Source: Daily_Mail
Newcastle hero Malcolm Macdonald hits out at plans to re-name St James' Park
Former Newcastle United hero Malcolm Macdonald has slammed club owner Mike Ashley's decision to try and re-name St James' Park.[LNB]Macdonald, who earned the name 'Supermac' during his Newcastle playing days in the 1970s, insists Ashley's plans will outrage Magpies fans.[LNB]Ashley, who announced on Tuesday he was taking the club off the market after failing to find a buyer prepared to match his £80m asking price, wants to maximise the club's commercial revenues by selling off the name of the stadium to sponsors.[LNB] Controversial: Club owner Mike Ashley has taken Newcastle off the market but the naming rights at St James' Park are still up for grabs to the highest bidder[LNB]But ex-striker Macdonald, who also played for England and Arsenal, told the Daily Telegraph: 'If they thought they had got on the wrong side of the people of Tyneside then just wait and see what happens if they go through with their plans to re-name St James' Park because there will be an almighty uproar and outcry.[LNB]'It would upset people so much because it everyone's second home. That is how people feel about it. It has been St James' Park forever and a day and it should remain that way. [LNB] Difference of opinion: Malcolm Macdonald (left) and club owner Mike Ashley[LNB] 'One or two things have gone through my head this morning about potential new names and I am absolutely horrified to think what it could be called.'[LNB]Macdonald has also questioned Ashley's decision to appoint Chris Hughton as Newcastle manager on an 18-month deal. The Magpies currently top the Championship by a point following their 2-1 win over Doncaster last weekend.[LNB] Sitting pretty: Marlon Harewood (right) clashes with Doncaster's Quinton Fortune during Newcastle's recent 2-1 win which kept them top of the Championship[LNB]He added: 'There have been very, very few examples of coaches successfully becoming managers. [LNB]'Chris Hughton has been in the game a very long time as a player and then a coach and has never shown any managerial desire beforehand.'[LNB] St James' Park no more! Newcastle off the market as Mike Ashley says he'll pump £20m into club and put stadium naming rights up for grabs Newcastle 2 Doncaster 1: Kevin Nolan scores dramatic late winner to put Magpies back on top of ChampionshipNewcastle legend Alan Shearer admits he still wants to return as manager [LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People:Marlon Harewood, Mike Ashley, Quinton FortunePlaces:Newcastle, United Kingdom, St James' Park
