured that the naming rights couldn't be sold due to the council owning the ground??
61 Oct 28, 2009 12:35 PM At the end of the day this is a source of revenue which we should not ignore. However this may not be the best time to negotiate such a deal with us in the Championship and a global slump in advertising/sponsorhip revenues. Maybe Sports Direct are lookng for a bargain!
62 Oct 28, 2009 12:36 PM Disgraceful
63 Oct 28, 2009 12:36 PM No! Throwing away history simply to rile the fans in my humble opinion. How much useful revenue can he really muster from such a move anyway?
64 Oct 28, 2009 12:37 PM Whatever they call the stadium for financial reasons. It will always be known as ST JAMES PARK.
65 Oct 28, 2009 12:37 PM Maybe we should be sponsered by the comic VIZ, how about the fat slags stand? or cockney bastard st james park?
66 Oct 28, 2009 12:37 PM Insulting!
67 Oct 28, 2009 12:38 PM No not at all, hes already treated two Newcastle legends with disdain, and now this!! Its part of the city, and our history.It makes me sick to the pit of my stomach
68 Oct 28, 2009 12:39 PM St James Park now and forever
69 Oct 28, 2009 12:40 PM the ground has had the same name for over 100 years why should Ashley decide to change it without the backing of the fans.
70 Oct 28, 2009 12:41 PM All the naming of grounds has been on new builds so as to not take away the heritage of grounds. For me this will be the final insult, and just shows how completely out of touch he is with the fans
71 Oct 28, 2009 12:41 PM It will always be St. James' Park but if it raises much needed revenue why not
72 Oct 28, 2009 12:41 PM The grounds name is St. James' Park and should never be changed. Only an idiot woud try.
73 Oct 28, 2009 12:41 PM why not? If it raises a bit of cash for the transfer pot I dont care. Perhaps it could be named The Stadium of Sh**e.
74 Oct 28, 2009 12:41 PM ST JAMES PARK is known world wide - say no more wud you change St Pauls Cathedral's name ????
75 Oct 28, 2009 12:41 PM No-one since 1892 has desecrated SJP, why should this buffoon be any different!!!
76 Oct 28, 2009 12:42 PM I look forward (not) to visiting the Cash Converters Arena next season
77 Oct 28, 2009 12:44 PM St. James Park. A vital name in English history of football! Renaming the ground would be no more than a disaster causing anger among all connected to Newcastle!
78 Oct 28, 2009 12:44 PM This is the final straw for me, he is selling our heritage, our soul, our history and all for a few quid. This is the spark that will light the bonfire he has been building. I hope his security are up for the challenge.
79 Oct 28, 2009 12:46 PM I would hope that the City Council takes steps to prevent this from happening.
80 Oct 28, 2009 12:47 PM This is what hurts the most and just proves Mike Ashley is clueless about all things Newcastle United
81 Oct 28, 2009 12:48 PM st james should stay st james
82 Oct 28, 2009 12:48 PM It would be a waste of time for any sponsor. I will never call the ground anything other than St James' Park
83 Oct 28, 2009 12:48 PM That happens, NUFC dies as far as I'm concerned.
84 Oct 28, 2009 12:48 PM Don't particularly mind, as long as the income is used wisely (ie strengthening the team) and doesn't just go into MA's pocket.
85 Oct 28, 2009 12:49 PM St James Park, is St James Park!!! It's an absolute disgrace and an immediate boycott on attending games by all would be the best answer. I'd rather see the team relegated to the amateur league than have the ground renamed!
86 Oct 28, 2009 12:49 PM Other clubs have done so,notably Arsenal. If someone wants to pay millions.. The...........Stadium at St James Park.? I don't see a problem with tha5
87 Oct 28, 2009 12:49 PM Absolute and utter sacrilege. The ground name should remain as it is a historical jewel in the city of Newcastles crown. This is an insult to all NUFC fans from Cashley.
88 Oct 28, 2009 12:49 PM The ground name of St James Park sells NUFC on it's own. Having a tawdry name like the McDonalds Arena (or whatever) would only bring shame on the actual sponsor.
89 Oct 28, 2009 12:50 PM Absolutely, positively, definitely, not in a million years, no
90 Oct 28, 2009 12:50 PM Is any comment neccessary. We get what we deserve.
91 Oct 28, 2009 12:50 PM An appropriate name should be agreed and St James Park still included in the stadium address. Money is desperately needed in every football club
92 Oct 28, 2009 12:51 PM sjp should live on
93 Oct 28, 2009 12:52 PM This propsoal is outrageous. Its selling our heritage. What price that it will be "Sports Direct Stadium " after all Ashlyes bioggest business rival has a stadium named after them
94 Oct 28, 2009 12:52 PM If we were moving to a new ground then fine. But as long as we are at St Jame's Park the name should stay as well
95 Oct 28, 2009 12:53 PM Absolutely not!!!!
96 Oct 28, 2009 12:54 PM This will only be money for Ashley's pocket. St.James Park and what it means to the fans, really means nothing to him.
