The iconic appeal of a top club’s shirt was evident when Sir Richard Branson donned one in Newcastle yesterday for the launch of the rebranding of Northern Rock as Virgin Money. For it quickly became apparent that Branson, who said that he now supports Newcastle United, has limited knowledge of football. He referred to the club’s ‘three love’ win against Manchester United and his ball control skills in a photo stunt appeared clumsy, leading bystanders to express the hope that he handled the business better than the ball.
The iconic appeal of a top club’s shirt was evident when Sir Richard Branson donned one in Newcastle yesterday for the launch of the rebranding of Northern Rock as Virgin Money. For it quickly became apparent that Branson, who said that he now supports Newcastle United, has limited knowledge of football. He referred to the club’s ‘three love’ win against Manchester United and his ball control skills in a photo stunt appeared clumsy, leading bystanders to express the hope that he handled the business better than the ball.
Even so, although he was accompanied by three Newcastle United players, he easily outshone them in terms of celebrity appeal which must be an unusual experience for them. Virgin Money has agreed a multi-million pound deal to sponsor the club’s shirts for the rest of this season and the next two, replacing the old deal with Northern Rock.