It is not often that Mike Ashley, gets praised straight away for his actions. We were not happy when Chris Hughton was dumped in favour of Alan Pardew but, the way Newcastle have played since suggests Ashley knew better. Remember the hate fueled comments and threats of violence, towards Ashley when he had a very public falling out with Kevin Keegan. Would the fans want KK back now? I suggest not.
In 2009 Ashley announced the stadium St James' Park, would then be known as Sportsdirect @ St James' Park. The public out pouring again was directed at Ashley but, he claimed it was the best way of getting an investor, to see the value of seeing their company name attached with this great stadium. They poured scorn on that comment when it was renamed the Sports Direct Arena last season but now maybe, once again he was right as a new investor looks likely to be announced. Wonga, the high rate money lender, is reported to be a likely named later this week as the clubs new shirt and stadium sponsor. The deal worth up to £8 million per season will see the name Wonga on the shirts and the stadium renamed the Wonga Stadium or Wonga Arena. I still prefer St James' Park but see the value of the deal which is likely to be over 3 years. How Blackpool feel though is a different matter, as Wonga are their current shirt sponsors and will be moving on come the 2013/14 season.
