The last sign (stain) of Mike Ashley now replaced at St James’ Park


 
 
 
 
 
 

Mike Ashley descended on St James’ Park back in 2007.

The overwhelming majority of fans not only welcomed the takeover, in fact, they were ecstatic at the news.

Newcastle United supporters believed at the time that it ushered in an exciting new era at the club that would be unforgettable.

Well, Mike Ashley certainly proved unforgettable, though for all the wrong reasons!

Instead of an exciting new era at St James’ Park, it instead saw a decade and a half of savage decline, on and off the pitch.

Mike Ashley milked the club for all that it was worth for his own personal benefit.

That ended of course on 7 October 2021, when another Newcastle United takeover occurred.

The Saudi Arabia PIF led consortium buying out Mike Ashley for £305m.

On Monday (1 July 2024), a teasing enigmatic social media image (see below) from Newcastle United of St James’ Park prompted much discussion amongst supporters.

This is how St James’ Park looked before Mike Ashley arrived in 2007:

Then this is how it looked once he defaced our stadium with his vomit-inducing SD branding:

Then this happened on Monday…

👀 pic.twitter.com/mjAGNhfE1P

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) July 1, 2024

Yes, whilst the SD branding was long gone, the last remaining sign (stain) of Mike Ashley was getting removed.

The ‘Newcastle United’ on the East Stand roof, having the SD style font lettering removed.

Now on Thursday…

The club revealing this new look ahead of the new season.

An iconic symbol of our past. Part of our future.

⚫⚪ pic.twitter.com/Nru0NRixQ3

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) July 4, 2024

Or should that be a new old (pre-Ashley!) look unveiled…