97 Oct 28, 2009 12:55 PM If it brings additional investment into the club then why not. I am sure that the name St James Park will still feature as part of the grounds name. Where I take issue is in how Ashley announced it, he has yet again shown a total disregard for the fans. It was always going to be a sensitive issue, something he has yet again failed to grasp.
98 Oct 28, 2009 12:55 PM Although football is a business and we have no right to think we're any better than any of the other teams who have sold the naming rights to their stadiums, the timing of stating these intentions can only be seen as inflammatory once again. Is Ashley so naive as to not realise the level of further unrest, and possibly moving towards hatred, that this will cause, is he genuinely not clever enough to see the mistakes he makes until they are pointed out from all directions, or is he deliberately playing for a show of power?
99 Oct 28, 2009 12:55 PM A travesty. But who would call it by it's 'new name' anyway? Not many!!
100 Oct 28, 2009 12:57 PM absolutely not ! Why on earth we should sell the stadium name ? If he do, he should sell tl club name too. Ashley united ?
101 Oct 28, 2009 12:57 PM a sponsor is good revenue for the club ,but ST JAMES PARK should never change its name
102 Oct 28, 2009 12:57 PM I do disagree with the plans to do so, however in recent years many clubs have done so. It is how football is changing. I would only agree with this if the money gained is invested directly to improve the team.
103 Oct 28, 2009 12:57 PM The Ultimate Insult, I agree it could raise money but it is money the club, fans or playing squad will never see. I wouldn't lend Mike Ashley a Fiver because I don't trust him. Despite what He claims and the papers claim I don't believe for one second he is as "Hard up" as we are led to believe and I'll explain in one comment why.... Until yesterday he would have accepted an offer for 80 Million Pounds for Newcastle United Football Club. Barry Moat could only give him 60 Million Up Front... Mike Ashley Refused the offer and took the club off the market vowing to pump 20 million into the club. 80 million - 60 million = 20 million??? So right now financially, he is no worse off than he would have been had he sold the club, except in selling he would no longer of had the headache he has now. I honestly think it is his intention to bring the club down...
104 Oct 28, 2009 12:58 PM UNLESS ITS WHISKY MAKER GRANTS OF ST JAME'S
105 Oct 28, 2009 1:01 PM Next Ashley will be renaming the Team from "Newcastle United FC" to "Sports Direct FC"!!!
106 Oct 28, 2009 1:03 PM Makes commercial sense.
107 Oct 28, 2009 1:05 PM But I'm not outraged. No-one would use the new name anyway.
108 Oct 28, 2009 1:07 PM Absolute disgrace, no other words to describe it. The name has been St James' Park for over 100 years and that's the way it should stay.
109 Oct 28, 2009 1:07 PM We have survived this long without it, and we should still be able to achieve promotion without going down this route, at which point we would once again have the revenues that Premier League football brings, as well as half the wage bill we had last time we were there, so selling naming rights should not be a necessary action.
110 Oct 28, 2009 1:08 PM Anything that stops one of the stands being named after opportunist "Sir" John Hall gets my vote.
111 Oct 28, 2009 1:09 PM While it will generate revenue, we shouldnt be selling the soul of the club for something that will probably end up in Ashleys pocket.
112 Oct 28, 2009 1:11 PM but in the format of of "SJP sponsored by..." (like the FA Cup).
113 Oct 28, 2009 1:11 PM New names come with new stadiums. Changing the name of the ground now is showing complete disrespect for everything and everyone that has the club at heart. Disgraceful. I can see the point of view from a commercial perspective, but in all honesty, how much do we get from Mr Ashley's Sports Direct company for the disgusting logo already emblazened across the stadium? The last accounts released was something like £50k for the season if I remember rightly!! There are lots of other avenues to go down for sponsorship other than this. What next sell the naming rights for the team itself?
114 Oct 28, 2009 1:12 PM St James' Park is part of our past, present and future. It's an iconic name associated with an iconic stadium. Anyone wishing to buy the naming rights will be paying a grand sum to lose customers - mind you that could still bring a lot of publicity.
