MPs Enter Renaming Row

Three local members of parliament have spoken out against Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley’s decision to rename the club’s ground in order to raise cash to buy players.

Their complaints follow Newcastle city council’s announcement that it will refuse to change the road signs that direct fans to St James’ Park, which has been the ground’s name for the 119 years since it was built.

In the short term it will become the Sports Direct Arena, named after Ashley’s sportswear company, and will be changed again when a suitable long-term sponsor is found.

Newcastle United managing director Derek Llambias has denied the move is disrespectful to the club’s heritage and insists the extra revenues are necessary if the club is to break into the top six of the Premier League and stay there.

This isn’t cutting any ice with Newcastle North MP Catherine McKinnell, who says it shows a lack of respect for the club, it’s proud history, the people of Newcastle and the memory of playing legends such as Jackie Milburn and Sir Bobby Robson.

“It will always be St James’ Park to me, and I’m sure for thousands of others,” she said. “I would urge all Newcastle fans to contact the board and demand that they rethink this terrible decision – we mustn’t take this lying down.”

Fellow Labour MP Nick Brown, who represents Newcastle East, said it’s been known as St James’ Park for more than 100 years and should remain so. Wansbeck MP Ian Lavery also criticised the change of name and said the club is treating its fans with contempt.

The Newcastle board has said it tried to keep St James’ Park in the title, but sponsors weren’t prepared to stump up money under those terms.