The people upstairs can maximise revenue as much as they want. If changing the name formally means more money comes in, then fair enough. However, it doesn't mean that the people who matter, the fans, have to follow suit. We're all inside the footballing bubble, so we, as fans, can name something anything we like. St James' Park was called that for over a century, and now Ashley is formally changing the name. However, fans of any club can still choose to call it St James' Park if they wish. It doesn't bother me much really, but it would be an appreciated sign of respect of fans of other clubs continued to call it St James' park.
This is football today.... it's not to the taste of all and sundry. I suppose I can do nothing more than wish you the best of luck in your quest for respect.
Most people still call the shop John Lewis in Newcastle 'Bainbridges' even if they have no idea why. I have young family back in Newcastle who weren't even born any time near when it was called 'Bainbridge' but tradition has passed it on. Considering that St James' Park Stadium is a far, far greater traditional and cultural part of the history of the city than that famed historical department store - it's very unlikely that the St James' name will die out. There's been some good answers to this thread, even the ones that say they'd call it the new name to wind us up! I wouldn't expect much else . I don't see why anybody would consider it to be a pointless thread though, our two clubs have a joint interest and unique rivalry in English football, being isolated as they are.
I think your forgetting that its less than 24 hours since the change of your stadium name has occured and if you don't expect a barrage of good humour now then obviously you don't fully enjoy the football banter. As time passes by the banter won't quite be so in your face as it probably appears to you yourself as a supporter of Newcastle at this point in time. Some fans will find the thought abhorrent (mostly newcastle), some won't be to bothered and others will laugh their socks off. Thats just human nature and the spectrum of different types of personalities. The older generation who are synonymous with being unable to embrace change will be the ones who offer you the most respect, the younger ones will take the mickey with great liberation.
Oh, the joys of Roker Park! Does anybody remember a t.v. cigarette advert - an attractive couple having a picnic by a stream with sunlight streaming through the trees, with the caption (in a very seductive voice) 'And we smoked our Players'? Well one day, I was standing on the Fulwell End (which was uncovered then). It was absolutely chucking it down. In front of me there was a little old man who clearly had come straight from the shipyards (when they still worked a 5.5 day week) - mucky mack, greasy flat cap, and his bait-bag over his shoulder. He turned round to me and there was water running off the peak of his cap in front of his nose - comical really. "Huh, and we smoked wor f**kin' Players", he said. I think everybody for five yards around collapsed with laughing. We were drenched and loving every minute of it. Old Roker Park - Jesus, some memories. If you could have caught some of them pies, mate, I'm sure the club would have bought them back off you for next week.
Its the Sports Direct Stadium. End of. No question or doubts at all for anyone. You can call it what you want but the rest of the football world will call it as it is legally named, as will the BBC, SKY and any other media organisation, as not to do so will be illegal and fraudulent after our lad Ashley has deemed it to be so. As for your use of my statement, cheers for reminding everyone of the current status of the 2 clubs. It wont change until May 13th by which time if your club are higher in the league you can call it so. However, with your history of losing big leads, I would love it......I mean really love it if we catch and pass you over the next TWENTY SEVEN games. It could easily happen of course with so long to go. He who laughs last and all that? In the meantime, your praise of our status of having been the top NE club for 3 years is most gratifying and I thank you greatly.
Ashley or whoever may, in the future, take over our nearest and dearest can call it whatever they like but to me it will always be Sid James' Park. Ooops sorry I mean St. James' Park.
A **** hole.........same as always......only been once, During Euro 96 was it 96? Anyway the toilets etc were a dump (pun intended) and it was minging.....Maybe it's changed since then? I was also very dissapointed with the old Wembley, dropping to bits
St. James' Park for me. Like i have just put over on your board, where will this end? name changing so there is a brand name tagged onto the end of the name. Luckily we are not as big as America, and most cities have a team, but I could see a city wanting a team and buying the team and moving it. Only one thing to blame for this, and thats the FFP, the big clubs are always going to get bigger and rake in huge turnovers, and the smaller teams will still struggle, its just not going to work im afraid, yes it may stop clubs going bust, but how many went bust in the previous rules, not many, and not many in the top divisions, and its only to ban you from Europe, if you are someone like Notts County, you dont give a **** about Europe in the next 3 years, so you can do what you want. I just hate to see where we are going to end up with this, and for me its a sad day for football, never mind Newcastle United.
I'll call it the SDA as a wind-up. Couldn't miss out on that one if they change the name. Not that I agree with it, necessarily, but, St James Park has joined the Reebok, Emirates, Etihad, etc etc in the sponsored names stakes. Just a shame that Mike Ashley didn't make his money from condoms or waste recycling. However, as someone has already said, it will be forever Sid James Park for me.