115 Oct 28, 2009 1:13 PM Who would ever call it anything but St. James?
116 Oct 28, 2009 1:13 PM What company is going to spend good money in buying the name knowing how much it would upset the fans?
117 Oct 28, 2009 1:14 PM st james park is newcastle and should remain so
118 Oct 28, 2009 1:14 PM Absolutely not. This is part of the Club's history and tradition and should be considered sacred.
119 Oct 28, 2009 1:15 PM St james is are legacy why change somethink that dosent need doing can you imagine the sports direct staduim deary me.
120 Oct 28, 2009 1:15 PM How dare Ashley try and rename the stadium which has been there for many, many years. It shows what a grubby, money grabbing man he is.
121 Oct 28, 2009 1:15 PM no matter what its called newcastle fans will know it as st james park
122 Oct 28, 2009 1:18 PM It is an absolute disgrace that this is even being considered, St James Park has been our home since 1892, who does Mike Ashley think he is that after approx 2years he can just decide to change a piece of our history.
123 Oct 28, 2009 1:18 PM It is totally outrageous that Mr Ashley has decided to sacrifice the history of this club for the benefit of his bank balance.St James' Park shall always be St James' Park to me, and I believe that enough fans will stage sufficient protest against any new names to ward off a change. Should we relocate to a new venue then my feelings would be different, as that would help fund the move, and it would after all, be a different ground, but I am strongly opposed to finding a naming sponsor for St James' Park.
124 Oct 28, 2009 1:19 PM Just another sign of Asley trying to grasp onto every £1 is can get. Lets see who actually wants to name it anway.
125 Oct 28, 2009 1:19 PM The final straw - I will not go back if the ground is renamed.
126 Oct 28, 2009 1:20 PM Just another bad Ashley idea.
127 Oct 28, 2009 1:20 PM Although I can see the obvious finacial advantages to doing this, their are some things you just do not do. There is a major difference in naming a new ground after a sponsor to changing the name of a local 'institution' for the sake of financial gain.
128 Oct 28, 2009 1:21 PM This is a disgrace!
129 Oct 28, 2009 1:21 PM It may upset a few however, at the end of the day Ashley is running the club as a business and there is no sentiment in business. Plus the fact he said it in a round about way it's his club he bought it and he can do what he wants with it.
130 Oct 28, 2009 1:21 PM only if all money raised goes to the transfer kitty
131 Oct 28, 2009 1:21 PM No other original stadium has been offered to a naming sponsor. This latest idea is oviously a 'double whammy' for Ashley, possibly raises revenue but definitely goads the fans.
132 Oct 28, 2009 1:22 PM How can you chage over 100 years of history? the ground will always be St James Park, regardless of what this regime decide to call it (the Mike Ashley White Elephant stadium anyone?)
133 Oct 28, 2009 1:22 PM How dare this man think he has the right to play with our heritage. I understand the need for funds. But he has made another huge mistake. The club is not his as he may think. It belongs to thousands of people who live and breeth NUFC every day of thier life, and have done so since they could walk and talk.
134 Oct 28, 2009 1:23 PM Yet again Mike Ashley proves he doesn't have a clue about us Geordies. He should take time to sit down and get the opinions of our fans - saying that he would probably have to it behind a glass screen!!!
135 Oct 28, 2009 1:24 PM Heritage and tradition are not for sale - would he offer 70% off that as well
136 Oct 28, 2009 1:24 PM ABSOLUTE SLAP IN THE FACE! and for what? a few million quid? Get a grip!! NEW stadiums are given sponsored names, that's the world we live in, but NO SELF RESPECTING football club that isn't 10p short of bankruptcy should discard 117 years of heritage like this.
137 Oct 28, 2009 1:25 PM I dont even Support this Club , I feel that Ashley is totally out of his depth. If he had any respect for the club he should walk away! Re naming the stadium is another counter productive step. Sunderland fans must think this guy is a Messiah!
138 Oct 28, 2009 1:25 PM But I do not really believe that this is a big issue. I do not care what they call it. It will always by SJP to me
139 Oct 28, 2009 1:29 PM This is not such a bad idea, it's the fact that Ashley will get the money that bothers me. Or worse still it goes to pay players like Gerimi. Get Greggs as sponsor then Steve Bruce will be along in a flash.
140 Oct 28, 2009 1:29 PM Not on your life. The worst possible idea ever. It will always be St James' Park. It would not suprise me if the £20m Ashley is banging on about pumping into the club was what he expected to get in from naming rights.
