Ground zero

Friday, 06/11/2009

Old Trafford, St. James’ Park, Anfield, Stamford Bridge…the list goes on, but sadly these famous names could become a relic of the past.
St. James’ Park has been hit this week by a naming rights row. Stamford Bridge could follow. There would be plenty of takers if Man United and Liverpool wanted to take sponsor’s cash to rename their grounds.
Newcastle fans were rightly furious that much-hated club owner Mike Ashley decided to put the moniker of his sports firm before the name of their world famous stadium.
This is a city landmark. Something you can’t fail to be impressed by when you enter the city. Fans still reminiss about the old ground with terraces. They are rightly proud of how SJP has developed under Sir John Hall and Freddie Shepherd.
And they are also totally within their rights to voice opposition to the owner selling off part of their heritage. (Did he actually pay more cash to the club?).
This move won’t do Ashley any favours. But to be honest I can’t see many people adding the “official” name of the ground either. Even though the fans have no love for the sports firm magnet, he might have got away with it if he had called in Shearer St. James’ Park Stadium…
As for Chelsea, it’s a fair bet that if they do accept a backer’s pound notes they are likely to take naming rights a lot more seriously and with taste.
Abramovich Park? He’d be quite within his rights, and it might even be accepted – but I hardly think it will happen!

* Is it right to take cash to replace famous ground names? Give us your views…

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