A Rose By Any Other Name...

The Sports Direct Arena

It has been a fantastic start to the season for Newcastle United. After a pre-season that saw big names leave and apparently not replaced left many supporters what direction the club was heading. 


However, here we are in mid November with the Toon undefeated, sitting rubbing shoulders with the regular title contenders in 3rd place. A position which even the most optimistic of Geordie's surely would never have predicted in the summer. 


What could possibly take the shine off such a brilliant start to the campaign? Ah, yes. A certain Mike Ashley. 


Personally, I've had to tip my hat to Ashley for the shrewd way he and his staff have performed in the transfer market. On first glance, the decision to let Carroll, Nolan, Barton and Jose Enrique all leave looked nothing short of disastrous. Now, with the benefit of hindsight, these departures have actually left both the squad - and the club - in a stronger position. 


A slashed wage bill has given Newcastle a sound financial grounding. Couple that with a team that believe in their own and each others ability, Ashley looks to be onto a good thing. Until he messed around with history, that is. 


Selling the naming rights to your stadium is nothing new in world football. The BBC sites 11 grounds in England's top two tiers with sponsored stadia. However, the majority of these venues are new builds. They are starting a history of their own, from scratch. Newcastle United have played at St James' since they founded in 1892. 


From a personal point of view, the thing that grates me is the 'probation period' the stadiums name is now under. Managing director, Derek Llambias telling us: "Naming the stadium the Sports Direct Arena helps up to showcase the opportunity to interested parties." and added: "We are now actively seeking a long-term sponsor wishing to acquire full naming rights for the stadium."


So basically, we will be playing at an alternatively named stadium again next season? It just seems that tradition means very little to those at the top. 


Having said that, I am a realist. I understand that bringing in "£8-10million" extra per year will have a great benefit on the club. Especially with FIFA's financial fair play rules coming into play in the near future. 

The Sir Bobby Robson Stand? 

This comes in a week that saw Sir Alex Ferguson celebrate 25 years of management at Manchester United and the much maligned Glazer family rename a stand in his honour. How long ago does it seem since we were lobbying for the East Stand to be renamed The Sir Bobby Robson Stand? 


Now it looks more like being The Matalan Main Stand, Littlewoods Leazes End or even The Greggs Gallowgate. 


Even with an official name change, I think St James' Park will be called just that for years to come.