141 Oct 28, 2009 1:30 PM This is sacrilage and the final straw - whether it makes money or not
142 Oct 28, 2009 1:30 PM Again, why not - it'll always be SJP to us - if the BBC and Sky want to refer to it as something else after the club have received a few quid for the 'name' then more fool them!
143 Oct 28, 2009 1:30 PM Personally, it feels like the club is selling it's soul. I would rather watch Newcastle United playing championship football than cashing in everthing it can to try and get promotion and compete in the premier league.
144 Oct 28, 2009 1:31 PM It is one thing looking at naming rights for a new stadium, but something completely different at a long established stadium which is part of the community. Even Manchester United would not do that.
145 Oct 28, 2009 1:31 PM This will be more money in ashley's pocket and not invested in the club - just like the transfer money
146 Oct 28, 2009 1:31 PM Poundland
147 Oct 28, 2009 1:32 PM There are some things that are just not for sale and the name of our great stadium is one of them.It is as bad as renaming the team...unthinkable to all right thinking people.
148 Oct 28, 2009 1:32 PM Definately not, it would take all of our history away from the club. I would always be reminded of the fact that it was Ashelys choice to do so, even when years down the line he has gone.
149 Oct 28, 2009 1:32 PM No, just another way for Ashley to recoup some of the money he has lost.
150 Oct 28, 2009 1:33 PM Not if it is not going to bring in a vast amount of money, if Ashley does want more investment, then why doesn't he float a certain percentage of shares in NUFC on the stock market, he can still keep a majority share holding, however it would surely allow for investers to come in.
151 Oct 28, 2009 1:34 PM I was flabbergasted by this, the litany of insults Ashley has made to this club just keeps getting longer. 107 years of history to suddenly become the Greggs Pasty Stadium? The man has no shame, and no-one will co-operate with him.
152 Oct 28, 2009 1:35 PM Yes how about Poundland
153 Oct 28, 2009 1:37 PM Just because the naming rights can be sold, it doesn't mean they should! The stadium, the club and the fans have been around far longer than MA, he should not have the right to force this upon us. How can this benefit the clubs relationship with the fans?!?! What an utter disgrace!!
154 Oct 28, 2009 1:38 PM It'll always be SJP regardless of sponsorship name change, but if it brings in money to spend on players to get us back in the top flight, they should get as much as they can for it.
155 Oct 28, 2009 1:39 PM Why change the name, its part of the history of the club
156 Oct 28, 2009 1:40 PM Absolutely not, this is an attack on the club
157 Oct 28, 2009 1:42 PM Ashley's announcement that he would "welcome" the re-naming St. James' Park is a deliberate, cold. calculated and outrageous move, purely designed to provoke the faithful. The man has absolutely no sense at all. If I was him, I would be seriously fearing for my and my family's safety.
158 Oct 28, 2009 1:43 PM Newcastle United play at St. James Park, always have and always will in the eyes of the real fans.
159 Oct 28, 2009 1:45 PM Absolutely not. The stadium has been known as St. James' Park for over hundred years, it is a part of the club's history and tradition.
160 Oct 28, 2009 1:47 PM extra revinue is allways welcome, football is now a business and we are compeating against some very very rich clubs so any money is good money. we need to keep moving with the times its the norm in america and more and more clubs over here are doing it.
161 Oct 28, 2009 1:49 PM I realise that there is a need to make the club as financially viable as possible but I think renaming the stadium should be a last resort. I think Ashley should try managing the club correctly first. I also fear that with our current fall from grace and the bad feeling associated with the idea we will end up with a terrible stadium sponsor and not get true market value.
162 Oct 28, 2009 1:49 PM It will be a sad day to see Newcastle playing anywhere otehr than St. James' Park people may say its only a name but it is a name that has the history and the soul of the club. Yes Arsenal did it with Highbury but that was a brand new stadium. Can you see Man U changing from Old Trafford? I think not Mr Ashley
163 Oct 28, 2009 1:50 PM Definitely not. St James Park is synonomous with Newcastle United and part of the city. Again the Geordie faithful have to hit this man in the pocket - it's the only way to stop him.
164 Oct 28, 2009 1:55 PM Billy Smart
165 Oct 28, 2009 1:58 PM SJP is the spiritual name of our ground and should never be changed under any circumstances
166 Oct 28, 2009 1:59 PM Its an insult to everybody past and present associated to Newcastle United.
167 Oct 28, 2009 2:01 PM The ground is renowned world wide and has a hundred years of history, It should not be sold for a bag of silver to satisfy the greed of one hated and twisted individual.
