Journalist shares Newcastle stadium update as St James’ Park move mooted.
Newcastle United have been slowly but surely transforming under their new owners.
Indeed, the Magpies’ squad is almost unrecognisable from the one the Saudis inherited a few years ago, while there have also been a few changes in and around the stadium.
The Sports Direct signage has all been taken down, while the Alan Shearer statue has been moved closer to the stadium.
However, more big changes may be afoot at St James’ Park.
Indeed, the idea of a new stadium has been mooted at Newcastle, and according to Craig Hope, speaking on his YouTube channel, Newcastle could indeed be on the move.
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Eddie Howe, Manager of Newcastle United, looks on during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Newcastle United and AFC Wimbledon at St James’ …
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Craig Hope explains Newcastle potential stadium plans
Hope spoke about how Newcastle’s stadium could change.
According to the journalist, Newcastle want to stay on the same site, but they could move into a new ground based in Leazes Park.
According to Hope, important figures from the council have been at St James’ Park recently and talks are progressing well.
“This is another question, do I think the uncertainty around PSR and APT has delayed the club’s announcement over plans for a new stadium?” Hope was asked.
“No, I don’t think there has, I think there has just been a delay because they’re getting their ducks in a row for what I’m increasingly believing will be an attempt to move into Leazes Park. That isn’t easy, that isn’t straightforward. But there is a recognition on the inside now that a new stadium is needed, but they want to stay on the site,” Hope said.
“St James’ is wonderful, it’s fantastic, I don’t have to go over that, but is it fit for purpose in terms of being that top class level of stadium we see now around the world? If Newcastle can maintain that city centre location and that iconic spot on the top of the hill but by building just behind in Leazes Park.
“The Freeman of the City of the council will be key to this, the Freemen have been guests at St James’ Park and I’m led to believe there have been positive talks in that regard. I think that is the way the club will look to explore.”
What could Newcastle do with their stadium?
Newcastle United will have to change their stadium to roll with the times, but what options do they have?
As Hope says, they could build a new stadium adjacent to the current ground, while Kieran Maguire has also suggested it could be a big revamp to St James’ Park that is needed.
Newcastle have recently appointed Roger Thornton to the board of directors. Significantly, Thornton’s background is in property and city-centre infrastructure projects, so perhaps that is telling.
“You can either take the Spurs approach and build a new stadium on the existing site. But then where are they going to play for two or three seasons?” Maguire asked.
“We’ve seen Real Madrid take a different approach where they have changed the skeleton of the stadium.”
“The best-case scenario is for Newcastle to have a stadium which is in the centre of the city. They do have additional property which could allow them to expand the capacity.
“There isn’t a huge range of options for monetising concerts and so on at St James’ Park, so redevelopment is more attractive in that regard.
“My personal view is a brand new stadium, even if it is on the same site, would be the best option. We’ve seen with Spurs, the option to have more hospitality and up-market experiences can be transformative.
“Spurs have gone from being a £35m-a-year matchday club to being a £110m-a-year matchday club.
“I understand that hardcore fans don’t like the gentrification of the team and stadium. But if you want to be competing at the top tier, that is the price you pay.”
It remains to be seen what Newcastle do in terms of changing their home stadium, but some sort of expansion or development may be needed if the Magpies are to become the European powerhouses many expect them to be in the coming years.
