As it is, the team’s success is fantastic but is now not the main talk of the North East at the current time! Mike Ashley’s decision to change the name of St James Park was met with some very angry supporters and who can blame them? The stadiums name was iconic, a part of the clubs history and was a symbol of Newcastle!
If the name change wasn’t bad enough the choice of replacement hardly softened the blow – The Sports Direct Arena coincidently the same name as Ashley’s company! His lack of consideration for the club and its fans is frightening and is a worrying sign for the game in general. Money has become too powerful, the most important factor and it is wrong. Football should be about the fans, the team and the show they put on week in, week out!
In regards to NUFC, the bad feeling towards the removal of the St James Park sign could not have come at a worse time. If it causes the team to be distracted and results start to falter, then Ashley will only have himself to blame – however, whether he will feel guilty or not is anyone’s guess?
One fan labelled it as “corporate vandalism” which is rather accurate in these circumstances, after all it is the supporters, more than anyone, who have the right to complain; they pay their hard earned money into the club and they are the ones suffering!
Nevertheless, all this controversy should be pushed aside because the visit of the Makems, Sunderland, on Sunday is a must win for the Geordies, not just in terms of bragging rights but that fourth spot is still up for grabs. Likely outcome – The Black Cats get thrashed, easy win for Newcastle and Mike Ashley’s meddling will be forgotten for the time being?
Newcastle have surpassed all expectations this season and with Pardew at the helm, if Ba and Cisse carry on their hot streak of scoring form and no more off the pitch dramas could mean the club could be a real force next season.
Having the best fans in the world helps and it is about time they have something genuine to celebrate. The Toon Army marching to Wembley next year anyone?
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