168 Oct 28, 2009 2:04 PM St James is what it's called. It shouldn't ever change. It's part of the regions identity.
169 Oct 28, 2009 2:04 PM Take the cash but it will always be SJP
170 Oct 28, 2009 2:04 PM St James' Park should always be St James' Park
171 Oct 28, 2009 2:06 PM yet another insult from ashley. is he upsetting fans on purpose??
172 Oct 28, 2009 2:10 PM Of the 'big' clubs, only Arsenal have changed the name of their ground and that's because they moved to a new stadium. Selling naming rights would be like selling our history and tradition.
173 Oct 28, 2009 2:11 PM Some things are sacrosanct and should be left alone. Selling the stadium rights will mean selling our soul.
174 Oct 28, 2009 2:13 PM If a club like Arsenal get £3m per year from Emirates, bearing in mind it's a brnd new, state of the art stadium, second largest capacity in English club football and home to a consistent top four premiership club, how much would NUFC attract in the Championship? £1m?? Is it worth it to lose an iconic name? No
175 Oct 28, 2009 2:15 PM assuming the income generated goes into the playing side of the club and not into Ashleys deep pockets
176 Oct 28, 2009 2:17 PM St James' is one of the most historic grounds in England along side Anfield, Old Trafford etc.. imagine if they changed the name of Old Trafford the reaction, ours would arguably be worse. 0% of Newcastle fans will want the name changed it would be a travesty to the city.
177 Oct 28, 2009 2:17 PM It would be shame as there is a lot of history at this famous old ground, would Liverpool or Man Utd supporters like it?! It would just generate cash for Ashley and probably not be ploughed back into the club.
178 Oct 28, 2009 2:32 PM leave it the way it is. stop trying to make money out of the club. fat boy!
179 Oct 28, 2009 2:39 PM there is only one name ST JAMES PARK .what right does anybody have to sell our heritage
180 Oct 28, 2009 2:43 PM Unless you can find someone who wants it to be called St James park
181 Oct 28, 2009 2:55 PM It depends on the revenue NUFC would get for this. Ideally, NO but it depends on the price AND whatever name it changes to!
182 Oct 28, 2009 2:58 PM If anyone comes forward to pay for the naming rights, everyone should boycott them!
183 Oct 28, 2009 3:04 PM A disgraceful notion that could only be thought up by someone from outside of the region who has no respect for tradition
184 Oct 28, 2009 3:08 PM Not unless there's a company called St James' Park.
185 Oct 28, 2009 3:11 PM Absolutely not. Ashley must have been thinking whats the final insult I can throw at those geordie idiots who dare to hate me.
186 Oct 28, 2009 3:15 PM St James' Park IS Newcastle United. Sponsorship of new grounds is all well and good. There is tradition and pride behind SJP. Ashley has taken away our soul; now he seeks to destroy our identity.
187 Oct 28, 2009 3:18 PM It will always be known as St James' Park whatever happens, so I can't see anyone in their right mind taking sponsorship of it because they should realise this
188 Oct 28, 2009 3:22 PM This is just a money making scheme to line Ashley's pockets not to benefit the club
189 Oct 28, 2009 3:26 PM Ashley is (was) a billionaire, he bought the club without carrying out due diligence and has compounded that mistake with a whole calamity of others, he should be the one stumping up the cash!
190 Oct 28, 2009 3:34 PM Definitely not. It is sacrilege! It will always be St. James' Park to me and thousands of others.
191 Oct 28, 2009 3:37 PM This shows how complete the disregard for local sensibilities is!
192 Oct 28, 2009 3:42 PM yes lets get millions and let them call it whatever they like because it will always be St.Jame's park to the true fan.
193 Oct 28, 2009 3:43 PM St. James park is history, changing the name = change the history of Newcastle Utd.
194 Oct 28, 2009 3:48 PM definatley not why put more money into M A pocket
195 Oct 28, 2009 3:53 PM Why change a name that has stood for over 100 hundred years
196 Oct 28, 2009 4:05 PM This is the final kick in the teeth. That said whatever he gets it named will we all refer to it as that? No. We will all still refer to it as St James.
197 Oct 28, 2009 4:06 PM Definately NOT. If brains were taxed then Ashley would be in line for a massive rebate. It`s known throughout the world as ST JAMES PARK. End of.
198 Oct 28, 2009 4:10 PM Just a blatant attempt to recoup millions before ashley does sell us. Another example of him assett stripping.
199 Oct 28, 2009 4:11 PM This will become more common and is the right of the owner, this would be accepted by the fans if it was seen to pay for a quality player.
