Newcastle United Football Club News

• Nickname:Magpies
• Founded:1881
• Manager:Alan Pardew

• Ground:St James' Park
• Capacity:52,193

Magpies reveal name change

05 Nov 2009 - 16:20:38

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Newcastle United fans received a shock on Wednesday when controversial owner Mike Ashley announced the re-branding of their ground to the sportsdirect.com @ St James' Park Stadium.

The catchy new name, an extension of the original, historic St James' Park, is an attempt by Ashley, who owns the sports direct brand, to advertise the possibility of a name sale to prospective new investors.

Despite conceding that he wouldn't allow St James' Park to disappear from the title, Ashley has been roundly criticised by supporters of the club, including former chairman Freddy Shepherd.

"There are some things that money can't buy," commented Shepherd to the BBC.

Campaigns from supporters' groups against the new name are already underway, with the supporters' trust organising an online petition at nust.co.uk demanding, "St James' Park or nothing".