TOON fans have been stunned after a picture appeared on the internet showing a famous sign being dismantled at St James’s Park.
The picture, showing the ‘Newcastle United’ lettering being removed from the roof of the East Stand, was posted on popular fans’ website nufc.com today.
Newcastle United bosses have confirmed that the sign is coming down, but say it will be replaced with new, identical lettering.
However, a club spokesman said they were unable to confirm or deny mounting speculation that commercial signage promoting owner Mike Ashley’s company, Sports Direct, would be added to the stand.
Steve Wraith, editor of Newcastle United fanzine Toon Talk, said: “It is sad to see a piece of history being dismantled.
“It has been there for a lot of years and means a lot to the fans.
“I broke the news on Twitter six weeks ago that it was coming down.
“It will be interesting to see what they replace it with. I do hope it is nothing commercial.”
The ‘Newcastle United’ lettering has been on the roof of the East Stand for many years.
Last season, Ashley angered supporters by having a giant Sports Direct logo added to the roof of the Gallowgate End.