200 Oct 28, 2009 4:13 PM If Mike Ashley wants to make more money from commercial revenue, then having a successful team is the way to achieve that. He admits he has made some disastrous mistakes already - so why is he still making them. Does he consult with any fans at all before making these decisions?
201 Oct 28, 2009 4:18 PM This shows how out of touch Ashley is
202 Oct 28, 2009 4:23 PM Disgraceful if we loose St James Park
203 Oct 28, 2009 4:25 PM Only redeveloped, or moved grounds merit name changes. I cannot think of any ground changing it`s name in situ.
204 Oct 28, 2009 4:28 PM Nothing wrong for a sponsor for the ground as long as it keeps its title of St James' Park. The Newcastle Brown Ale St James' Park might just about be acceptable! What is shambolic about all this is the ludicrous way it has been presented to the media - "would welcome offers" which leaves us once more as the laughing stock just like when Ashley asked for potential buids by email!!!
205 Oct 28, 2009 4:31 PM Why not call it white hart lane everybody else is up here.
206 Oct 28, 2009 4:31 PM This is ludicrous, it's like selling your soul.
207 Oct 28, 2009 4:35 PM Is it really necessary? If the money is going to be handed to the manager to spend then OK, but the St James Park name should be held in higher regard and should form park of any "new name" that is brought in. I feel however, the club (Ashley in particular) will not use any funds that are generated for the growth of the paper thin squad.
208 Oct 28, 2009 4:35 PM It will always be St. James' park whatever name gets nailed to the wall!
209 Oct 28, 2009 4:36 PM Ideally ,No-but in today's climate it is understandable and probably acceptable provided 'St James Park' is retained in the title.
210 Oct 28, 2009 4:39 PM St James Park is recognisable and rich in history. Renaming it for commerical reasons is a shame.
211 Oct 28, 2009 4:39 PM I am still to make up my mind if its greed or yet another way of getting back at the fans.
212 Oct 28, 2009 4:39 PM Altho I'm not as anti as a lot of the press seem to suggest people will be. It depends on who would be interested and how much they would be prepared to pay. Also, maybe as a short-term thing only to subsidise some player purchases that prepares us for a premiership campaign etc. As I said, not necessarily a totally negative thing.
213 Oct 28, 2009 4:40 PM Obviously not. This is unbelievable and proves the point that Ashley is only interested in making money from Newcastle United. He has no intentions of doing best by the supporters and renaming St James Park for commercial purposes is completely wrong.
214 Oct 28, 2009 4:45 PM St James Park is the only name it should have
215 Oct 28, 2009 4:47 PM What else can Ashley sell next, his mother!
216 Oct 28, 2009 4:48 PM No No No! St. James' Park is our history and part of what makes this club great. There are not many football fans around the world that don't know who plays at St. James' Park. I feel it would be rubbing all of the players/coaches/fans faces in the mud after generations have made this club what it is now.
217 Oct 28, 2009 4:57 PM St. James' Park should remain the name of our stadium.
218 Oct 28, 2009 4:59 PM Only the press/TV/Radio us the name St. James', the fans never do - in 61 years of supporting (17 as season ticket holder) I have never known a fan use this name.
219 Oct 28, 2009 5:01 PM It will always be St. James Park. This name is known around the world, it would be an act of sacrilege to change it
220 Oct 28, 2009 5:05 PM Ashley is really not getting the message. Why is this cretin being allowed to tinker with what is part of the heritage of Newcastle. Where are the City councillors and what are they doing about this alien inteloper walking all over the populace? They should have been off their posteriors way back when this supect cockney barrow boy first arrived on the scene and made their views in the strongest possible terms as they are the peoples representatives in the city but they, like so many of their bretheren in Westminster, are just been walked all over by a dubious, devious and dastardly crew of so called businessmen of questionable acumen.
221 Oct 28, 2009 5:22 PM Who in their right mind would want to have the naming rights to St James' Park? I won't be a success, everyone will still call it St James'
222 Oct 28, 2009 5:23 PM One of the biggest insults yet
223 Oct 28, 2009 5:32 PM A sponsor would be nuts. Everyone will continue to call it St. James
224 Oct 28, 2009 5:40 PM Never
225 Oct 28, 2009 5:42 PM Even if he does sell the rights of the naming of the stadium, it'll always be St James' Park to us fans
226 Oct 28, 2009 5:49 PM It will not matter as it will still be St James Park regardless.
227 Oct 28, 2009 5:50 PM Get into the noughties, anything we can do to enhance our commercial viability will protect the future of the club long term, unless that is we come up with another way to finance our club and we can afford to turn sponsorship away.
