Llambias: 'We Still Call It St James' Park'

9 March 2012, 09:09 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Newcastle United's managing director Derek Llambias admits he and owner Mike Ashley still call the club's ground St James' Park.

The pair sparked fury on Tyneside when they decided to re-name the 52,000 capacity stadium - clothing retailers Sports Direct are owned by Ashley - in a bid to attract a commercial sponsor.

One fan's already been prosecuted and fined after daubing the old name back on a wall in paint after the St James' Park sineage was removed several weeks ago, and fans at last night's 3-3 reserve team draw with Sunderland tore down Sports Direct signs inside the ground.

However, Llambias has revealed neither he nor the owner use the new name.

He told the Times:
"Naming rights is such a passionate thing, but it's not about being disrespectful or taking away the tradition or history of the club, it's about trying to get another Yohan Cabaye out there on the pitch.

Do you think me and Mike call it the Sports Direct Arena? We call it St James' Park, because it is St James' Park.

But, to optimise our commercial side, we needed to get that in there. Other clubs do it.

Mike is a Chelsea supporter. Everyone thinks he is a Tottenham supporter, by the way, and that upsets him.

But if Stamford Bridge was changing names, he'd have a view. It will always be Stamford Bridge.

The same goes for St James'. But we have to do our best for the club and for the people who turn up to see the games.''

The revelation comes a day after the Magpies announced an operating loss of £3.9million, a figure which represents a massive improvement on the previous two years and a significant step towards the break-even point.