A big update on work at St. James' Park has emerged this week, regarding a decision by Newcastle United...
What's the talk?
Chronicle reporter Lee Ryder has confirmed that the club have decided to remove the Sports Direct signs at St. James' Park this week.
The journalist has revealed that the Magpies have taken them down after some pictures emerged on social media of work being done on the ground.
Buzzing
This update will surely leave fans buzzing as it takes a huge, literal, reminder of Mike Ashley away from the ground on matchday. In each of the home games under PIF's ownership so far, supporters have had to look up and see multiple Sports Direct images plastered around the ground and it is a throwback to days they want to forget.
Ashley previously renamed the stadium to the Sports Direct Arena, which may have angered supporters who wanted to stick with the traditional name. Therefore, the signs remaining all over the ground have wound people up by being in full view.
A section of Newcastle supporters arrived at the stadium after PIF's takeover of the club became official and partied in the streets, showing off their delight at Ashley leaving the club.
This highlights the discontent that existed between the owner and the fans prior to the new owner's arrival and why the Toon Army will now be buzzing with one of the last reminders of his reign - outside of the playing squad - being taken away for good.
Indeed, the reaction to this news said it all with certain individuals taking to the replies with visuals of Eddie Howe and Alan Shearer cheering.
It is symbolic that Newcastle picked up their first win of the Premier League season just before the Sports Direct signs were removed. They have entered a new era and the victory against Burnley could give them an added belief to avoid relegation after a dismal start to the campaign under Ashley's ownership, with this St. James' refresh signalling the beginning of something new on Tyneside.
Now, it is time for the Magpies to look forward to a prosperous future with the Saudi Arabian consortium, starting with Howe leading the team out of the relegation zone and up the Premier League table.
Relegation to the Championship would be far from an ideal start to their reign, but there are plenty of matches left to be played between now and May.
AND in other news, Howe could solve key NUFC issue by landing "tough-minded" beast who always "delivers"...