228 Oct 28, 2009 5:50 PM it's just another way for ashley to get his own back over the keegan protests
229 Oct 28, 2009 5:50 PM St. James is already iconic, give us the team, management, backroom staff and a truthful dedicated owner and it will be filled to capacity every home game. There is scope for merchandising in other areas without considering the stadium name. I'm happy with SJP and don't want another Reebok or SJB, although nice grounds they don't seem to have the same fervour. Lets hope it's not going to be "Sports Direct Stadium"
230 Oct 28, 2009 6:01 PM No They should not, It is part of the Nostalgia and History of the club and that cannot be replaced and therefore you cannot put a value on it
231 Oct 28, 2009 6:05 PM It`s we moved on this is the future and we need to be part of it.
232 Oct 28, 2009 6:06 PM The club stadium name should never be changed, we have been at St Jamse's Park for over 100 years, we should never lose our history for the sake of money.
233 Oct 28, 2009 6:06 PM why not test the maeket? st james has hardly been a lucky name!
234 Oct 28, 2009 6:07 PM It just a simple fact of life n football. The more money we can generate the stronger the club will be. Not bothered one hoot about the name
235 Oct 28, 2009 6:12 PM It will ALWAYS be SJP!
236 Oct 28, 2009 6:14 PM If it helps with the financial crisis we seem to be in, why not.
237 Oct 28, 2009 6:25 PM That is just another insult. With Ashley's penchant for gambling and the recent proliferation of betting shirt sponsors, I could see him doing a deal with a bookmaker and changing the name to something ridiculous like 'Paddy Power Park'
238 Oct 28, 2009 6:27 PM it will make it the worst day in the history of the club
239 Oct 28, 2009 6:46 PM Absolutely not
240 Oct 28, 2009 6:52 PM sad to say but if it brings in extra money which will be channelled into buying players then yes,,but it wont sit easy
241 Oct 28, 2009 6:59 PM If Ashley is looking for funds, sell up. Flogging off every last square inch to the highest bidder will possibly boost the coffers, but at what cost? St James' is the center of the city, a local landmark, a Geordie icon and tampering with that is playing with fire.
242 Oct 28, 2009 7:06 PM Who would be stupid enough to put their brand on it? Do you remember Sunderland and Sugar Puffs? The product isn't marketable.
243 Oct 28, 2009 7:13 PM Don't think this actually matters... SJP will never be known differently to us. My concern is more where the money it generates is spent.. More likely to find it's way into Ashley's pocket.
244 Oct 28, 2009 7:17 PM if it means revenue to buy players yes but not if its to go into the fat mans pocket
245 Oct 28, 2009 7:21 PM Yet another reason to hate ashley, and just shows his profound stupidity with his treatment of the newcastle people. History, tradition and pride are the very make-up of the newcastle people. St james park must be left untouched in that respect or he will be removed!
246 Oct 28, 2009 7:23 PM changing the name is taking away the history and soul of the club. This is our second home!!!
247 Oct 28, 2009 7:29 PM This is sacrilege. St James' Park is an icon in football. Better to miss out on a few quid and retain integrity rather than have a great footballing tradition demeaned.
248 Oct 28, 2009 7:30 PM Absolutely not.
249 Oct 28, 2009 7:36 PM The club needs money
250 Oct 28, 2009 7:37 PM I will not call it anything else but SJP. If someone wants to build us a mega stadium for nothing, say an 80,000 stadium, then let's name the new stadium after them.
251 Oct 28, 2009 7:43 PM "Disneyworld." Sums it all up!
252 Oct 28, 2009 7:54 PM What will it be "the Big Mac Arena" or some such tacky name given it by a cockney who has no empathy with Newcastle and its people
253 Oct 28, 2009 8:08 PM It would be an insult to the heritage of the club
254 Oct 28, 2009 8:16 PM selling our identity - surely we are not in the shit to have to do that! I don't fancy going to the Netto stadium each week (no offence Nettos)
255 Oct 28, 2009 8:23 PM I believe Ashley is increasingly trying to alienate the fans (for whatever purpose?), either directly or perhaps by default. Certainly by not considering the nature of the affinity the fans have to the club and simply treating it as a commodity will only exacerbate this
256 Oct 28, 2009 8:27 PM it will never be anything but what it is
257 Oct 28, 2009 8:31 PM no way it should always be known as st james and we will lose our identity
258 Oct 28, 2009 8:43 PM No cooment necessary . Sacrilege
259 Oct 28, 2009 8:51 PM Definately not. Ashley is selling the soul of the club. Since relegation he cashed in on top players and none of that has been used for new players. Now it appears he is going to squeeze as much out of the club as possible.
