And now The Guardian has reported today at ALL tax payers (yes ... including Mackems) are aiding Newcastle's push for promition, because the Northern Rock is extending its sponsorship of Newcastle United courtesy of a new four-year deal worth up to £10m.
The stricken bank was bailed out by the British taxpayer and is under public ownership.
The Guardian claims: "This is an insult to those Northern Rock shareholders who lost serious money in the crisis – or those investors who currently see paltry returns on their Northern Rock savings accounts and Isas.
Robin Ashby, founder of the Northern Rock Small Shareholders' Group. "I am quite frankly gobsmacked, it's bonkers.
"This is not a sensible use of taxpayers' money. It is not a sensible commerical decision.
"A publicly owned, nationalised bank should not be sponsoring football clubs. Why is the taxpayer in Bognor Regis paying to support Newcastle United."
Derek Llambias (Newcastle's managing director): "We believe collaboration will help both companies achieve our respective goals in the local, national and international market place."
So ... we at NU-Mad would like to thank all of those 'Unwashed' doooon the road in Mackemland a big THANK YOU for putting your money into such a great cause.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL!