John Wenham has claimed that Newcastle United’s trip to Saudi Arabia is a ploy by the club to secure “huge” sponsorship deals from the Gulf state.
Newcastle are currently in Saudi Arabia for a warm-weather training camp due to the postponement of the Premier League because of the World Cup.
The Magpies only had five players who featured in Qatar so had the luxury to bring a near full-strength side over to the Middle East as they beat Al-Hilal 5-0 in a friendly.
During the friendly, the Toon played in their controversial third kit which prominently features a white and green colour design, very similar to Saudi Arabia’s national team shirt, a clear plan from the club to increase interest and support from the Gulf state.
Wenham told Football Insider that the kit could also be used to attract sponsorship and was a good marketing decision.
“It makes sense from a business point of view, I’m sure it is a business decision,
“They are trying to appeal to new fans by wearing colours they are familiar with and identify with. There is a hotbed of fans out there.
“We know they are trying to secure various sponsorships at the moment, huge naming rights, huge shirt sponsor, maybe something for the training ground.
“Going to Saudi Arabia on a Saudi Arabian plane wearing Saudi Arabian colours can only endear the club to anyone over there who is looking to invest,” Wenham said.
TIF Thoughts on Wenham’s comments…
It’s a clear marketing strategy from the club and one that will surely bring them success with attraction for any potential investors to see their home nation represented in the richest club in the world.
The Magpies are looking to take advantage of their new ownership by looking to become the biggest supported and well-known club in the country, with them even launching an Arabic Twitter account earlier this month.
In order for the owners and club to realise the potential and become one of the world’s leading clubs they must expand their profile and what better country and region to begin in than the homeland of their owners?