Northern Rock Drop Shirt Sponsorship of Newcastle United Early

November 14, 2011

Northern Rock has concluded its sponsorship deal with Newcastle United, with over three years still remaining in its contract.

The £10m deal was renewed in January last year and was due to last four years.

It included a clause allowing the bank to get out after two years, which it has now taken up. It is understood the decision was made for financial reasons.

Last week, St James’ Park, had its name changed to Sports Direct Arena after club owner Mike Ashley’s company, in a bid to showcase the sponsorship opportunities of the stadium to interested parties.

The Newcastle-based state-run bank said that the end of the sponsorship was nothing to do with the recent name change of St James’ Park, but followed a change in the way it spends money on marketing.

Newcastle United are also looking for a new shirt sponsor with managing director Derek Llambias saying: “I need to find a new shirt sponsor by the end of December – and that’s the latest. Puma need to put the shirt sponsor on, they’re manufacturing, and they would like it last month.

“I’ve got a very small window to sell the shirt and naming rights and, if I have to sell them separately, then I have to sell them separately.

In the last few years, Northern Rock has ended its sponsorship deals with Durham County Cricket Club, basketball outfit Newcastle Eagles and rugby union side Newcastle Falcons.