Source: Daily_Mail
Newcastle admirer Moat admits stadium name in danger - even if Ashley sells up
Barry Moat, the businessman linked to a buy-out of Newcastle claims he too would consider selling the naming rights of St James' Park if he was in charge of the club.[LNB]Moat had been linked with a takeover of the Coca-Cola Championship side earlier this year but owner Mike Ashley has taken it off the market after he could not find anyone willing to meet his £80million valuation.[LNB]Since then Ashley has taken the controversial decision to officially rename the club's home sportsdirect.com@St James' Park in a bid to attract sponsors wishing to attach their brand to the ground, with Sports Direct being the sportswear firm owned by Ashley.[LNB] Erasing history: Newcastle fans vent their anger at the stadium's name change [LNB]It was another generally unpopular move by Ashley in the eyes of supporters, but Newcastle businessman Moat insists it is something which most clubs have to consider.[LNB]He told Sky Sports News: 'I think you have to explore things like naming rights, you have to do that.[LNB]'Unfortunately we live in a world where football is big business, and the gapbetween the Championship and the Premier League is getting bigger all the time. [LNB] Geordie anger: The fans refuse to accept the changes brought in by Ashley[LNB]'So you have to do things to close that gap. We need to get back up to the Premier League as quickly as possible. I think if you have to do some of those things, by taking the commercial benefit of a sponsor, then as far as I'm concerned if that gets the right players on the pitch, gives you the right entertainment on a Saturday, then where do I sign?'[LNB] Newcastle United fans: Stop messing with the legacy of Wor JackieCharles Sale: St James' Park rebrand fails to register @ NewcastleNewcastle fans launch buy-out attempt to coax Ashley into flying Magpies nest [LNB] Explore more:People:Mike AshleyPlaces:Newcastle, St James' Park
