Llambias makes St James' vow

Magpies chief reassures fans

Last updated: 3rd November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Llambias makes St James' vow

Llambias: Reassurances

We are never going to lose St James' Park. It is always going to be @St James' Park

. Derek Llambias
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Newcastle managing director Derek Llambias has moved to reassure fans the club will not lose the name of St James' Park in plans to sell naming rights to the ground.

Magpies owner Mike Ashley revealed last month he was planning to try and sell the naming rights to Newcastle's home ground after taking the club off the market.

The news was met with anger and frustration by Newcastle fans, but Llambias insists St James' Park will remain with any new sponsor and that they club are also considering the idea to raise revenue.

"We are just basically looking to explore and maximise our revenues," Llambias told Sky Sports News.

"We have a great opportunity at the moment because our sponsorships are coming to an end - a kit sponsor, shirt sponsor and then we have stadium rights sponsor.

"Our intention is to put a package together that would include, for instance for the stadium rights, a jumbo screen included in that sponsorship which is great for the fans as well.

"Our intention is to have whoever the sponsor is - say SportsDirect.com @ St James' Park.

"We are never going to lose St James' Park, it is always going to be @St James' Park.

"So at the moment the Gallowgate has already got SportsDirect.com. We would like to follow that through and take it for the rest of the season as a showcase to whoever is out there who would like to buy the package as SportsDirect.com @ St James' Park."

Llambias admits the club board understand the frustration of fans who fear losing the name of their famous ground in any new sponsorship deal.

"Of course [we understand their fears], we know the history, an incredible history, an incredible passion with the fans," added Llambias.

"There's an ownership to it, we understand St James' Park, the history is just wonderful.

"We are not trying to take that away, we are just trying to add something to the revenue status of our club."