No grounds for concern, claims Hughton

05 November 2009 15:33
Newcastle manager Chris Hughton is convinced St James' Park will always be St James' Park as the club prepares for yet another fans' backlash.[LNB]Owner Mike Ashley and managing director Derek Llambias caused outrage last week when they revealed the naming rights for the stadium were up for grabs as they attempt to bring new revenue into the club.[LNB]They did little to abate that fury when they confirmed earlier this week that the 52,000-capacity venue will now be known as the sportsdirect.com@St James' Park Stadium as the search for a long-term sponsor gets under way.[LNB]However, Hughton believes the name change will make little difference in practice.[LNB]He said: "I sympathise with the supporters because they are a massive, massive part of this club. But I am quite sure that in a year's time, two years' time, 10 years' time, people will still refer to the stadium as St James'.[LNB]"It's not like a club that has actually moved its stadium. I can understand where the supporters are coming from, but in everybody's eyes, it will still be St James'."

Source: Eurosport