As he scuttles out the back door, we wanted to give ex-Newcastle owner Mike Ashley a send-off befitting a man of his footballing fortitude. And when we got to thinking about him, the first thing that sprang to mind was a massive mug!
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With Newcastle fans regularly expressing their disappointment over a lack of investment in the squad throughout the Ashley era, we’re proud to reveal that our special farewell mug – which is almost as big as a double-decker bus – is probably the most expensive item to be unveiled at St James’ Park in quite some time.
The giant mug – synonymous with a certain leading sports retailer – emblazoned with a farewell message to Mike Ashley was unveiled outside St James’ Park this morning.
Our four-metre-high farewell gift, featuring the words “Goodbye Mug”, is a fitting tribute to send the former Newcastle United owner on his way.
Aside from winding up Newcastle fans, Ashley is famous for heading up Sports Direct, whose abnormally large novelty mugs seem to be in everyone’s cupboards, despite no one remembering buying them.
So, to mark the end of an era at St James’ ahead of Steve Bruce’s 1000th match as manager, Paddy Power has designed their own homage to ‘the mug’, creating something even bigger than the real thing.
The design comes complete with a special edition Paddy Power tea bag – PP Tips, anyone?
After the initial unveiling at the stadium, the mug will do a tour of the city before being left to brew at Paddy Power’s shop on Newcastle’s Clayton Street.
Fans can trade in their old Sports Direct mugs for a free replica ‘Goodbye Mug’ to take home. Not a four-metre version, obviously.
Where: 21-23 Clayton St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5PN
When: 12:30pm-4pm
How: Bring along an old Sports Direct mug to trade-in
We know Geordies are still on cloud nine, so we want to do our bit for the city and help them celebrate in style. Come and grab your free ‘Goodbye Mug’ from the Newcastle store so we’re not left lugging hundreds of mugs around the city centre at the end of the day.
As part of the celebrations, from midday today (October 17th), Paddy Power will boost their odds from 25/1 to 50/1 for Newcastle to win the Premier League before the end of the 2023/24 season.
So, farewell to big Mike, and we hope he enjoys this heartfelt leaving gift from us. Goodbye, mug.
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