Is it a sign? Sports Direct removals at SJP fuels fan takeover dispute

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Several Sports Direct advertising boards were removed from St James’ Park yesterday, and some Newcastle United fans believe it could be the first real sign of a takeover.

It’s been a week since potential new owners, the Bin Zayed group, were first linked to Newcastle United by The Sun, and fans are desperate for updates.

But a lack of response from Newcastle United has meant that every little move by both parties is now being analysed.

The removal of Sports Direct signs is just the latest story to be blown out of proportion.

Images began to circulate on Twitter yesterday of advertising being removed, and fans were quick to jump to conclusions.

Many were certain that it was a hint that current owner Mike Ashley must be on his way out.

However plenty of others have laughed off suggestions the sign removal has any deeper meaning.

Local press were also quick to dispel the significance of it yesterday.

The Chronicle reported that board removal is simply a part of summer maintenance at the ground, the club themselves stating this was the case.

The report implied fans shouldn’t be getting their hopes up, as signs are usually removed to be cleaned or fixed.

A Chronicle report from last year also shows an almost identical event occurred last year.

Signs removed in October 2018 similarly caused fans to get excited that change was in motion. But of course, it was again just for basic repairs.

With that in mind, this could well just be another case of badly timed maintenance where fans are concerned.

But some have refused to believe it’s all coincidence as The Sun released images today showing the signs have actually been dumped in a skip.

It’s highly likely new signs are on their way, but for now Toon fans will continue to debate the significance of this story.

Reactions to Sports Direct sign removal

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