Friday 6 November 2009

Stadium Naming Rights – why, oh why?

Never in a week I have read ‘stadium naming rights’ so much. Certainly been interesting...

In my opinion, I think it’s atrocious. If my club re-named the stadium to a brand, I would be as angry as every Newcastle [and soon-to-be Chelsea] fan across the country. Clubs are built around history. No brand will ever be able to replace that.

However, in retrospect, I can appreciate the financial implications for Newcastle. Relegation can kill a club. Look at Leeds, Norwich, Southampton and Charlton. All fighting in League One after experiencing administrations, point deductions and countless managers. But, bringing in your own company to name the stadium this year...for free. I have to wonder what Mike Ashley is thinking...

The communications from the club this week have been shocking. Why have they decided to do this now? After a steady few months for Mr Ashley, and I use the word steady lightly, appointing Chris Houghton and success so far on the pitch, what forced the club to announce this now? Why not wait until the end of the season? They could be promoted back to the Premier League by this point.

If the club continues to make rash decisions...they will cause bigger problems – I dread to think.

Wednesday 21 October 2009

Welcome to the Sport Boffin blog

I will be posting my thoughts, rants, debates, opinions throughout this blog so please feel free to comment, ignore, agree or disagree with anything I have to say.

I will post my first real blog shortly...

Sport Boffin