260 Oct 28, 2009 8:57 PM If we were moving to a new ground it would be a different matter.
261 Oct 28, 2009 9:05 PM Only if a new ground is built, its a ridiculous idea.
262 Oct 28, 2009 9:20 PM as long as it incoperates the ST James Park in it.
263 Oct 28, 2009 9:30 PM My heart says no, but...in an increasingly tough operating environment the extra revenue will be extremely useful..if only we could be sure that Ashley will invest the funds into the club. I would also prefer the naming sponsor to be a reputable company and even better have some affiliation with the Newcastle region
264 Oct 28, 2009 9:33 PM It should always be called St Jameses Park, as it has been since football has been played there
265 Oct 28, 2009 9:40 PM you cant rename St. James park, he is just rubbing salt in the wounds
266 Oct 28, 2009 9:45 PM We have a proud tradition to look after.
267 Oct 28, 2009 9:47 PM If the name goes so do the traditions
268 Oct 28, 2009 10:16 PM Absolutely shameful - Local Press, City Council and Government should intervene, and should have done months ago
269 Oct 28, 2009 10:28 PM total joke
270 Oct 28, 2009 10:31 PM What b****y difference make to the club, extra income maybe but a poisonned chalice to everyone who goes to the ground.
271 Oct 28, 2009 10:47 PM This is a matter of history and tradition. it's not a new stadium - simple as that !
272 Oct 28, 2009 10:53 PM Mike Ashley and his team just go from making one terrible decision to another. This decision shows that they do not understand the fans and the public of this great city. Owning this club is a privilage and a responsibility and they just simply do not deserve to be here.
273 Oct 28, 2009 11:03 PM Yes - it's part and parcel of modern football. As long as it is a name that represents what the people want!
274 Oct 28, 2009 11:21 PM St James Park should stay the name and we should only change the name of our stadium if we move.
275 Oct 28, 2009 11:35 PM Its like changing the name of Buckingham palace or the Tower of London- Sacrilige
277 Oct 29, 2009 12:12 AM Never, absolutely horrendous decision
278 Oct 29, 2009 12:14 AM outrageous-destroying the heritage-it will always be sjp and nothing else
279 Oct 29, 2009 12:22 AM What for the names an icon and whilst I believe financial control is essential some things are not for sale.
280 Oct 29, 2009 12:32 AM As long as it stays with the prefix of ST James
281 Oct 29, 2009 12:35 AM But it will bring Ashley more money and that is all he is interested in.
282 Oct 29, 2009 12:45 AM old trafford, anfield, how much money could man utd and liverpool make if they had a sponsor for the ground but they (even with foreign owners) realise how important it is.
283 Oct 29, 2009 1:10 AM Just another kick in the teeth for us fans.
284 Oct 29, 2009 3:14 AM It has a name
285 Oct 29, 2009 4:33 AM More of the Ashley insult to probably the only thing left for the fans and supporters to have pride in.
286 Oct 29, 2009 6:18 AM St.James' Park is synonymous with Newcastle and the name should stay. I have no objection to the naming rights though as long as St. James' staysin the title e.g. Emirates St James' Park or similar.
287 Oct 29, 2009 6:35 AM Never
288 Oct 29, 2009 7:26 AM sjp is part of our history
289 Oct 29, 2009 7:42 AM the name st james park must never be sold
290 Oct 29, 2009 8:03 AM next we will be playing in red and white stripes.
291 Oct 29, 2009 8:19 AM The Ground is St James's Park and should remain so. The situation is not compatable with Arsenal - they moved away from Highbury and a new location was found. I'm sure there would have been discontent if Highbury had been renamed.
292 Oct 29, 2009 8:25 AM St. James Park is part of the brand. If you devalue that, then you reduce everything else.
293 Oct 29, 2009 8:41 AM total disgrace he wants to rub the fans faces in the shit
294 Oct 29, 2009 8:50 AM St James Park is the heart of the club and City
295 Oct 29, 2009 8:59 AM A stupid idea - but it's what we've come to expect from Ashley. He has no idea about the proud history of this club and the fans!
296 Oct 29, 2009 9:00 AM ABSOLUTELY NOT!! its our history, our heritage.. how dare he even think about it...
297 Oct 29, 2009 9:07 AM It always has been and always should be St James' Park
298 Oct 29, 2009 9:13 AM It is integral to the culture of Newcastle. Do the council have any say in this matter as the land is leased?
299 Oct 29, 2009 9:13 AM St James Park is SJP. Nothing. Else.