Newcastle United will not change name of St James Park

Newcastle United have confirmed that the club’s new sponsorship deal will not mean a change in the stadium’s name as reported in the Evening Chronicle.

Following the club’s fan forum, a United statement read: “The club confirmed that positive progress has been made in relation to a new main shirt sponsor for the 2017/18 campaign, with an announcement to be made as soon as it is in a position to do so.

The fans forum also resulted in questions from supporters over the club’s lack of transfer activity in January.

The statement read: “The club emphasised that firm attempts had been made to strengthen the first-team squad during the most recent window and confirmed that plans were now progressing for the summer, with manager Rafa Benitez working with Lee Charnley and the scouting team.

“However, the club reaffirmed that its primary focus at present is on achieving promotion back to the Premier League and highlighted the belief in the current squad and the strength of the players within it.”

The Magpies are currently in the process of negotiating a new shirt sponsor with Wonga’s deal set to end this season.

But unlike the controversial decision to rename the stadium when Sports Direct’s branding dominated St James’ Park a few years ago, it won’t see United’s home renamed.

Back then Newcastle opted to call St James’ “The Sports Direct Arena” which angered many fans.

Many fans will also be glad to see the back of the pay day lenders name from the shirts which in itself caused split opinion on Tyneside.

Jb