“I just can’t imagine St James’s Park being called anything else. Whatever next? Why don’t they just go the whole hog and change the name of the club itself?” The antipathy between Ashley and Shepherd has been open from the minute the sportswear magnate engineered the latter’s removal two years ago after buying a majority shareholding from Shepherd’s former ally Sir John Hall. Ever since there have been persistent rumours Shepherd would try to buy the club back, but none have come to fruition. So it was no surprise the Byker-born businessman was quick to join the many voices of disapproval at Ashley’s decision. “I suppose nothing surprises me about the current regime so news that they are ready to sell the naming rights isn’t exactly a shock,” he reflected. “I appreciate we are living in a commercial world but there are some things money can’t buy. “St James’s Park is one of the most famous stadiums not just in Europe, but in the world. You can go anywhere on this planet and everyone knows St James’s Park is the home of Newcastle United. The two go together and are synonymous with each other. “Fans will be horrified, angry and upset. They have had to put up with a lot in recent months but this is just another blow for them.” Also in Ashley’s announcement was the promise of an immediate £20m cash injection. While not specified how this will be spent, it would appear to strengthen boss Chris Hughton’s hand in the transfer market. Stoke City defender Leon Cort, thought to be a Magpies target, has revealed he expects to be leaving the Potteries club on loan soon. “The gaffer’s told me there’s been a bit of interest in me from other clubs and that they’re good clubs,” said the brother of former Newcastle striker Carl, who is also interesting Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest. Meanwhile, Alan Thompson says Nile Ranger’s first Newcastle goal of the season should help the teenager break his duck at first-team level. The England Under-19 international scored for the reserves in a 3-2 defeat at home to Celtic this week. “That’s Nile’s first goal for a while so hopefully that will give him a little bit of confidence,” said the former midfielder. | 
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