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Ant and Dec raise banner against Newcastle arena name change

Comment: 0 November 11th, 2011 by: admin

JOINING the impassioned public protest against the changing of Newcastle United’s stadium name are celebrity duo Ant and Dec.

The pair, known for their work on TV and pop music, learned about the name change while in Australia filming the television show I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!

Both Newcastle supporters, the duo publicly criticised the decision to change the stadium name from St. James’ Park to Sports Direct, a move that club officials said would hopefully attract sponsors.

‘It will always be known as St. James’ Park,’ insisted the pair.

The stadium’s new name is actually that of a retail store founded by Newcastle owner Mike Ashley.  And should the plan actually work and new sponsors are signed, reports indicate that another name change would possibly take place as a result.

‘News reached Oz,’ the pair said via Twitter.  ‘Sad day.  However, you, me, us, every fan who values the heritage of their club, will always know it as St. James’ Park.’

The disapproving sentiments have been evident amongst supporters since the news broke, and celebrities have joined in the fray, voicing out their disappointment.

‘I can only liken it to changing the team’s colours from black and white to red and white and making us look like Sunderland,’ mused former English cricket player Steve Harmison.  ‘That’s how big a deal this is.  You wonder if they would do that if the money was right.’

Responding to the widespread complaints, the club’s managing director Derek Llambias explained that the move could result in a massive amount of additional earnings totalling up to £10 million annually for United.

He explained that such a result would add to the club’s competitiveness by giving it the ability to beef up its roster.

‘We’ve had an exceptional year, but fans want us to buy more players,’ said Llambias.  ‘There is no guarantee we will find a sponsor between now and summer, but we have to give ourselves a chance.’

Complaints over the name change include accusations of disrespect towards the club’s history, which has featured the stadium carrying the name St. James’ Park for close to 120 years.

‘I totally respect the tradition and history of the club, but we need to move with the times,’ explained Llambias, as quoted by Mirror Football.

‘We lose Northern rock as a shirt sponsor this year, so this gives me a very small window to get a new shirt sponsor and a stadium sponsor at the same time.’

According to reports, an overwhelming 87.6% of Newcastle supporters were against the decision to change the name.

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