Back in October we wrote about Mike Ashley’s decision to sell off St James’s Park’s ‘naming rights’ and offered our full support to angry Magpies. We also predicted there’d be a massive backlash from Newcastle fans against the decision and so it’s proved. Newcastle United Supporters Trust (NUST) are hosting a petition on their site against the name change which has so far received more than 23,000 signatures. A whopping total we’re sure you’ll agree - well done to all involved. Click here to sign NUST’s petition opposing the St James’s Park name change. Unfortunately our original guess that the change wouldn’t go through has proved to be wrong. As we’re sure you’ve read elsewhere Ashley and his chums have decided to rename the ground sportsdirect.com@St James’s Park. Not only have they trampled all over the Toon’s traditions – but they didn’t even get a penny for it since Ashley owns Sports Direct anyway. Some have even speculated that this move is only temporary and intended to draw the sting so that it’s easier for Ashley and co to find a different sponsor in the future. We wouldn’t be surprised. Regardless, the anger from St James’s hasn’t put off other clubs, such as Chelsea, from exploring the idea either. While some have argued that this isn’t such an important issue, citing stadiums like Arsenal’s Emirates or Bolton’s Reebok, it should be remembered that these tend to be new builds. Their history is in front of them. Legends, memories and traditions have yet to happen. It’s not the same as changing the name of somewhere you’ve called home for more than 100 years. The New York Yankees, who know a thing or two about marketing, actually chose not to sell off their stadium name when they moved in April. While you’d presume they’d be prime candidates to cash in they actually recognised that it’s a false economy. Sell off the ‘brand’ so cheaply and you lose a little bit of what makes you special in the first place. NUST are an affiliated FSF group who have recently launch the Yes We Can Campaign which aims to raise funds in order to buy out NUFC. Read more about Yes We Can here.

Newcastle United

NUFC

Newcastle Fan Ownership

The Newcastle United Supporters Trust (NUST) seeks to benefit both the Football Club and its supporters by channeling the passion of Newcastle supporters into a forward-thinking organisation that is a legally constituted, democratic, not-for-profit Supporters Trust of Newcastle United. Find out more at http://www.nust.org.uk/ .

Home Secretary Alan Johnson has led support for NUST’s campaign. He was part of a group of Hull City supporters who tried to buy the East Yorkshire club and gave his backing at an event for Tyneside Labour officials. He was joined by Toon-supporting Tyne Bridge MP David Clelland. Mr Clelland said: “If it’s good enough for Barcelona then it’s good enough for Newcastle. There can be no doubt that the current owners of NUFC have completely lost the trust of supporters and there is no prospect of that changing as long as the club remains in their hands. The idea of a takeover by a fan-based trust has worked elsewhere and there is no reason it cannot work here. “The controversy over the Kevin Keegan affair and the renaming of the ground are just two of the more controversial incidents augmented by Ashley and Co that demonstrate just how out of touch with the fans and inadequate for the task they are and why in the interests of the club they should co-operate with NUST. The fans deserve better, and the conclusion that they will only get it by taking matters into their own hands is one we very much agree with.” Trust spokesman Mark Jensen, also editor of United fanzine the Mag, said: “Its fantastic that our MPs are backing the Yes We Can campaign. As the campaign reaches its second week, we’re amazed by the support we’re picking up from the region, country and around the world. Alan was a member of the Hull ‘collective’ that tried to buy a stake in Hull City and was able to pass a few tips on.” Pub landlord and Newcastle fan Mike Ashley has joined the fans drive to reclaim their club. Mike, landlord of the Blacksmith Arms in Gosforth joined NUST at a Trust roadshow with other fans. Neil Mitchell, Interim Chair of the Trust said ‘The coincidence was not lost on the Trust and Mike took it all in great humour. Its now official - Mike Ashley backs the fans campaign to buy a stake in the club and his support is appreciated. We’re a broad church and accept all Newcastle fans as members.”

Newcastle United

NUST

Newcastle Supporters

The Newcastle United Supporters Trust (NUST) seeks to benefit both the Football Club and its supporters by channeling the passion of Newcastle supporters into a forward-thinking organisation that is a legally constituted, democratic, not-for-profit Supporters Trust of Newcastle United. Find out more at http://www.nust.org.uk/ .