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New Sponsor for Newcastle United?

With Newcastle United’s current shirt sponsorship deal finishing at the end of the current season there are big rumours that they will again proudly bear the Newcastle Brown ale badge on their chests.

History

The Magpies have a long history with Scottish and Newcastle breweries as the pair had been entwined since the early 80’s. The Magpies have worn ‘Newcastle Breweries’, ‘Greenall’s Beers’, ‘McEwan’s Lager’ and ‘Newcastle Brown Ale’ on their shirts, before swapping to ‘NTL’ in 2000, a time when Scottish and Newcastle were in financial trouble.

With Newcastle Brown Ale having long been associated with the working man and heavy industry in the North East, it was a great fit for Newcastle United. The logo was worn throughout the 80’s and 90’s, including during the Magpies Premier League title push by the likes of Alan Shearer and David Ginola.

On occasion, the sponsor had to be changed to ‘Centre Parcs’ (also owned by Scottish & Newcastle). This was during the clubs Champions League and UEFA Cup (now known as the Europa League) ties in France. This was due to French law which bans the advertising of Alcohol.

The End for Wonga

It will be a welcome return to tradition for the Magpies if the sponsorship deal does come off. It will also eventually see the back of the much loathed pay day lenders Wonga from the iconic black and white shirt, probably the most hated shirt sponsor in their history.

Newcastle United were paid £24 million by Wonga for a four-year deal back in 2012. The club will surely be looking to improve on this going forward, allowing extra funds to strengthen the team if they manage to gain promotion back to the Premier League.

No Stadium naming rights

It is also understood that the sponsorship deal will not include the renaming of St James’ Park. Another very unpopular decision taken by owner Mike Ashley back in 2011 that caused outrage on Tyneside.

Ashley controversially changed the name of Newcastle’s famous old ground to the Sports Direct Arena, after ‘selling’ the rights to his own company.

Whoever takes over the shirt sponsorship will no doubt gain maximum exposure. The iconic shirt worn by thousands on match day fans. They will also have the pleasure of replacing the much maligned Wonga.

Let’s hope they enjoy a long and fruitful relationship on both sides.

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